The car sat in the garage — up on blocks and under blankets — for several years until Godfrey’s son Gregory Qualls decided to get it running again. The engine was never rebuilt and never needed a new clutch. However, he rebuilt the brake booster and carburetors and installed a new radiator, clutch fan, and master cylinder. He (obviously) replaced all the fluids, belts, and hoses and put on a new set of tires.
In 2017, he took the Black Ghost to the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals. The following summer, he took it to the Chrysler Nationals at Carlisle and won the Historic Vehicle Association’s National Automotive Heritage Award. In 2020, it was added to the National Historic Vehicle Register.
This historic Mopar was honored as one of the seven Dodge Last Call limited editions (the Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Black Ghost) – and the only one inspired by a specific and privately owned Dodge.
In May 2023, it was taken to Mecum’s Indy auction held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. It had never been rebuilt. All the equipment was original to its construction with correct-to-OE replacement exhaust and radiator. The brake system blueprinting was thought to be the only real change from the driveline’s initial installation.
While a white 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 440 Magnum made it to the movies, as Mecum said, “There is only one Black Ghost.” It’s an urban legend that turned out to be fact and sold for a staggering $1,072,500 (after fees).
