Built in 1977, Challenger IV was the brainchild of none other than Speed King, Mickey Thompson. Always the innovator, while everyone else in the off-road racing world built VW powered race cars with 10″ of wheel travel, Challenger IV was built with a monster V8 and suspension travel that nearly doubled its competition.

MT was never satisfied with the norm; that’s why he always used the best parts available on his racer. On the rear of Challenger IV, you’ll find 41” shocks, unheard of in those days, or even until the mid 1980’s. The innovation from this vehicle can be seen in the form of shock, tire, and suspension technology in today’s off-road racing vehicles.

Challenger IV was raced from 1978 to mid-1980, and then replaced with the more advanced Challenger V. After Mickey and Trudy’s untimely death in 1988, Challenger IV made its way up to Eugene, Oregon, and has remained there for the past 17 years, sitting in a loft, waiting patiently for restoration.

SPECS:
Owner: Rory Ward
Chassis: Challenger IV
Built by: Smokey Allerman, John House, Bruce Parrish, and Danny Thompson.
Engine: 383 Chevy, C&R radiator, REF Unlimited headers, Howe PS, Kroyer pulleys, Holley fuel system.
Transmission: Gearworks 2-speed power glide
Shocks:
Front- 2.5 King smooth body
Rear- 3.0 King Coil Over
Wheels:
Front- Centerline 15×7.5
Rear- Centerline 15×9
Tires:
Front- MT Baja Belted 33×14.50×15
Rear- MT Baja Kings 36×13.50×15
Seats & Safety: Custom Mastercraft “Suspended” suspension seat/belts, Titanium trans scatter shield.
Rear Axle: Magnesium Dana 60 prepped by Sandy Cone, Halibrand knock-off hubs.
Brakes: Wilwood calipers and rotors
Steering: Saginaw prepped by Howe Performance
Lighting:
Original- Cibie Oscars
Body:
Powdercoat- Allcoat
Aluminum Body- Nye Frank
Wing- Zoom Factor (Larry Stork & Scott Neth).
Wiring: TRH Wiring
Plumbing: Earls Performance
Ignition: ACCEL
Fuel cell: Pyrotect (44 gallons)
Torsion bars: Sway-a-way
Filters: K&N Filters