Incredible Dodge Hemi Challenger Convertible based Concept Car owned by Steven Juliano
WORLD’S MOST VALUABLE HEMI MUSCLE CAR TO BE FEATURED AT FNBNY MUSCLE CAR & CORVETTE NATIONALS SHOW
In the world of high-end Muscle Cars, the words “rare” and “one-off” are thrown around like a football on a Sunday afternoon. Perhaps it is the only car built with side moldings, dual mirrors and the biggest engine, or maybe even an unusual color combination. These cars are certainly fun to see, but how many can truly boast that they are the only one? In the case of The Diamante, this claim is backed by facts and what is known in the hobby as provenance. Starting life as a triple black Hemi Challenger R/T convertible, that in itself is enough to command both respect and attention.
But that is where the story takes an interesting twist. Immediately after production, this car was assigned to become The Yellow Jacket. This low slung screaming yellow roadster would be the factory concept car used to draw attention to the big Dodge displays nationwide. With its inaugural Detroit Auto Show launch in 1970, its cool reception was not what Chrysler had hoped for. In an unprecedented move, the car was quickly pulled from the show circuit for an “extreme makeover,” and would emerge as The Diamante. Much more radical and wearing gleaming pearl white paint, this one was indeed a hit. Featuring a more exotic look with a sloping nose and a considerably sleeker design, it would go on to be one of the longest running concept cars ever to be shown, on the circuit from 1971-1974. In addition to this, it would be the very last performance era Dodge sold by Chrysler, as they did not part with it until 1978.
After passing through several collectors, including Chicago dream car collector Joe Bortz, it was sold to Steven Juliano, a well know enthusiast/collector. Juliano is best known for his huge collection of Chrysler memorabilia, along with the Rapid Transit System show cars. After extensive research, Juliano has returned the 600 original mile car to its as shown in 1971 glory, complete with the gleaming pearl white paint. The car wears nearly all of its original parts, including the entire drive-train, belts and even the Goodyear Polyglas tires.
Today the car leads a pampered life in Mr. Juliano’s private collection. Rarely shown, it has been years since the car has been in the public eye. The FNBNY Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals is honored to be able to host this significant showing of Muscle Car history for your viewing pleasure, November 19-20, 2011 at the FNBNY Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals. Mr. Juliano will also be on hand, ready to share the unique and incredibly interesting history of this car.
Additional show features include a big all automotive swap meet, a variety of specialty automotive vendors, the “Automotive Authors Row”, a car corral area offering collector cars for sale and a charity auction that benefits the Rescue 1, Fire Safety For Kids program.
The FNBNY Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals will take place November 19-20, 2011 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, (greater Chicago), Illinois. For complete show information, see
www.mcacn.com or call Bob Ashton at (586) 549-5291.
