Driving Line VOLUME V ISSUE 2 | SPRING 2019 | Page 60

A CHALLENGER APPEARS:
JOSE’S BAGGED
DODGE CHALLENGER T/A
Story and Photos by Andy Carter
Twenty years ago, the idea that an automotive enthusiast could jump between domestic
muscle and imports was unlikely at best. One could hardly fathom swapping between a Mustang
to a Camaro, much less giving up a powerful, high-displacement V8 for a high-strung four-
cylinder. However, the stance movement did a lot to change priorities among some enthusiasts.
With the focus on looks rather than outright performance, decisions shifted to being about
what cars could pull off that low, wide look. The Chrysler LX platform cars—including the
Dodge Charger and Magnum, and the more luxurious 300C cousin—happened to nail that
look perfectly. Just as the bigger-body cars from Mercedes and Lexus started gaining steam
stateside, the internet forums were full of domestic iron slammed on wide wheels. The once
hard line between American and everywhere else began to disappear for these enthusiasts,
as more and more American cars found their way closer to the pavement.
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