The Most Valuable Mopar on the Planet: Dodge Diamante
7,992
Published 2024-07-17
youtube.com/channel/UCD_aQUjydtZp4l1ROeoHBpg/join
The year is 1969. The muscle car wars are in full swing, and the roar of American V8s echoes across the nation's highways. Dodge, a key player in this automotive brawl, is looking for ways to distinguish its brand-new Challenger from its platform-sharing sibling, the Plymouth Barracuda. Enter the 1970 Dodge Diamante, a one-off show car that might be the most valuable Mopar ever built,
The story begins with the 1970 Challenger itself. This new offering from Dodge aimed to carve a niche in the market dominated by the iconic Chevrolet Corvette. While the Challenger shared the E-body platform with the Barracuda, it lacked the established brand recognition of its Plymouth counterpart. Dodge needed a way to turn heads and generate excitement for the their new Challenger.
Their answer came in the form of a concept car β the "Yellow Jacket." This initial iteration started its life as a unique distinction β the very first convertible Challenger and the first E-body to be graced with the legendary 426 HEMI engine. Built on the Challenger assembly line, the all-black car was then shipped to Synthetex, Inc. in Dearborn, Michigan. There, it received a suite of modifications, including a custom Targa roof with a retractable rear window, a bespoke power spoiler, side-exit exhaust, and the now-iconic Shaker hood.
Painted in a vibrant shade of Pearl Yellow, the Yellow Jacket toured the car show circuit in the latter half of 1969. While generally well-received, it didn't generate the buzz Dodge had hoped for. However, rather than relegating it to the scrap heap, Dodge saw an opportunity. You see Plans for a two-seat E-body sports car for dodge were shelved, but the concept car got itself a new lease on life.
You see The Yellow Jacket was sent back to Synthetex for a second round of modifications. This time, the Targa roof remained, but the car underwent a more radical transformation. The wheel wells were widened to accommodate a more aggressive stance, the Shaker hood was swapped for a custom design, and the front fascia received a makeover, taking inspiration from the aerodynamic designs of the Charger Daytona and Superbird. This metamorphosis was complete with a new name β Diamante, the Spanish word for "diamond."
All Comments (21)
-
Wrong person was used to narrate this video.
-
The guy narrating this is the same guy you get when you call the Walmart complaint line.
-
Excellent report. The car's nose is way too busy.
-
I'd forgotten about this car .it was way to big saw one at a car show in Detroit if my memory serves
-
Fantastic video & interesting story of the Dodge Diamante, totally enjoyed it, truly informative as I NEVER heard about this concept till this video.
-
The back resembles a '72 Challenger
-
Thanks Chris, not bad looking one. But the size for a two seater, a bit over the top. ππͺβ
-
Can't understand!
-
Is that active aerodynamics built into the rear wing? Looks like it can move π
-
Great job sir, looks great even if not usual nose.... long live Yellow Jacket !
-
I like it π the aerodynamics is good
-
Very interesting video thanks β€β€β€β€β€β€β€β€
-
Good thing as its hideous. Great content!
-
amazing video ππππ
-
"Candy Orange?* you mean Hemi Orange, but I guess what can we expect of South Africans telling us about color?
-
Can u do a video on the new mr2 thanks
-
Speekah dee Englace Space Mans?
-
wow !
-
Diamonds are cheap and plentiful. If you knew the right people you could put diamonds in the paint. The idea that diamonds are valuable is made up to sell diamonds...still probably just a rumor
-
Very cool video but why can't a real person talk I lose interest in this computer voice
