We are honored to announce that we will be featuring what many consider to be the world's most valuable Hemi Mopar at this years show. The Diamante started life as a triple black JS27R, which you Mopar folks know means a Hemi Challenger R/T convertible. What would happen after it left the assembly line is nothing short of amazing. First, it became The Yellow Jacket. This low-slung screaming yellow Roadster, first shown at the Detroit Auto Show in 1970, would be shown as a factory concept car for just one season. With response being not quite what Mother Mopar had hoped for, it went back for a complete, and somewhat more radical, makeover. What would come out for the '71 show season was what would become one of the longest lasting, most recognized Concept Cars ever to come out of Detroit, dubbed The Diamante. In addition to the Hemi, it also featured a 4-speed and a Dana Super Track Pack with 4:10 gears and the very first Shaker hood! Guess they wanted to be sure they were never late for an appearance. Anyway, the car would be shown nationwide for, get this...three more years.
This is unprecedented in the Concept Car world and to this day, it remains as the longest period for a factory show car to be nationally displayed. But wait...there's more; this car is also the very last factory Hemi Muscle Car sold by Chrysler, as they kept it until 1978! Anyway, after being sold off and spending some time in Joe Bortz "Blue Suede Shoes" collection, Mopar aficionado and collector Steven Juliano became the new caretaker several years ago. After extensive research, he returned it to its "as it was in 1971" glory.
This car is a true piece of automotive history and it has not been seen in many years. It is possible that this may be the only public viewing of this car, and we are pleased to say Steven Juliano will be joining us to share the amazing story. You will find this car right up front in one of our "hot spots". There is a whole lot more to this story and Stevens' research has uncovered all kinds of interesting facts. But then, if you know Steven...you already knew that! Don't miss this opportunity to again see real Muscle Car History in the making at the FNBNY Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, November 19-20. If this doesn't get your heart beating a little faster, you're reading the wrong e-mail!
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