Petty to build customized vehicles for sale, relying on Goodyear for the rubber
Long a fixture in the top echelons of professional racing, Petty’s Garage in Level Cross, N.C. is shifting toward manufacturing performance vehicles for the public, including “museum quality” restorations of vintage race cars, customized classics and powered-up street rides.
And all of these Richard Petty creations are slated to roll out the doors equipped with Goodyear tires.
“Based on Richard’s long standing relationship with Goodyear, they went with them as the tire manufacturer,” says garage spokeswoman Deborah L. Robinson. “Discussing another tire manufacturer with RP is a pretty short discussion,” she observes.
The first completed project is a tricked out 2009 Dodge Challenger to be sold at the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction in January by the Petty Family Foundation. Proceeds of the sale will benefit the organization and the charities it supports.
“This Challenger is special to me because I wanted to build something that I would drive on a daily basis,” says Petty. “I wanted the car to have a race car look, but be functional on the street, and I think the guys really captured that,” he reports.
“But most importantly, it provides our foundation with the platform to help our Veterans, children with life-threatening illness, and our neighbors in need,” Petty explains.
“Everyone at Petty’s Garage is excited about getting this Challenger to Barrett-Jackson in January,” he says. “I think it will do well when we get there. It definitely shows our capabilities, and the auction will put us in front of the right people to show what we can do.”
“Richard Petty made a huge impact at our Scottsdale event earlier this year when he helped sell another MOPAR for charity,” says Barrett-Jackson President Steve Davis. “We’re pleased that he chose one of our world class automotive lifestyle events to showcase the shop’s talents and raise money for such a fantastic charity. It will be truly a historic event where someone will get to own a well-documented car built by the one and only Richard Petty.”
The Challenger rides on CCW (Complete Custom Wheel) model SP551s augmented by satin black centers with polished lips and barrels.
Affixed to the CCWs are Goodyear RSA tires – size 245/45 R20 in front and 295/40 R20 in back.
The car was completely disassembled and placed on a rotisserie so it could be painted the famed racer’s “trademark Petty Blue.” The suspension parts also underwent a Petty Blue refinishing process.
Reassembly included a late model 426 Hemi by Arrington Engines with 585 horsepower, Pedders suspension upgrades, Brembo Gran Turismo brakes, a new Corsa Exhaust system and a Petty’s Garage custom center exhaust exit.
Body modifications consisted of a Petty’s Garage custom front fascia and rear bumper cover, Petty’s Garage custom rocker panels, rear spoiler and Petty’s Garage-branded interior seats and door panels.
While behind the wheel of previous vehicles constructed at the Branson Mill Road facility, Petty garnered 10 championships, nine Daytona 500 wins and 268 victories in what is now the Sprint Cup Series.
“For 61 years, Petty Enterprises built, engineered and raced some of the most historic cars in all of NASCAR right from this shop,” says Petty. “You’re talking about Plymouth Belvederes, Superbirds, Road Runners, Torinos and Dodge Chargers,” he recounts.
“When racecars went from being a purely production car to a car built from the ground up or modified solely for racing, many of them came out of Level Cross,” Petty points out, adding that he is excited about pursuing the manufacturing aspect of the business. “We are proud of what we were able to accomplish here, and it was important for us to keep this place going.”
For more information, visit www.pettys-garage.com.
