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Dobbins civilian flexes 'Muscle Car'

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. James Branch
  • Public Affairs
DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. --  What could you get when you take a uniquely preserved 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T with its original paint and add a Mopar 440 Six Pack engine and 390 horses? You could get a cover and featured spread in the Aug.2009 issue of Muscle Car Review magazine.

That's what happened for Dallas Godfrey, transportation accountable officer for the 94th Logistics Readiness Squadron and a retired chief master sergeant.

A self-described "gearhead" with a penchant for performance or "pony" cars, Mr. Godfrey participated in the photo shoot at Paradise Drag Strip in Calhoun, Ga., where he used to race and attend car shows in the 70s.

"My wife Ernestine bought this car for me as a Father's Day gift in 1975," he said. "I originally owned a Hemi Orange '70 Challenger when we were dating. We sold it when we had our first child. Knowing that I regretted selling the car, she bought this one for $3,000."

The Godfreys truly know their cars. In addition to the 70 R/T, they own two Corvettes, a 2008 challenger SRT8 and 1966 Chrysler 300.

"Lucky for me, Ernestine loves cars also," said Mr. Godfey. "She grew up around cars with her father. When I sold my 1970 AAR Cuda in 2002, I built her a 1966 Corvette Roaster. She enjoys getting out and cruising with the top down. She and I coordinate Cruise Nights and Car Shows, so it's a family affair."

The Godfrey cars have had their share of limelight and have been published on numerous occasions.

"The 70 R/T was published in Mopar Muscle magazine in 1988, and has been featured in several commercials, the largest being one for Advance Auto Parts," said Mr. Godfrey. "It was also used by Year One, a restoring company, for their sales catalog. My '70 AAR Cuda was published in Muscle Car Review 15 years ago."

Unlike previous shoots, his Challenger shared the cover with two others, a 1969 Camaro SS, owned by Jerry and Terri Fowler of Acworth, Ga., and a 1970 Mustang Mach 1, owned by Victor and Tami Hurt of Canton, Ga.

"What's so ironic about this shoot is that I sold my original Hemi '70 Challenger to Jerry Fowler in 1973," Mr. Godfrey said. "Although both of us live in Acworth, it's been a while since I've seen him."

Muscle Car Review named Mr. Godfrey's article, Best Story. It outlined the history and sentimentality of his '70 R/T and how it's a keeper to the family.

Mr. Godfrey's hobby for classic cars spanned over his 34 year military career and has continued after he began working as a civilian. He has been at Dobbins ARB since 1980.

"It's not just the car that makes this rewarding," he said. "It's the people you meet and the places you see along the way. With every great vehicle comes a great story."