This is an interesting build…
We’ve seen quite a few non-traditional off-road builds in our time, including countless muscle cars. Everyone seems to have their own approach on how to take what normally would be a street-only ride and make it capable of leaving the road far behind. This 1958 Plymouth Savoy has some unique qualities.
Watch a Dodge Challenger go off-roading here.
You’ll notice the dually setup in the rear, a true eye-catcher and a configuration which can be a little controversial among off-road enthusiasts. Some swear by duallies, others think they’re excessive/unnecessary, and still others view them as a hinderance.
Believe it or not, the owner got the car with the duallies in the rear, something the old man who didn’t want to sell it 15 years previously had fabricated himself. It’s a real redneck job, with the guy welding the wheel pairs together. The fender flares come from 55-gallon drums that were cut in half. And the rear suspension not only has the factory leaf springs but also coil plus air shocks over the axle. That should do it.
What’s more, there are two transmissions for plenty of low-end torque. Yes, that’s weird but it apparently works. You’ll also note the homemade lower front bumper with a winch inside it. This thing was made to work hard in tough conditions.
One thing that would definitely make us more comfortable and confident in this build would be a roll cage. We’ve been to Moab many times and seen vehicles that are far more capable roll while taking on an obstacle. The Savoy’s roof would probably crush like a tin can, sadly, and that usually means serious if not fatal injuries. Just a word of advice for anyone wanting to take on a project like this. Oh, plus it helps with torsional rigidity, but everyone can argue about the value of that if they so choose.
Anyway, check out the video to see how this homemade rig does in Moab, especially compared to all the expensive, flashy Jeeps.
