Beyond the court and onto the streets.
The world was shaken on January 26, 2020, when Kobe Bryant, an iconic sports legend, passed away. While tributes to the late basketball star have taken many forms, one of the most unique comes in the form of a 2020 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack, owned by De'Andre Davis, a lifelong Lakers fan. Davis transformed his vehicle into a revving, rolling homage to Kobe Bryant, also known as the Black Mamba.
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Davis's Charger underwent a three-stage transformation that was finalized in 2022. Initially a subtle nod to Kobe, the car now sports a jaw-dropping light blue and purple color scheme with a lightning pattern, Kobe's Mamba logo on the front doors, and his jersey numbers on the rear. Even Kobe's autograph finds a place on the rear quarter panels of the car.
But this tribute is not just skin-deep. The Charger received performance upgrades, including the removal of mid-mufflers, a custom powder-coated Bwoody cold air intake, and engine tuning that took the horsepower well above the standard 485. These modifications make the car's performance as intense and unparalleled as Kobe's energy and skill on the basketball court.
Adding to the intricate detail, the Charger's trunk lid features one of Kobe's memorable quotes: "Once you know what failure feels like, determination chases success," accompanied by pictures of his Lakers jerseys. This serves as a daily inspiration, echoing Kobe's philosophy not only in sports but also in life.
Davis's attention to detail didn't stop with the exterior. The under-the-hood components, including the strut tower caps, fuse box cover, and coolant tank cover, all bear Lakers' colors of purple and yellow. The Mamba logo and badges also find their place here, making it a comprehensive tribute to the late star.
The car's interior is equally remarkable, featuring a carbon fiber steering wheel in purple and blue, a Lakers-colored instrument cluster and infotainment screen, and a continuation of the blue and purple marble/lightning design on the center console and armrests. Kobe's jersey numbers appear on the headrests on the front seats, and the floor mats carry a similar pattern.
Davis has been actively touring the country with his Charger, earning him numerous accolades and 17 trophies in 2023 alone. This masterpiece, a labor of love between Davis and his artist, The Mysterious Osyrus, is far from its final form. Davis has more plans for this vehicle, making it not just a modified car but a storytelling canvas. Through this rolling tribute, De'Andre Davis has not only honored a legend but also shown how sports and automotive cultures can intersect in profoundly personal ways. Like Kobe's own legacy, the story of this Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack is far from over.
