by Tim Irby
 

Dusty Helbling from Ozark, Arkansas, was looking to buy a new car last year when he ran across a broker out of Dallas, Texas, who offered him something much more … an investment car.  What’s an investment car?  It’s a car that not only appreciates in value but can often bring the owner money from commercial endorsements, show appearances, etc.

Dusty bought into the idea and purchased a bright yellow 1970 Dodge Challenger RT.  His 5.7 Hemi powered Challenger was driven by Jack Nicholson in the 2007 movie The Bucket List.  The car has also made appearances in other movies and even some popular TV shows such as NCIS where it was driven by Mark Harmon.

One of the Challenger’s unique features is its braking system, which can be manipulated by two electric switches on the dash. One controls the front brakes and the other locks the brakes on one side so it will spin. (Now you know the secret to those famous car spins in the movies.)

Dusty debuted the famous car at Little Rock’s indoor car show in January 2010, but he didn’t rope it off like a lot of valuable show cars.  To the surprise of many, he actually encouraged enthusiasts to sit in the car and have their picture made.  A rather novel approach for someone who owns an investment car, but Dusty wants people to experience the car, not just see it from a distance.  Several builders have already made suggestions on improving it, but Dusty plans to keep it authentic, just like it was built for The Bucket List.

Dusty obviously loves the look of the Challenger; he owns a 2009 red Challenger RT as well.  

Dusty is a member of CAMS Car Club of Sherwood, Arkansas.  We hope to see much more of Dusty and his Challengers in the coming months.