WESTERN MOPAR MADNESS 2023—THE FIN CARS INVADE

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Western Mopar Madness is typically full of classic Mopar muscle, and this year was no exception.

There were rows and rows of vintage A, B and E-body Dodges and Plymouths—including an impressive array of rare muscle.

Jerry Sutherland

The unusual part? Fin cars invaded Western Mopar Madness 2023.

Exner era fin cars are a rare sight at any show—even a big Mopar show—but this year featured several great examples from that classic jet age period of the 1950s.

I spotted a project-in-progress 1960 Dodge Phoenix two-door hardtop that looked like it was full of promise as a story and a project. My gut instinct was right—this old Dodge will be a great future MyStar owner’s story.

There was a mint 1st Gen hemi-powered 1958 Chrysler New Yorker two-door hardtop a few cars away.

I couldn’t find the owner–but with any luck, I’ll connect with the owner because that big Chrysler is so rare it would take two lifetimes to see another one.

I found an extremely rare 1962 Chrysler 300 H convertible at Western Mopar Madness.

I did find the owner of this one—it’s a story about the one that got away—and then it eventually landed in the boat. You’ll see it some time in 2023 as a MyStar owner’s story—it’s an incredible car.

Jim found another one-that-got-away story in the form of a 1970 Duster. It took years to get this car back after

This was a basket-case project, but now it’s one of the finest examples of early 70s Mopar muscle on the planet. You’ll see it on MyStar in the next few months.

Jim also found a three-on-the-tree, slant-six 1969 Barracuda convertible at the show.

This was a father and son project, so it has a big family connection. They both had a big part in saving this car. It will also be a future feature story at MyStar.

Western Mopar Madness is a show that hits you on many levels. The Old Trapper ’67 GTX was there near the city where it dominated years ago.  

That car was a feature story years ago on MyStar—it still looks like it could thrash rivals with ease.

Wing cars are always a welcome sight at this show.

They had a few of these rare beauties in the lineup at Western Mopar Madness 2023.

I saw a 1966 Belvedere two-door sedan with the HP2 (426 Hemi) option.

I’m not sure if it was the real deal but it looked like the world’s coolest sleeper. Those boxy B-bodies were all business–and they struck fear on the streets back in the 60s.

The AMC guys had a small, but interesting section at the show.

They are some of the most loyal car guys in the hobby—and they drive cool stuff.

Western Mopar Madness is a well-run show and it’s at a great venue because you hear some nasty Mopars lighting it up at the track all afternoon.

There’s the smell of rubber and race fuel—it’s perfect. It’s so well organized they split the B-bodies into Plymouth and Dodge sections. This year’s show was another triumph.

The fin car invasion was an unexpected bonus.              

Jerry Sutherland

By: Jerry Sutherland

Jerry Sutherland is a veteran automotive writer with a primary focus on the collector car hobby. His work has been published in many outlets and publications, including the National Post, Calgary Herald, Edmonton Journal, Ottawa Citizen, Montreal Gazette, Saskatoon StarPhoenix, Regina Leader-Post,  Vancouver Sun and The Truth About Cars. He is also a regular contributor to Auto Roundup Publications.

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