Whenever I see hot pink or turquoise on a car, I naturally think of the 1950s. These cute colors are now a part of pop culture thanks to retro diners and plenty of candy-colored Bel Airs. However, a Dodge Charger Hellcat is the last car you’d imagine in this color, and that’s actually the wrong way to look at it.
Detroit was king of cars in the 1950s, and pink was an official color for Dodge too, offered on the Royal Lancer. The rear-wheel-drive V8 sedan represented almost the whole American automotive scene for a time. Sure, coupes and convertibles were around, but back then a 2-door family car was still a sedan. Before pickup and SUV sales were making all the profits, Dodge was also focused on V8 sedans.
The iconic muscle cars of the 1960s built on the success of family sedans. And while the Caprice and Impala are long gone, the Dodge Charger remains and is thriving. Likewise, the Challenger is the only boxy muscle car on offer. So if you want a fun American sedan, Dodge pretty much your only choice.
Most people only do minor alterations. Reddit boards are filled with owners proudly displaying their new Chargers. And there’s quite the variety on offer. I’m quite partial to an affordable Charger Scat Pack Widebody because the R/T spec is easier on the wallet than a Hellcat or Redeye.
But while Dodge’s factory-fitted flared fenders are cool, there’s no denying what you can do with aftermarket parts is interesting. My favorite kit is made by a company called Shirokai, which delivers just what you’d expect: an over-the-top JDM-style makeover.
And even though this Charger looks like a vintage fridge or retro diner, it could actually be JDM-themed. Feel free to ask owner Shon Gaiters (@freshshon81) about that. Anyway, both hot pink and Tiffany blue are common colors in the JDM scene. You often see this color of wheels on older Evos, 350Zs, and such.
Shirokai Charger explained
The customization doesn’t stop there, as air suspension is used to give the car a nice stance. And the Brembo brakes have been painted pearl white. That exhaust doesn’t look stock, and this is a real Hellcat, so it’s not missing any power either.
This widebody package is made to fit all Chargers from 2015 to today. It adds 80mm on each side at the front and 110mm for the year. It sells for $6,500 and includes the front fenders, rear quarters, rear door overlay, rocker panels and a trunk spoiler.
Not included in this price is about $1,000 for shipping and the cost of the installation. And yes, you do have to cut into the car if you want those wheels to fit. Between these things, the clean air suspension install and those wheels, this is easily going to be a $100,000 Charger.
“Dodge Charger Shirokai Widebody Kit, for those who brave enough and feel the difference with style and function. More wheel space, more grip, more traction, and visual attraction! With this conversion, you will have best show spots, best girls and neighbor crying on their stock body Hellcats,” the company advertises. Yeah, it’s not cheap, but neighbor tears aren’t free.
