Famous Dodge Challenger the Black Ghost
Photo courtesy Greg Qualls and Glenn Kujansuu
It’s time to celebrate classic cars, good food and even better people.
“Friends with Classic Cars” and the “Burgess Street Food Festival” is coming this week from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 15 and Friday, October 16. This family friendly event happens at the Etheldra Mae Williams Park, 14300 Burgess Street corner of Acacia, in the Brightmoor Community.
Local small businesses, artists and authors will sell merchandise and promote services to attendees. Twelve food vendors will be on hand including the iconic “Dot and Etta’s Shrimp Hut” and Chef Greg’s Soul –N- The Wall Restaurant. Chef Greg will bring the classic Boogaloo Wonderland Sandwich, made popular in the late 70’s and named for the song written by Mumford High School Alum, Allie Willis. Several contemporary restaurants will also be on hand and include items from barbecue ribs to seafood and vegan options.
Classic Cars built between the 1920’s and 1993 will be on display. Guests will have an opportunity to chat with the owners of these vehicles and network with people who have similar interest. Anyone with a restored vehicle that predates the 1994 model year is welcome to display.
Displayed will be a 1926 Model TT once owned by the Faygo Beverage Company, a 1990 FMC Firetruck retired from the City of Grosse Pointe, an all original 1958 Lincoln Premiere and the famed “Black Ghost.”
The Black Ghost, a 1970 Dodge Challenger, is considered a legendary muscle car in the Mopar World. It was owned by former Detroit Police Officer Godfrey Qualls and dubbed the “Black Ghost” because street racers knew nothing of its owner until decades later. It would mysteriously appear in a race on the streets of Detroit, win with conviction, and disappear into the night, not to be seen until the next impromptu race.
Dodge is paying Homage to a limited number of vehicles and this car; the Black Ghost is number six in the series of “Last Call Vehicles”. They will produce a limited number, (three hundred), of these 2023 SRT Dodge Challengers, and retire the series with the seventh car to be announced later in the year.
The original car was passed down to Godfrey Qualls’s son Gregory and is now a part of the Historic Vehicle Association.
For additional information on the Festival, the car show or the Etheldra Mae Williams Park call Michael Williams at (313)694-6873 or visit www.WilliamsPark.org/cars.
Registration is not necessary but suggested by calling (313)272-4379.
