The Repco Beach Hop 25 is set to take over Whangamata from March 26th to the 30th, bringing with it a celebration of classic cars, rock and roll and vintage culture. There is stuff for everyone there, but if you are a car guy or gal and haven’t been to one, you need to fix that! One of the standout events of the festival is the highly anticipated live auction, organised by Sunday Drive, which will see 50 classic and collectible vehicles go under the hammer on Port Road. The auction, happening at 1:15PM on March 29th, will be a must-attend for enthusiasts looking to take home a piece of automotive history.
The event is known for drawing an incredible range of classic and custom cars, and this year’s selection promises to be no exception. Among the countless eye-catching machines, one that stood out was this stunning white Dodge Challenger so good I had to go check it out myself before the auction. The car is a faithful tribute to the legendary Vanishing Point movie car, which launched in 1971 and cemented the Challenger’s place in pop culture, with its high-speed chases, existential themes, and an anti-hero at the wheel. The movie car was a factory-spec 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T with a 440 Magnum V8, but the replica takes things to an entirely new level, just keep reading.
While this tribute maintains the unmistakable shape and colour of the cinematic icon, it swaps the old-school muscle for a modern powerhouse, with emphasis on the power: a Hellcat Redeye crate engine. This supercharged 6.2 litre V8 delivers an astonishing 797 horsepower (594kW in non-Yankee units), far beyond what the original could muster. The combination of classic styling and modern performance makes it a perfect embodiment of Beach Hop’s spirit — honouring the past while embracing the future.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to drive it, but moving it around the lot I could get a small taste of what this machine has to offer. The impeccable paint work highlights the big body panels and lets the chrome bits shine (literally), bringing us back to this all-steel era. The presence of this Challenger is undeniable: the long, sculpted hood stretches ahead, while the muscular haunches give it an aggressive stance that demands attention. The recessed grille and quad headlights give a look that is just as menacing at a standstill as it is at full tilt.
Under the massive bonnet, the attention to detail is impressive. If not separated by more than 4 decades, one could say that engine was born inside that bay. Everything is where it should, there are no shortcuts and it just works. The starter sound, the lovely burbly idle and the crazy whine of the supercharger show this machine means business, and is a proper representation of what you picture when you think American Muscle.
Stopping power is sorted by the Wilwood brakes hiding behind the period-correct wheels and tyres, which not only help solidify the Vanishing Point look but also contribute to the car’s sleeper aesthetic, which I appreciate. At first glance, it appears as though it could have rolled straight off the set of the film, unchanged. But underneath, the modern components ensure that this beast can actually handle the sheer power it now possesses. The wheels, wrapped in classic-looking rubber, give it an authentic stance, and the overall specification remains delightfully understated, a true homage to the era, proving that sometimes, less is more.
Inside, If the novel gear selector or the modern gauges don’t give the hint, you’d be pressed to believe this is “just a restoration”. It exudes an old-school charm while hinting at the unrelenting power lurking under the hood. The original seats and upholstery give the interior the vintage vibe you’d be expecting, all the way to the four crank windows. The pillarless visual when all windows are down is a staple of the era and a super cool touch. When all windows are up, the Vintage Air set up ensures you won’t boil, and to close it off and keep it American, MTX speakers power the sound system.
If cruising in style with the kind of power that could humble a fleet of modern hot hatches while paying tribute to a genre-defining movie is your idea of automotive nirvana, then this might just be your moment. This Challenger is a rolling time capsule with a modern heart, embodying everything Beach Hop is about.
And for those looking to take home their own slice of classic car culture, the Beach Hop auction provides a unique opportunity. Whether it’s this Challenger or one of the many other incredible lots set to hit the block, there will be no shortage of dream machines up for grabs. With vehicle viewings open from Wednesday to Saturday, prospective buyers can inspect the lineup before the bidding kicks off. The auction is set to be one of the festival’s highlights, drawing collectors, enthusiasts, and dreamers alike, all hoping to land a piece of automotive history.
The Repco Beach Hop, established in 2000, has grown into New Zealand’s premier rock and roll festival, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Its mix of nostalgia, horsepower, and good times continues to make it a must-visit event for anyone with a love of vintage culture. Whether you’re there to bid, admire, or simply soak up the atmosphere, Beach Hop 25 is set to be an unforgettable experience.
