Big Bad Brute

“All in the Family”

Story by John Aschenberg
Photos by – John & Julia Aschenberg and owner
Beautiful Brute on the race track

This Mighty Mopar has seen several engine transplants over the course of time, from several Max Wedge engines all the way up to a Hemi. The Brute did so well with the new Hemi in it, the 300 Sport ran in the eleven twenty’s consistently, which is very impressive for a big heavy car.

440 ci big block engine

After a number of good years of racing and having fun at the same time, the Armstrong’s left the racing scene to put Ole Brute back on the streets once again. They sold the Hemi and found a 426 street wedge with a 4 speed behind it. Fast forward to 1997, it was decided to keep Ole Brute in the family forever. Before dismantling for the complete restoration, Denielle’s father Jack, wanted to update some items such as new front disc brakes, stainless steel gas and brake lines, had an aluminum radiator built, the gas tank renewed along with several other items just to name a few.

The ’62 was sent to Final Finish Body Shop where it was painted by Don back in the original Bermuda Turquoise color. While the car was in the body shop, Jack passed away unexpectedly from heart surgery complications, leaving Denielle’s mother Anne, to pick up the pieces and go on.

Rare Aluminum Hemi Hood

While in the process of putting the car back together, it was agreed upon to build another motor for the Big Bad Brute.They pulled a 440 c.i. big block out of their own ’74 Imperial and had longtime friend John Brown build the motor. It was bored .030 over, fitted with Keith Black pistons, a set of 906 heads, a 284 degree cam, an Edelbrock dual quad intake and carburetors, March Pulleys, Mopar Electronics, and a 7” deep oil pan with a high volume pump. All the dirty gases are exited through a complete stainless Borla 3” exhaust system and mufflers with an X-pipe.

The engine is dressed out with Mopar Performance valve covers with the finned area of the valve covers being painted in turquoise, along with a chrome oval air cleaner.

One other item on this car that needs to be addressed is the rare aluminum Hemi hood scoop that looks all business, an item that was never offered on this particular car.

Denielle's with her car from the side

All the power from the big wedge motor is transferred through a ’65 Plymouth 4-speed tranny back to the rear end which now sports a set of 3.55 gears. Denielle’s ride is dressed out in Vintage Anson wheels mated to BF Goodrich Radial TA’s in all four corners.