Jeff Dunham and The Wraith's Turbo Interceptor
Few cars in automotive and celluloid history have made a statement like the car from the 1986 film "The Wraith." Known more familiarly as the Dodge M4S Turbo Interceptor, this futuristic machine didn't just steal scenes but also hearts with its sleek design and raw power. Today, this legendary car finds itself in the care of a passionate collector and car enthusiast—comedian Jeff Dunham.
The Turbo Interceptor: A Brief History
The idea for the Dodge M4S Turbo Interceptor was actually spawned to serve as a pace car for the IndyCar series, the product of a collaboration between Chrysler and PPG Industries. The car was provided with a mid-engine configuration and a twin-turbocharged 2.2-liter inline-4 producing 400 horsepower. The long, sweeping lines of the car, along with its curvaceous and sleek design, made the vehicle perfect for "The Wraith," in which it got the starring role as the ghostly avenger's vehicle.
Jeff Dunham's Passion Project
Jeff Dunham is a talented comedian, but he's also an avid car enthusiast. He has a large collection of automobiles, but the purchase of the Turbo Interceptor was special. Dunham bought the car, realizing what it was and its potential value. He took on restorations as diligently as possible to bring the car back to life. His attention to detail was extremely keen during this time.
Restoration Begins
The restoration of a Turbo Interceptor, like finding original parts or replacing its visceral distinctive features, was not an easy task. On his part, Dunham ensured that the car was more than merely a lookalike of what appeared on celluloid. In fact, it's as much a performer as it appeared in the flick. Now, this is a street-legal and fully functional vehicle that really captures the spirit of the cinema just about as much as it does automotive excellence.
Cultural Intersection Symbol
For Dunham, the Turbo Interceptor embodies something beyond a car—it speaks of pop culture and automotive history. By keeping this iconic vehicle running, he is serving a legacy—a thread between cinema and car lovers. Just like when it made its movie debut, the Turbo Interceptor remains inspiring and captivating.
Jeff Dunham's custody over the Dodge M4S Turbo Interceptor from "The Wraith" speaks volumes to one of his best passions: keeping in custody pieces of iconic history. Of course, this car is not just any other car; this one has had a life on screen, so it comes with its own pop culture significance, marrying those cinematic values to engineering feats. The Turbo Interceptor became synonymous with both Dunham's passion and respect for automotive and cultural heritage. So, the story of the Turbo Interceptor shows fans of 80s film epics and sports car enthusiasts where it really all began.
