Mr Norm’s Dodge Charger Funny Car

Polar Lights were latecomers to the plastic car kit scene. Once owned by Playing Mantis the kits are sold under the Round 2 Models banner. They initially reintroduced the old Aurora kits, including the Universal Studios Monsters range, but then diversified into cars and produced a number of funny cars.

First released back in 1999, Mr Norm’s Dodge Charger was well received. The kit was soon remarketed as the Hawaiian and as Gene Snow’s Rambunctious in 2000. The following year it returned as Mr Norm’s Ghost Charger, though this time with a clear body enabling you to view the frame, engine and cockpit underneath. Created in 1:25 scale and designated a skill level 2 kit, it had nearly 140 parts and with its high quality SLIXX decals made into a decent model with some patience. This attractive kit is being reissued by Round 2 Models in February 2022, so stocks should be obtainable from dealers in the UK later this year. Otherwise, Googling will find you a supplier.

The original was sponsored by Grand Spaulding Dodge. This Chicago-based dealership was the go-to place for new performance cars. Led by Norman

‘Mr Norm’ Kraus, Dodge muscle cars, especially Darts and Demons, were dyno-tuned, modified and even had engine swaps to improve their power. Campaigning their own successful

NHRA funny car was an ideal way to advertise their wares and abilities. The model represents their GRP bodied ’69 Dodge Charger with supercharged Hemi race engine and steel tube chassis, which replaced two burnt-out previous race cars. They not only achieved many wins but remarkably, the car survived in pristine condition and still exists in a private collection.