The dictionary defines the meaning of the word “brotherhood” as the affection and loyalty that you feel for people with whom you have something in common; it can also mean an organization whose members all have the same aims and beliefs. It is nowhere more apparent than in the Mopar enthusiast community. They are committed to restoring, preserving, and sustaining these incredible machines of style and power. This brotherhood has formed car clubs, car shows, and anything else to continue to promote and protect the legacy of all things Mopar.

This brotherhood would not be possible without like-minded companions who take the lead in promoting their brand’s fondness through clubs, restoration projects, manufacturing parts, and organizing car shows. The hobby would not exist without its dedicated owners.

As a reader of “Mopar Connection Magazine,” you’ve probably come across articles about members of this brotherhood who have stepped up to help the cause; which brings us to Gary Hoffman. Many people in the lower United States may not know who Gary is, but anyone in Canada and the surrounding states will. Gary was passionate about classic cars and was referred to as the “Dodge Father” by some. He was a kind-hearted enthusiast always willing to assist fellow car enthusiasts.

About 13 years after purchasing his new 1966 Dodge Charger, Gary placed an ad in the local paper looking for other 1966-67 Charger owners and possibly forming a Charger club. Gary received a resoundingly positive response from Mopar owners of all makes and models. As a result, in 1979, the Old Chrysler Corporation Auto Club (O.C.C) was established with 35 members. From humble beginnings, the O.C.C. had its first car show in 1979 and called it Moparfest, which has grown to become Canada’s largest all-Mopar car show.

Moparfest celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2019. In honor of the show’s 40th anniversary, Gary’s 1966 Charger and 1969 Dodge Super Bee were featured on the participant plaques and event T-shirts for that year. This was a wonderful acknowledgement of Gary’s efforts. After a two-year hiatus, the show returned in 2022, breaking numerous records.

Gary also belonged to the Optimist Club. As a result, the Optimist and O.C.C. collaborated with the show, providing food and volunteers while also raising funds for programs. Since 2019, $150,000.00 has been sent to many different participating clubs, which are all used for the betterment of the community and youth work. The total amount donated is now over $3.15 million.

Unfortunately, Gary did not attend Moparfest 2022 as he passed away on May 2nd, 2022, after battling Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a degenerative neurological disorder. He is undoubtedly missed by family, friends, and other car enthusiasts. Gary was married for almost 57 years to a loving and supportive wife, Lois and there is no doubt that there is an empty hole in the hearts of many.

Soon after Moparfest that year, I met with the family and photographed Gary’s cars on the original grounds of the KW Optimist Club in Heidelberg, Ontario; the birthplace of Moparfest. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the family for allowing me to tell Gary’s story.

The car that started it all was Gary’s 1966 Dodge Charger purchased new from Wendell Motors (a Dodge dealership) in Kitchener, Ontario. Gary paid $4050.00 for his new car on July 6th, 1966. The Charger was equipped with a 383-4bbl engine and a 727 Torqueflite automatic transmission. The Charger also had full wheel covers, left side mirror, power steering, tinted glass, an AM radio, and dual exhaust. The Charger was finished in Spice Gold.

Gary’s Charger was passed down to Lois who was the most frequent user of the car over the years. The car was driven less for daily purposes and more for car shows. In 1981, while in storage, a barn beam fell on the right passenger side of the car, damaging the roof. Minor bodywork was done to restore the car to its original condition and then in 2001, it underwent a major restoration because it was starting to show its age.

Gary did some of the work himself, with the assistance of family and friends. The Charger was delivered to “Rudow’s Auto Body” for a fresh coat of Spice Gold. Due to the salty winters in Ontario, the front fenders had already been replaced in 1972. Following the restoration, the car was always stored for the winter.

During the restoration, new carpet and seat upholstery was installed. Everything else is either original or was cleaned and reused. The engine was rebuilt and bored out .030 over with new pistons. Besides that, the rest of the engine is original. The entire suspension was disassembled, and new U-bolts, bushings, shocks, and shackles were installed. The front suspension received the same attention, with new Moog parts installed. New hoses, clamps, and lines were installed on the brakes.

The Charger rides on P225/75R15 BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires mounted on the factory original painted steel wheels with original full wheel covers. After Gary’s passing, the Charger was given to their daughter Kelly. From now on, she will be the keeper of her father’s treasure. It was always Gary and Lois’ wish that their children would inherit the family vehicles.

Gary’s next vehicle was a 1969 Dodge Coronet Super Bee which he purchased used. The Super Bee came from the factory equipped with a 383-4bbl and A833 four-speed manual transmission. Painted F8 Green, Gary changed the hood out to a fiberglass A12 Six Pack hood but kept the original one in storage. From the factory it was a stripe delete car.

The 383 has been modified with 1967 closed chamber cylinder heads, an aluminum water pump, a 7-quart Moroso oil pan, and a Holley 850 cfm four-barrel carburetor. The intake manifold is a Mopar Performance Air Gap M-1. Gary had replaced the distributor with a new Direct Connection electronic distributor that included an MSD6400 spark control box, Soft Touch rev control and an MSD Blaster 2 high-energy chrome ignition coil. He also had 3-inch exhaust installed with Flowmaster mufflers.

The 383 is connected to the original A833 four-speed transmission that was freshly rebuilt with a Lakewood bell housing. Out back, the 8 ¾ Sure Grip differential has been fitted with 4:56 gears. A set of Cal Trac traction bars has been installed for hard launches and the battery was moved to the trunk.

The Super Bee has a defined rake thanks to staggered BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires sized at 195/75R14 on the front and 275/60R15 on the rear. The tires are mounted on Magnum 500 rims. The front suspension was rebuilt with new bushings and shocks. To improve stopping power, an E-body disc brake conversion kit was installed.

On the inside of the car, everything is original with the exception of extra gauges installed such as an Autometer Sport Comp tachometer, a shift light, oil pressure, and water temperature gauges to keep an eye on the Bee’s vitals. This was Gary’s fun car, which has been passed down to his son Sheldon. These were only two of the many Chryslers that Gary had owned and sold over the years, but these two remained his favorites.

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