Mopar(R) Performance Parts Chooses Rob Lelakowski of Buckeye, Ariz. as 'Top Eliminator' Award Winner

-- Lelakowski restored a rare 1967 Dodge Coronet R/T and displayed it at Mopars at the Strip in Las Vegas -- Mopar(R) developed the year-long program to recognize the most passionate and skilled enthusiasts and their restored or modified cars -- Winners and their vehicles will attend the 2007 SEMA Show

CENTER LINE, Mich., May 17 -- Mopar(R) Performance Parts announced that it has chosen the second winner of its 2007 Top Eliminator award. Rob Lelakowski of Buckeye, Ariz. restored a rare 1967 Dodge Coronet R/T that he displayed at Mopars at the Strip in Las Vegas. Mopar is the Chrysler Group's original equipment parts manufacturer.

Mopar developed the new year-long program to recognize the most passionate and skilled Mopar enthusiasts and their restored or modified cars. The eight winners chosen and their vehicles will attend this year's Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas on Oct. 30 - Nov. 2, 2007.

"This Coronet was and is a true 'muscle' car in every sense of the word," said Lelakowski. "She caught my eye immediately and I enjoyed every hour it took restoring her."

"Top Eliminator identifies those enthusiasts who put their heart and soul into a restoration. We think their passion truly represents our 'Mopar' brand," said David Hakim, Portfolio Manager, Mopar Performance Parts. He added, "Rob's incredible work on the Coronet R/T is the reason we named him a Top Eliminator winner."

A Diamond in the Rough Brought Back to Life

Purchased from a friend (Gary Gignac) in 1999, Lelakowski's goal was to restore the Coronet to its original stock form. Over the last two years, the complete disassembly took most weekends and Saturdays. While Lelakowski did most of the work himself -- several friends did assist with the body (Brad Saari) and interior (Curtis Jenkins).

He knew his biggest challenge would be finding all the '67 parts he needed for the restoration. He was lucky. The Coronet has many rare parts. A really rare find was the white plastic windshield wiper motor cover.

Inside, the pearl white bucket seats contrast the black console, carpet and dashboard. The roomy interior offers the driver and passengers plenty of road view. Most of the interior parts are original pieces that he restored.

The Coronet's exterior is distinctive. Lelakowski believes the '66-'67 Coronets were some of the best B bodies ever: basic without being bulky. The Coronet glides on its redline radials -- with the 'red' accenting the R/T's 'red' emblem above the quarter panel. All the body panels are original and were rust free. The glass is original with the exception of the windshield. Endless hours went into refurbishing the stainless steel and chrome accents. Best of all, the Coronet came with four rare hubcaps: simulated magnesium wheel covers.

The Coronet's 440 Magnum(R) engine pushes 375 ponies with 480 lb.-ft of torque. The 727 automatic transmission delivers power to the 8-3/4 rear end with 3.23:1 sure grip. The oversized 11-inch brakes stop her.

His restoration included one exception to the original Coronet: power steering, to accompany the vehicle's power brakes. He did save all the original manual steering components so he could change it back quickly -- to please the ultimate purists.

Lelakowski will join the other award winners who will be acknowledged at the 2007 SEMA show during the Mopar press conference. Their vehicles will be displayed in Mopar Alley at the show -- identified with a plaque.

Mopar's Top Eliminator Award Top Eliminator award winners will also be chosen at:

  -- Chryslers at Carlisle in Carlisle, Penn. July 6-8
  -- Mopar Nationals in Columbus Aug. 11-13
  -- Woodward Dream Cruise Aug. 18

The editors of Mopar Muscle, Mopar Action and Mopar Collector's Guide will each choose one winner during the year they believe best represents the passion of restoration.