The 1980s were a wild time for motorsport marketing, with outlandish pace cars leading the pack in the CART PPG Indy Car World Series. Among these standout vehicles was the 1986 Dodge M4S, a car that transcended its pace car duties to become a cinematic icon in the cult classic film, The Wraith. This article delves into the history of this unique vehicle, its connection to the movie, and its recent resurgence as a tribute car.
From Pace Car to Silver Screen: The Dodge M4S Origin Story
PPG Industries, an automotive supplier, sponsored a series of heavily customized pace cars in the 1980s and early 90s. These vehicles, often based on production models, showcased the performance potential of various brands. The Dodge M4S stood out, embodying Chrysler’s vision of turbocharged power and aerodynamic design. Penned by Chrysler designer Bob Ackerman, the M4S boasted a radical, streamlined body with a low-slung profile and a remarkable 0.236 coefficient of drag. Powered by a modified 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine producing 440 horsepower, the M4S achieved a top speed of nearly 200 mph.
The 1986 Dodge M4S Pace Car. Image Credit: PPG Industries
Following its debut at the Detroit Auto Show, the M4S found its way to Tucson, Arizona, where it landed a starring role in the 1986 sci-fi action film The Wraith. Renamed the “Turbo Interceptor,” the Wraith Car Dodge became a symbol of vengeance and power, aiding a protagonist seeking justice against a violent gang. While the film achieved cult status, the M4S cemented its place in automotive history.
The Dodge M4S, also known as the Turbo Interceptor, in the movie The Wraith. Image Credit: Dodge
The M4S Legacy: A Rare Original and Tribute Car Revival
The original Dodge M4S pace car, used primarily for beauty shots in The Wraith, survived filming and eventually resided in the Walter P. Chrysler Museum until its closure in 2016. It later resurfaced in a private eBay auction, touted as the “only street legal Wraith Interceptor on the planet.” However, recent developments reveal a fascinating twist: a highly detailed tribute car, built on an elongated Porsche Boxster chassis, has emerged.
The “street legal” Wraith Interceptor that appeared on eBay. Image Credit: eBay | winne604
This meticulously crafted replica showcases the enduring appeal of the M4S and the dedication of enthusiasts to recreating this iconic vehicle. This raises questions about the possibility of more replicas emerging, perhaps utilizing blueprints from the six M4S clones created for the film. Could the Wraith car Dodge experience a DeLorean-style comeback?
The Enduring Spirit of the Wraith Car Dodge
While mass production of the M4S remains unlikely, the tribute car embodies the spirit of the original PPG pace cars: fun, entertaining, and unapologetically bold. The Wraith car Dodge M4S serves as a reminder of a time when automotive design pushed boundaries and on-track excitement spilled over into popular culture. Whether an original or a meticulously crafted replica, the M4S continues to captivate car enthusiasts and fans of The Wraith alike.
