The ‘Black Ghost’ was a 70s street racing legend in the streets of Detroit, and it was driven by a cop. While it might at first sound outlandish, that was the story of one Godfrey Qualls.
He might have given you a ticket for speeding during the day but if you happened to catch him in his hemi-powered Dodge Challenger you were sure to take a good look at his taillights as they faded into the night.
The name ‘Black Ghost’ originates from other street racers who’d lose to the car only for it to disappear for weeks and even months on end.
This was due to the fact that the car was gaining such popularity around the streets if it came out that Godfrey, a serving motorcycle patrolman, was the one responsible for all the races he’d likely lose his job.
The car itself was a 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T powered by the legendary HEMI V8 engine with a triple black finish and a bumble bee stripe in the rear end.
The sightings started around the spring of 1970 in many places around Detroit, such as between Woodward Avenue and Telegraph Road which was a famous stretch of road where many would drag race during the 50s and 60s. Around 1975 sightings of the iconic racer were becoming few and far between. With a secured legacy in the street racing scene and a number of wins under his belt, Qualls decided to retire and the car was never seen again.
No one knew what happened to the driver behind the wheel of the ‘Black Ghost’ until 2014 when Godfrey invited his son Gregory over for a beer in his garage. Sitting there was the Dodge Challenger and both father and son spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning it up.
The car was passed down to his son, “Don’t give my f****** car away” Godfrey told his son.
Sadly Godfrey had been battling cancer for some time now and passed away in 2015. The car is now back in full running condition looking exactly as it did when it was dusting off Corvettes and Firebirds back in the 70s.
The ‘Black Ghost’ is an icon in the automotive world that will live rent-free in the minds of enthusiasts all around the world.
Written by Fran Vega, Staff Writer