In 1971 President Nixon declared a war on drugs which led to the formation of the DEA just two years later. At that same time Colombia was on its way to becoming public enemy number one through the growth of marijuana and increased production of cocaine. In the midst of this brewing conflict CIA Deputy Station Chief, Dino J. Pionzio, would have this 1972 Dodge Charger Rallye shipped to him at the American Embassy in Bogota, Colombia. Though hardly clandestine the car would come to be known as the “CIA Charger” serving its owner around the world.
After two years in Colombia the Top Banana (FY1) painted Charger would return to CIA headquarters in Virginia with its owner for a couple years. From there Dino and the 440ci V8 Charger would make their way across the pond to London until 1977. Perhaps knowing that his car would be accompanying him to parts unknown Dino opted for numerous amenities: air conditioning, power windows, power disc brakes and rear defogger. One would need to speculate as to why Dino would choose to drive a bright yellow American muscle car in a foreign country as a CIA operative, but there is no doubt that seeing it roar past would be an unequivocal show of American might.
[Photography courtesy of Barrett-Jackson.]
The post 1972 “CIA Charger” Rallye Deployed To Barrett-Jackson appeared first on GAS MONKEY GARAGE | RICHARD RAWLINGS | FAST N LOUD.
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