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Past the court and onto the streets.
The world was shocked on January 26, 2020, when Kobe Bryant, an iconic sports legend, passed away. While tributes to the late basketball star have taken many forms, one of the most unique comes in the form of a 2020 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack owned by De’Andre Davis, a lifelong Lakers fan. Davis transformed his vehicle into a rolling, rolling tribute to Kobe Bryant, also known as the Black Mamba.
View a barn find with 39 cars here.
Davis’ Charger underwent a three-phase transformation that was completed in 2022. Initially a subtle nod to Kobe, the car now sports a stunning light blue and purple color scheme with a lightning pattern, Kobe’s Mamba logo on the front doors and his jersey numbers on the rear. Even Kobe’s signature finds a place on the rear quarter panels of the car.
But this tribute doesn’t just scratch the surface. The Charger received performance upgrades including the removal of center mufflers, a custom powder-coated Bwoody cold air intake, and engine tuning that boosted horsepower well above the stock 485. These adjustments make the car’s performance as intense and unparalleled as Kobe’s energy. and skill on the basketball court.
Complementing the intricate details, the Charger’s trunk lid features one of Kobe’s memorable quotes: “Once you know what failure feels like, determination chases success,” accompanied by photos of his Lakers jerseys. This serves as daily inspiration and reflects Kobe’s philosophy, not only in sports, but also in life.
Davis’ attention to detail didn’t stop at the exterior. The underhood components, including the strut caps, fuse box cover and coolant tank cover, all feature the Lakers colors of purple and yellow. The Mamba logo and badges also find their place here, making it an all-encompassing tribute to the late star.
The car’s interior is equally remarkable, with a carbon fiber steering wheel in purple and blue, a Lakers-colored instrument cluster and infotainment screen, and a continuation of the blue and purple marble/lightning design on the center console and armrests. Kobe’s jersey numbers are on the front seat headrests and the floor mats have a similar pattern.
Davis actively tours the country with his Charger, earning him numerous awards and 17 trophies in 2023 alone. This masterpiece, a labor of love between Davis and his artist, The Mysterious Osyrus, is far from reaching its final form. Davis has more plans for this vehicle, making it not just a custom car, but also a canvas for storytelling. With this rolling tribute, De’Andre Davis has not only honored a legend, but also shown how sports and car cultures can intersect in deeply personal ways. Like Kobe’s own legacy, the story of this Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack is far from over.
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