Rusty Farmer built his 2019 Dodge Charger R/T to get noticed.
The Fort Worth, Texas, enthusiast and lead judge for Mopar Heaven wanted a car that would make people stop at shows, look twice in traffic and remember it after seeing it roll down the road. But behind the B5 Blue theme, custom wrap, one-off wheels and show-ready stance is a much more personal story.
Known as Nightwing, Rusty’s Charger is a custom Mopar build with a subtle tribute woven into the details. The car honors his late father-in-law through small design touches hidden within the wrap, including a barber pole, the name “Pop-paw” in the bat symbol and cardinals used in place of bats. For Rusty, the Nightwing theme also represents stepping into a larger family role after his father-in-law passed.
We caught up with Rusty to learn more about the build, the meaning behind it and how MGP Caliper Covers helped complete the wheel area.
Meet the Owner
Tell us a little about yourself and where your automotive story began.
I’m Rusty Farmer from Fort Worth, Texas, and I’m the lead judge for Mopar Heaven.
Cars have always been part of my life. I remember my uncle buying cars and trucks, fixing them up and reselling them when I was young. That was my early introduction to the car world.
I started out in the car audio space and eventually moved into the show scene. Around 1999 and 2000, I was building what I would call a dirt show car, and it kept growing from there.
What are you driving now?
My current build is a 2019 Dodge Charger R/T named Nightwing.
I’ve been a Mopar guy since 2005, when I bought the first-year launch of the modern Chrysler 300. After that, it felt natural to stay with Mopar and build another one.
The Vision Behind Nightwing
What was your vision for the build?
The car was purposely built to turn heads. At a show, at a stoplight, in a parking lot or just going down the road, I wanted it to stand out.
The vision was to make a unique, one-of-one build and make it personal. I tell people all the time to build the car for themselves, not for what the industry says or what the trends are.
What makes this build personal?
The wrap is a subtle tribute to my father-in-law.
There are hidden details in the design, like a small barber pole on the side of a building because he was a barber. The name “Pop-paw” is hidden in the bat symbol. I also replaced bats with cardinals in the graphic because many people see cardinals as a sign that a lost loved one is near.
The Nightwing theme also has meaning to me. Nightwing was the first Robin, and in the story, he takes on the role of Batman after Bruce Wayne passes. For me, that symbolizes stepping up as the head of the family after my father-in-law passed.
Favorite Details
What are some of your favorite parts of the build?
The custom themed wrap and one-of-one Corleone Forged wheels are definitely head turners.
But some of my favorite things are the parts most people do not see right away. The hidden Easter eggs in the wrap. The complete hardware changeover across the car. And the fact that I have done about 75% of the work myself.
That means a lot to me.
Is the Charger still driven?
Yes. These days, the car is mostly a show vehicle, but it is not a trailer queen.
It drives well. We recently drove it seven hours to Arkansas for an event, and we still take it out to cruise almost every week.
The MGP Caliper Cover Connection
What made you choose MGP Caliper Covers?
MGP Caliper Covers offered a detailed finishing touch that complemented the wheel area of the build.
I was very happy with the material quality, the design, the color combination and the customer support through the design process.
What design did you choose?
We were able to do the covers in Mopar B5 Blue to match the car. The Nightwing symbol was etched in the center and done in black.
How did the MGP Caliper Covers change the look of the car?
They completed the wheel area of the car.
The factory calipers did nothing for the look I was going for. With the MGP Caliper Covers, that area now feels finished.
What would you tell someone considering MGP for the first time?
Do not be scared to ask for what you want.
We went through at least five or six renders before choosing the final design. The response was always quick and polite, and the process helped us get exactly what worked for the build.
Rusty Farmer’s Nightwing Charger Build Specs
- Owner: Rusty Farmer
- Location: Fort Worth, Texas
- Vehicle: 2019 Dodge Charger R/T
- Build Name: Nightwing
- Color Theme: B5 Blue
- Engine: 5.7-liter HEMI V-8
- Wheels: One-of-one Corleone Forged Veranis wheels
- Tires: Lexani tires
- Suspension: Air Lift suspension by ModFX
- Brakes: PowerStop brakes
- Caliper Covers: Custom MGP Caliper Covers in B5 Blue with black Nightwing symbol
- Exterior: Custom themed wrap by C&K Designs, carbon fiber splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, mirrors and roof wing
- Interior: Custom X1 Mats with Nightwing logo, carbon fiber overlays on dash, console, overhead console, handles and doors
- Audio: Custom trunk with Skar Audio
- Engine Bay: Custom wrapped air tank, one-of-one engine cover with Sharpie art by Rusty’s son, carbon fiber engine bay panels
- Lighting: OPT7 underglow, engine bay lighting, trunk lighting and interior lighting, with Lighting Trendz headlights and wheel lights
Community Reaction
How do people respond to the car?
People love the car.
Kids go crazy for the Batman and Nightwing graphics on the side. Others love the way it looks laid out. I get tagged in photos all the time, whether the car is at a show or just rolling down the highway.
How would you describe the car in three words?
Eye-catching tribute.
Any final message for other enthusiasts?
Always build your vision.
People will doubt you, question you and criticize you, but stay true to yourself. The recognition will come.
Follow the Build
Follow Rusty Farmer and the Nightwing Charger here:
Facebook: Rusty Farmer Instagram: @nightwing_charger TikTok: @nightwing_charger
Build Partners and Sponsors
- ModFX: Air ride
- C&K Designs: Wrap
- Corleone Forged Wheels
- Pistol Pete Racing Liquids
- MGP Caliper Covers
- X1 Mats
- Sick of Hail
Share Your Build With MGP
Every vehicle has a story, and some carry meaning far beyond the parts list.
If you would like your car or truck to be considered for a future MGP Car Chronicles Build of the Month feature, submit your vehicle and tell us what makes it personal to you.
