In the high-octane world of muscle cars, few vehicles have captured the imagination quite like the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170. Boasting a staggering 1,025 horsepower and a blistering 0-60 mph time of just 1.66 seconds, this limited-production beast has become the stuff of legends among automotive enthusiasts. However, a recent controversy surrounding one particular Demon 170 has thrust it into the spotlight for reasons beyond its jaw-dropping performance.
The saga began when a deployed soldier stationed in Iraq eagerly awaited the arrival of his ordered Demon 170, only to have it sold out from under him by a Mississippi Dodge dealership, Mac Haik Chrysler Dodge, Jeep, and Ram. The story quickly spread like wildfire across social media, sparking outrage and drawing the attention of Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis. In a remarkable turn of events, Kuniskis intervened to ensure that the soldier received a similar car and orchestrated a special delivery with none other than automotive aficionado Jay Leno at his renowned garage in California.
But what became of the original car that sparked the controversy? Mac Haik CDJR, the dealership at the center of the storm, retrieved the vehicle from the buyer and pledged to auction it off for charity. This weekend, the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 went under the hammer at the Mecum Houston 2024 event, with the proceeds earmarked for three deserving causes: the Special Forces Association Chapter 79, the 5th Squad in Pearl, Mississippi, and Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Despite its notoriety and charitable intentions, the auction of the Demon 170 did not unfold as expected. With just 57 miles on the odometer and a host of premium features including ventilated front seats, a Harman Kardon sound system, and blind-spot detection, the car was expected to fetch a handsome sum. However, the winning bid of $152,500 (or $167,750 after fees) fell short of expectations, particularly considering the fervent demand for Demon 170s in the marketplace.
The relatively modest sale price raises questions about the current state of the Demon 170 market. Once commanding exorbitant premiums and fetching well over $200,000, it appears that the fervor surrounding these high-performance machines may be waning. Indeed, of the five Demon 170s that crossed the auction block, only one managed to surpass the $200,000 mark, signaling a potential downturn in the market.
2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 in F8 Green Image Gallery:
