This 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T is not just another retro-inspired muscle car. It’s one of only three prototypes created through a collaboration between Heide Performance Products (HPP) and Petty’s Garage, designed to pay homage to the legendary 1970 Plymouth Superbird. Developed at the height of the modern muscle car revival, these builds merged late-model Dodge performance with NASCAR’s most famous aero warrior.
The car was highlighted in the February 2012 issue of Top Gear magazine, which showcased its transformation from a showroom Challenger into a radical tribute machine. It was later acquired on BringATrailer in December 2020 by the selling dealer, who has since performed maintenance and updates, including replacing the windshield washer nozzles, refreshing the hood insulation retainers, and adding a Kenwood touchscreen head unit.
Now showing just 31k miles, this unique HPP Superbird prototype is being offered at no reserve on BringATrailer by the selling dealer in New York.
Exterior –
Finished in Orange Pearl with Matte Black accents, the body was extensively modified by HPP to replicate the aerodynamic cues of the original Plymouth Superbird. The most striking change is the fiberglass nose-cone assembly with concealed headlamps, extending the Challenger’s front end to a sharp point in period-correct fashion.
Additional modifications include a functional hood scoop with venting, faux quarter-panel scoops, and an aggressive three-piece rear wing that rises approximately 57 inches above the ground, dominating the car’s profile much like the 1970 original. Rear window louvers, Plymouth-style graphics, HPP badging, and period-inspired striping further separate it from a standard Challenger R/T.
The selling dealer notes a handful of stone chips present on the front fascia. The windshield washer nozzles were replaced in 2020, and overall, the bodywork remains striking and well-preserved for a one-off prototype with over a decade of history.
Wheels, Tires, and Suspension –
The car rides on chrome-finished 20-inch forged Alcoa wheels, a design most often associated with SRT8 models of the era. They’re wrapped in 245/45 Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, providing a balance of grip and highway comfort.
Underneath, the car benefits from an SRT8-derived suspension setup featuring an independent multi-link rear end with coilover dampers at all four corners. This upgrade gives the Superbird-inspired Challenger sharper handling than a stock R/T while still being livable on the street. Four-wheel disc brakes provide stopping power, completing the performance-oriented chassis setup.
Interior –
Inside, the Challenger’s cabin received a full HPP treatment. The heated front seats were retrimmed in black leather with custom multi-tone inserts, while color-matched accents extend across the dashboard, instrument cluster bezel, steering wheel, center stack, and console.
A Pistol Grip shifter anchors the 6-speed manual gearbox and serves as a nod to classic Mopar muscle. A Superbird emblem is mounted on the dash, reinforcing its tribute-car identity. Modern amenities include cruise control, air conditioning, and a Kenwood touchscreen head unit installed under current ownership, offering Bluetooth connectivity in place of the factory audio system.
Overall, the cabin blends retro-inspired details with modern conveniences, further setting this prototype apart from a typical Challenger.
Instrumentation –
Ahead of the driver sits a white-dial gauge cluster framed by a multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel. Instrumentation includes a 160-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, and smaller gauges for fuel and coolant.
The digital odometer reads just under 31,000 miles, with approximately 200 miles added under current dealer ownership.
Powertrain –
The heart of this build is a 5.7-liter (345 cubic-inch) HEMI® V8 that has been upgraded with a Magnuson supercharger, substantially increasing output over stock. While no dyno sheet is included, similar builds typically achieved well over 500 horsepower, giving the Challenger performance more in line with contemporary SRT8 models or better.
Exhaust gases exit through a MagnaFlow cat-back system, delivering an aggressive soundtrack that complements the aero-inspired styling. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 6-speed Tremec manual transmission paired with a limited-slip differential.
Maintenance under current ownership includes an oil change in May 2022 and replacement of the hood insulation retainers.
Carfax Report –
The Carfax report indicates no accidents or other damage and lists history across multiple states. At least one open recall is noted. The Michigan title provided is listed as a copy.
Overall –
This 2009 Dodge Challenger HPP Superbird Prototype blends the unmistakable look of the 1970 Plymouth Superbird with the everyday usability of a modern Challenger. Built as one of just three examples by HPP and Petty’s Garage, it carries unique provenance, period magazine coverage, and one-off bodywork backed by a supercharged HEMI, a 6-speed manual, and SRT8 underpinnings.
Now offered at no reserve on BringATrailer with documentation and literature, this car represents a rare opportunity to own a documented piece of Mopar prototype history that bridges NASCAR’s aero wars with modern muscle.
2009 Dodge Challenger HPP Superbird Prototype 6-Speed:
