Whether you love him or hate him, Gas Monkey Garage’s Richard Rawlings is a huge part of the current Dodge culture. The reality TV star and car builder helped the Dodge brand kick off the launch of the 707 horsepower 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT HELLCAT back in 2014, and by doing so was able to get his hands on the second HELLCAT built by the automaker. However, back in late September, that car was stolen.
Now the all-black 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT HELLCAT was actually his wife, Sue Rawlings car and after it being stolen, the Gas Monkey Garage website issued a statement stating that there was “a priceless photo of her son and her in the back” of the car. Pictures of the suspects were shared across social media by Rawlings and Gas Monkey Garage, hoping that someone in the public would see the missing car and report it stolen. However, months went by with no real leads.
Then, just the other day, a repo truck driver happened to catch an all-black 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT HELLCAT sitting alone in a lot. The car covered with dust and damaged with dents and scratches seemed to be just abandoned. The driver reached out to Rawlings, who immediate grabbed one of his camera crews from his “Fast N’ Loud” TV show and went to see if it was, in fact, his stolen Challenger.
Upon arrival, Rawlings who still had the “Red Key” in his desk at his shop, clicked the remote to unlock the car and of course, the exterior lights kicked on sensing the keys matched the car. The vehicle identification number (VIN), also was a match.
Nevertheless, it is also good to see someone’s car recovered even with some damage and not have been torn apart by a chop shop. Especially after being missing for nine months. While the car was recovered, there is no word on anyone has yet to be arrested for the theft. Now, Rawlings has to work with the insurance to see if he can keep the special HELLCAT. Most importantly, Rawlings kept his word about rewarding the person who found the car.
