A rather famous 2009 Dodge Challenger extensively overhauled by Petty Garage in late 2010 will be auctioned off early next month by Mecum Auctions and is expected to sell for between $160,000 and $180,000.
This car was built as a tribute to famed NASCAR driver Richard Petty and ordered by the president of the Automotive Lift Institute. It served as the entryway vehicle at the 2012 SEMA Show and has toured the country over the years, being displayed at numerous events and turning heads wherever it goes.
In transforming this Challenger into one unlike any other, the roof was chopped off by Drop Top Customs and the entire exterior painted in Petty Blue with custom airbrushed artwork along the side celebrating Richard Petty.
Petty Garage has also installed a bespoke shaker hood sitting above a 426 cubic-inch (7.0-liter) Hemi engine from Arrington Performance with forged internals, carbon fiber valve covers, and a custom tune. Mated to this engine is a six-speed manual transmission with a Hurst shifter. The engine was good for 620 hp when it was new and while some of these horses have probably escaped over the years, the car still packs an almighty punch.
A host of supplementary modifications have been made. For example, there is coilover suspension at the front and rear, large Brembo brakes, and NASCAR-inspired front brake cooling vents. The Dodge is also sitting on custom Forgeline wheels wrapped in Continental DWS Extreme tires.
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The listing on Mecum adds that the interior is also unique. Among the key changes made include the fitment of new Katzkin leather upholstery with snakeskin inserts and a tachometer that Richard Petty autographed. Petty Garage also fitted a TV screen in the trunk and installed an aftermarket sound system.
Regardless of who ends up buying the car, we’re hopeful that they will continue to showcase it to the world, rather than hiding it away in a collection.
