Tyler Hoover, the owner of the popular YouTube channel Hoovies Garage, has finally fulfilled his long-held dream of owning a Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. After years of anticipation, he managed to find the most affordable example of this iconic muscle car in the United States.
While the car is technically in good condition, there are a few cosmetic blemishes that need to be addressed. The car’s exterior exhibits some signs of wear and tear, including a cracked and hanging front bumper, a missing front lip spoiler, and a slightly curved hood with peeling satin black paint.
The former owner attributes the hood damage to frequent car washes. Despite these issues, the rear end of the Challenger appears to be in relatively good condition, with only minor paint chips and a damaged mirror.
The wheels are undamaged, but the tires are worn and require replacement. Hoover has been eagerly anticipating the day he could own a Challenger SRT Hellcat since witnessing Doug DeMuro’s near-crash in one several years ago. His purchase of this particular car marks the culmination of years of waiting for the model to become more affordable in the used car market.
The Dodge Challenger, once a relatively affordable muscle car, has seen its prices skyrocket in recent years. This unexpected surge is partly due to the discontinuation of the iconic HEMI engine and the introduction of electric or V6-powered successors. Low-mileage examples can now sell for over $90,000, making them a significant investment.
Despite the allure of the new Charger Daytona, HEMI-powered Challenger owners are unlikely to trade in their beloved vehicles. The fake exhaust sound of the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust is another deterrent for purists.
One such Challenger, owned by Tyler, is a testament to its owner’s adventurous spirit. Despite four accidents and 70,000 miles on the clock, the car remains in good condition. The owner’s history of reckless driving, evident from the incidents, likely contributed to the car’s wear and tear.
Tyler Hoover’s latest automotive adventure revolves around a 770-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. A relic of a bygone era when muscle cars reigned supreme, this particular Hellcat carries the scars of its past: a mangled front end from a severe collision, evidence of multiple fender benders, and an interior marred by wear and tear.
Despite its checkered history, the car’s raw power and relatively low purchase price at auction have captured Hoover. The Hellcat’s cabin reveals signs of neglect, missing components like door panels, and a worn leather driver’s seat.
Even under the hood, there’s a hint of trouble with a coolant leak, possibly caused by the engine’s heat affecting the expansion tank. Undeterred, Hoover plans to restore the Challenger to its former glory, a project he anticipates will be relatively straightforward.
Curiosity piqued by the Hellcat’s immense power, Hoover decides to pit it against his tuned Ferrari 599 in a drag race, a clash of American muscle and Italian exoticism that promises to be nothing short of explosive.
