In September, a man who purchased a stolen 2023 Dodge Challenger Demon 170 for a mere $20,000. The vehicle, with only 61 miles on the odometer, was a brand new Demon 170 finished in blue.
Unfortunately, thieves had dismantled the car, leaving the chassis in pieces and many components missing. Despite the setback, the man managed to recover the supercharger V8 engine and transmission from the police.
Faced with a nearly unusable car, the owner decided to build a Demon 170 knockoff from scratch. He purchased a stolen Challenger with a solid chassis and began assembling the Demon drivetrain into the regular Challenger body.
To complete the transformation, he sourced various Demon-specific OEM parts, including the hood, doors, front bumper assembly, and trunk lid. He also had to weld the rear fender flares from a real Demon onto the Challenger.
With the sheet metal in place, the owner took the body to a shop for a rotisserie repaint. Surprisingly, he chose Panther Pink as the final color, deviating from the original blue finish. The iconic Panther Pink, a vibrant hue introduced in the 1970s, has resurfaced as a sought-after color for modern muscle cars.
Despite its limited availability and initial unpopularity, Panther Pink has gained a cult following among enthusiasts. While the Demon 170 was not offered in this color, a one-off Jailbreak version was created, making it a rare and valuable collectible. Inspired by the heritage of the Challenger, our host decided to recreate the iconic Panther Pink look on a modern Challenger.
By acquiring a wrecked Challenger and investing in a high quality repaint, he has transformed the vehicle into a unique and eye-catching tribute to the muscle car era.
The project involved sourcing OEM parts to complete the car, which added to the cost. With the stolen Demon 1970 and the second Challenger factored in, our host has spent a significant amount on this endeavor.
The total expenditure, nearing the price of a brand new R/T Scat Pack, highlights the dedication and passion behind this project. While the cost may be high for some, the resulting vehicle is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic muscle cars and the desire to preserve their legacy.