7.0-liter Hemi-Powered Dodge Challenger Richard Petty Tribute Car Expected to Fetch Over $160,000 at Auction
This 2009 Dodge Challenger is like none other in existence. It’s already fairly famous, but for those not in the know, the modern muscle car was ordered by the president of the Automotive Lift Institute and extensively overhauled by Petty Garage in late-2010 in honor of NASCAR driver Richard Petty. After its reveal at the 2012 SEMA Show, the professional custom build known as “Legacy by Petty” toured the country and made an appearance at many events. Now, (early next month to be exact), the modified Dodge Challenger convertible is heading to auction.
The Richard Petty Tribute Challenger didn’t start life as a convertible. The top was chopped by Drop Top Customs, along with other body modifications like the low-cut Superbird-style trunk, before the exterior was finished in Petty Blue. The sides are adorned with custom airbrushed artwork featuring Richard Petty and celebrating his racing career.
The functional shaker hood covers the car’s Arrington Performance 7.0-liter 426 cubic-inch Hemi V8, which is filled with forged internals, features carbon fiber valve covers, and, of course, a custom tune. A six-speed manual transmission, equipped with a Hurst shifter, sends approximately 620-horsepower to the rear custom Forgeline wheels. Front and rear coilover suspension keeps the Mopar planted, while large Brembo brakes cooled by NASCAR-inspired vents keep it braking reliably.
Modifications didn’t stop with the powertrain and exterior. The interior also features unique details only seen on this car, such as the custom Katzkin leather upholstery with snakeskin inserts, and a tachometer that was signed by Richard Petty. Pop the trunk and you’ll find a TV screen, which is connected to the car’s aftermarket sound system.
7.0-liter Hemi-Powered Dodge Challenger Richard Petty Tribute Car
Richard Petty Tribute Dodge Challenger
Richard Petty Tribute Dodge Challenger
Richard Petty Tribute Dodge Challenger
Richard Petty Tribute Dodge Challenger
Richard Petty Tribute Dodge Challenger
Richard Petty Tribute Dodge Challenger
Richard Petty Tribute Dodge Challenger
Richard Petty Tribute Dodge Challenger
Richard Petty Tribute Dodge Challenger
Richard Petty Tribute Dodge Challenger
Richard Petty Tribute Dodge Challenger
Richard Petty Tribute Dodge Challenger
Richard Petty Tribute Dodge Challenger
Mecum Auctions expects the Richard Petty Tribute Challenger to sell for between $160,000 and $180,000. The car (lot T167) will cross the block at the 2024 Kissimmee Auctions located at the Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida, January 2-14, 2024.