The first 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat was sold off Sept. 27 in a Barrett-Jackson auction in Las Vegas. The final bid for the most powerful American production car at the moment was $825,000, made by NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick.
It's become common practice for first production units to be auctioned off for charity and the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat did not disappointment. The whopping $825,000 bid from Hendrick was also matched by the Engelstad Family Foundation, bringing the amount of money raised for the charity Opportunity Village to $1.65 million. Opportunity Village is a not-for-profit serving individuals with intellectual disabilities.
"The $1.65 million raised by auctioning this one-of-one Dodge Challenger Hellcat at this year's Barrett-Jackson auction means the most powerful muscle car ever will also have a very powerful impact on the people who benefit from the services of Opportunity Village," said Tim Kuniskis, Chrysler Group LLC's Dodge and SRT Brands president and CEO.
Aside from having the first unit for the most powerful American production car, Hendrick will also be receiving special documentation and memorabilia, including video footage and photos of the vehicle being built at the factory.
To add to its distinction, Hendrick's Hellcat was hand-painted Stryker Red, a color usually reserved for Dodge Vipers. It was also designated the VIN #0001.
As a NASCAR team owner, it comes as no surprise that Hendrick will appreciate first-production units. In fact, the man is no stranger to attending auctions to get his hands on such vehicles. Hendrick is the proud owner of the very first Chevy Volt, a number of first-unit Camaros, the first 215 Corvette Z06 Coupe, the first 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible, and the first 2014 Corvette Stingray Coupe.
It may come off as strange since his teams have always used vehicles from General Motors but that's only with the assumption that he puts more premium on brand loyalty than actual appreciation for a specific car.
Looks like he doesn't mind stepping away from GM for a bit to bask in the glory of owning the first 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat.
When the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat goes on sale, it will carry a base price of $60,990, fitted with a 6.2-liter 707-hp supercharged V8 engine.
Other vehicles auctioned in the same Barrett-Jackson event include a 50 Years Limited Edition Ford Mustand and a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 (VIN # 003). The Mustang fetched $170,000 while the Camaro got $147,500.
