by Market Price Correction for the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170
Collector cars often lose value, but not every case is so illustrative. The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170, the pinnacle of the “Last Call” series, was created as a farewell chord for the legendary Hemi and Hellcat engines. Its 6.2-liter engine with alcohol injection produced 1039 hp and 1280 Nm of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 2.3 seconds.
Although the model’s MSRP started at $96,666, many dealers added significant markups. For example, Larry Miller Dodge from Peoria (Arizona) sold this particular example with a $100 thousand markup. However, two years later, the market corrected the price: this Challenger with a mere 10 miles on the odometer sold for only $139 thousand — just $5 thousand above the original price.
Of the 3300 Demon 170s produced, only early buyers managed to profit from resales. The rest faced falling prices.
Additional options, such as the power sunroof ($9995) and hood graphics ($1995), did not save the situation. The price decline continues, especially against the backdrop of rumors about the possible return of the Hellcat engine in new Dodge models. It could take many years for the value of these cars to recover.
This story shows how unpredictable the collector car market can be. Even such unique models as the Demon 170 do not always justify investment expectations, especially when the manufacturer does not rule out the return of legendary technologies in future generations.
