Dodge Challenger R/T: Spotted

As-new manual muscle car for the price of a TT? Hmm...

By Matt Bird / Tuesday, 11 March 2014 / Loading comments

Aside from being powered by a suitably overendowed V8 (we'll overlook

for now) and looking like nothing else on the road, a muscle car is about spec. Think back to the muscle car's heyday with a massive colour palette, multitudinous interior extras and all manner of mechanical upgrades available. Customers bought their muscle car exactly how they wanted.

The colour? Pitch Black, of course

Fortunately, the culture of customisation was retained with the 21st century muscle cars. And, as specifications go, this

Challenger R/T

must be very nearly perfect from a PH perspective. It does have to make do with a 5.7-litre V8 rather than the flagship 6.4 Hemi, but 375hp and 410lb ft aren't exactly lo-po. And the dealer selling this car has some Mopar goodies too if that isn't enough, including intake and exhaust mods.

But look at what else is standard: having a six-speed manual must be rare on cars available in the UK, the LSD similarly. Furthermore, being a 'Blacktop' special edition brings some very nice extras including a standard 'Super Track Pak' (Dodge spells it that way). This brings stiffer suspension, retuned steering, bigger brakes and Goodyear Eager Supercar tyres. That rubber sits on black 20-inch wheels; combined with the Pitch Black paint, gloss black filler gap (getting the idea yet?) and graphite stripes, there's an air of genuine menace about this Challenger. Muscle cars are often about lurid paint jobs (Dodge has its own Hemi Orange if you'd prefer) but the intimidation factor of this Blacktop is quite alluring.

Dude, you drive stick?

Of course despite (fairly) stealthy paint, there would be no way of making subtle progress behind the wheel of a Challenger in the UK. Hopefully it should make plenty of noise as stock (Mopar exhaust if not, don't forget) but look at the size of it too. Even in pictures with no other vehicles it looks gigantic and could, dare we say it, make LHD a bit of an issue over here.

But looking at a Dodge Challenger with a rational hat on is like pondering an Astra diesel as weekend wheels; the car will never make sense from that mindset. It's not the most logical way to spend £36,000, but it could be one of the most enjoyable.

Given the rarity of Challengers in Britain, it's surprising to find others for sale on PH. This 2009 RT Classic is £12K less than the nearly new car and this 2008 SRT makes a compelling case for Hemi Orange.

Other options? This Roush Mustang must be worth consideration for similar money and this Camaro is also on a 63 plate like the Challenger with some choice upgrades fitted. There are the predictable two-door European alternatives too, but who wants one of those?

DODGE CHALLENGER R/T
Engine: 5,698cc V8
Gearbox: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive, LSD
Power (hp): 375@5,150rpm
Torque (lb ft): 410@4,300rpm
MPG: 23 (hopefully)
CO2: You’re kidding, right?
Recorded mileage: 1,000
Year registered: 2014
Price new: N/A
Yours for: £36,983