The Dodge Challenger ended production with a bang, producing extreme versions like the 1,025-horsepower Demon 170. One of the rarest – a unique “Jailbreak” edition originally owned by actor Kevin Hart – recently went up for auction. Despite receiving a massive bid of $400,000, the seller decided not to let it go, highlighting just how valuable these limited-run muscle cars have become.
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The Ultimate Challenger: Demon 170 Power
When Dodge said goodbye to the current generation Challenger muscle car, they didn’t just wave; they launched a rocket. The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is a beast designed for the drag strip, boasting an incredible 1,025 horsepower on E85 fuel. Only a limited number were made, making each one a highly sought-after collectible from day one.
The Exclusive Jailbreak Program
Making some of these cars even rarer was the exclusive “Jailbreak” program. Invited customers could choose from a list of 40 unique, sometimes historic, paint colors not available on standard models. Think of it as a VIP pass to truly customize your ultimate muscle car, making these specific vehicles one-of-a-kind automotive art.
A Unique Spec: Cream Sickle and Kevin Hart
The car that recently crossed the virtual auction block on Bring a Trailer is a prime example of this exclusivity. It’s painted in a striking, one-of-one color called “Cream Sickle” – a vibrant orange-yellow that definitely stands out.
Striking Cream Sickle 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 Jailbreak with carbon fiber wheels on display.
Beyond its dazzling paint, this Demon 170 is loaded with options, including the lightweight carbon-fiber two-piece wheels and extra comforts like the Premium Group and navigation. It also has an interesting backstory: it was originally purchased new by acclaimed actor and comedian, Kevin Hart. With only 24 miles on the odometer, it’s practically brand new, preserved likely as a collector’s item rather than a daily driver.
Hitting $400K, But Not Enough
Listed for sale in June 2024 on the popular auction site Bring a Trailer, this unique Demon 170 quickly attracted significant attention and high bids. The bidding climbed steadily, eventually reaching an impressive US$400,000.
Front view of the rare Cream Sickle Dodge Demon 170, highlighting its unique paint and performance styling.
However, despite this massive figure – far above its original sticker price of US$162,835 – the car did not sell. This means the seller had set a minimum price, known as a reserve price, that the top bid of $400,000 did not meet.
The High Price of Rarity
Why would someone turn down $400,000 for a car? Context is key. Earlier this year, the same seller did set a record for the most expensive Dodge Challenger Demon ever sold at auction. That was another one-of-one Jailbreak Demon 170, painted in “Panther Pink,” which fetched a staggering US$450,000 on Bring a Trailer.
Interior of the low-mileage 2023 Dodge Challenger Demon 170 Jailbreak, showing its premium features.
It’s highly likely the seller was hoping to match or even exceed that previous record with the “Cream Sickle” car, especially given its unique color and low mileage. While $400,000 is a huge sum and represents significant appreciation, it seems the market on this particular day, or for this specific color, didn’t quite reach the seller’s benchmark for the ultimate price of a one-of-one muscle car collectible.
What This Means
The auction of the “Cream Sickle” Kevin Hart Demon 170 highlights the intense demand and soaring values for the final, most extreme versions of the Dodge Challenger. Even short of setting a new record, a $400,000 bid for a car that stickered at $162K is remarkable. It shows these aren’t just cars anymore; they’re significant collector’s items, with unique specs and celebrity ownership adding layers of value that can push prices into serious territory, sometimes even beyond what the highest bidder is willing to pay on that day.
Curious about other high-performance cars or auction results? Explore more stories about rare vehicles and the collector market.
