Despite early reports from Dodge that all 6,400 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT-8s were pre-sold before they even rolled off production lines, multiple U.S. dealers have numerous examples of the born-again muscle car in stock.
In what appears to be another case of dealer profiteering due to the relatively low production run of the car, it turns out about a quarter of the total production run was pre-ordered by dealers, said Chrysler spokesperson Curtrise Garner. One dealership in Michigan will have 19 Challengers for sale, with two on the lot, say Detroit News reports. Dick Huvaere’s Richmond Chrysler Jeep Dodge only sold one of its 19 SRT-8s it has on order, which is probably due to the near $7,000 premium one of the cars is advertised for on the dealer’s website.
“We’re negotiating each price with the individual customer,” said the dealer’s General Manager, Jim Simpson in the report. “We’re not getting a huge amount over sticker.”
Despite customer interest, Simpson did not take preorders for the new muscle car, saying they usually result in antsy customers pestering staff for updates along with cancellations when the hype does not match up with reality or the wait is too long.
Meantime, a Florida dealer who pre-sold the car can’t keep any on the lot. Naples Dodge sold all eight Challengers that it was allotted before customers laid eyes on their cars.
