First 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 delivered to Jay Leno

Posted Tue Jun 3 2008 6:33 PM by Ralph Hanson

The first 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 delivered in the world to customer, a black 6.1L Limited Edition model, was presented to none other than Jay Leno at Big Valley Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Van Nuys yesterday. The first batch of SRT8s only went into production last month and getting your hands on one will be tough considering the entire first year production run – about 7,000 cars – is already accounted for.

Leno drove up to the Van Nuys showroom in a vintage Challenger with a classic 426 Hemi underneath its hood. Leno then signed all the necessary papers and drove the car straight off the showroom floor. After a walk-around outside, some photo opportunities and time to talk with the guests at the dealership, Leno then took the car for a quick spin around the block.

Like all SRT8s, Leno’s car features a 6.1L HEMI V8 engine complete with 425hp and 420lb-ft of torque, forged aluminum 20in alloys and a unique numbered dash plaque.

This wasn’t the first SRT8, however. That car fetched more than $400,000 at a Barrett-Jackson auction back in January and was sold to raise funds for charity.

Reader Comments

Tue Jun 3 2008 7:31 PM
NMG says

Actually, my brother saw one a couple days ago, on May 31st, so I think one has been delivered before this. And yes, it was the SRT8 model. I'll send a link to the picture:
http://www.exoticsonroad.com/picture/?683353/Dodge-Challenger-SRT8
Tue Jun 3 2008 7:34 PM
NMG says

And it wasn't the one that was sold at the auction, my brother talked to the owner and he said it was just delivered to him
Tue Jun 3 2008 7:38 PM
justin says

This is very common, my friend ordered the E60 BMW M5 in 2004 when it came out. He was planning on the M6 but didn't want to wait another year for it to come out, so he order the M5 in Indeanapolis red. About 3 months later he went to check up the status of his car he saw a brand new M6 sitting right there in the parking lot
Wed Jun 4 2008 3:26 AM
STIG says

what ever!
Wed Jun 4 2008 9:02 AM
CarFanaticsUnleashed says

Good choice on Leno's part, I'm a huge fan of that car.
It honestly is what american muscle should be.
Congrats to Jay!

MotorAuthority