Market Shifts Crush Value

The Roller Coaster Ride of Flipping a Demon

Markets, whether it’s stocks or cars, have their ups and downs. The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is a prime example of how timing is everything in the world of collectible cars. With its insane 1,025 horsepower supercharged V8, this beast is one of the crown jewels from Dodge’s final bow with their iconic Charger and Challenger models. But even with all that power under the hood, the flipside of this market can be tricky, as seen in the case of one particular Demon 170.

Auction Adventures

Back in December 2023, a brave soul put their Demon 170 up for auction on Bring a Trailer. It reached a decent bid of $181,000, which was quite a bit more than the $116,641 it carried on the window sticker. For those wondering what makes this beast special aside from its power output, it could rocket from zero to 60 mph in just 1.66 seconds and conquer a quarter-mile in under nine seconds with its road-legal drag tires. But the owner thought it could fetch closer to $200,000, and turned down the offer.

The Reality of 2025

Fast forward to April 2025, and the same Demon 170 returned to the auction block. This time around, the bids were more tempered, and reality hit hard; it sold for $126,000, $55,000 less than it could have fetched back in 2023. The car only added a couple of miles to its odometer, now showing 15 miles rather than 12.

The Collector’s Market Shift

The tale of this Challenger isn’t unique. The collector’s market saw a significant cooldown since the pandemic’s early days, with other Demon 170s peaking around the $120,000s as well. The frenzy that once captured the hearts of muscle car enthusiasts looking to make a quick profit seems to have simmered down significantly.

Behind the Wheel

Despite the financial roller coaster, driving the Demon 170 is an experience unto itself. Compared with other muscle cars like the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 or the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, the Demon is a raw, unfiltered powerhouse. The surge of the supercharged V8 pegged at full throttle is like unleashing a hurricane, making the driver feel like they’ve shifted time zones without moving an inch. The Demon effortlessly puts other performance cars on notice with its drag strip credentials, making it perfect for those quarter-mile warriors looking to make unforgettable impressions.

In the end, the new owner of this Demon got more than just a car—they got a piece of muscle car history at a fair price. But as with any investment, timing truly is everything. Keeping an eye on market trends, whether it’s collectibles or stocks, is key to making savvy decisions.