Muscle car raffled for charity

Proceeds to aid four non-profit agencies

Special to The Times-Tribune

It’s like turning back the hands of time — back to 1970 and the days of high school street parties and souped-up muscle cars that roared down the road.

Pickard Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Corbin currently has on display a rare version of the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, reminiscent of the muscle car era. The most exciting feature of this recreated legend from nearly 40 years ago is that one lucky person will win it, thanks to a special raffle for charity.

The Challenger SRT8 is HEMI Orange Pearl with black stripes and is powered by a beastly 425 horsepower 6.1 liter HEMI V8. It also features a canted center console, navigation system, and 13-speaker KICKER SRT audio system with AM/FM, six-disc DVD, MP3, and SIRIUS Satellite Radio.

The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 was engineered with a focus on the five pillars of every SRT vehicle: bold exterior design that resonates with the brand image, a race-inspired interior, world-class ride and handling across a dynamic range, a standout powertrain, and benchmark braking.

Dodge launched the idea of the rebirth of the Challenger during the 2006 Detroit Auto Show as a concept car. Dodge has built just 6,400 units for sale in the United States for the 2008 model year, and each will have a limited-edition numbered plaque on the dashboard to warrant its authenticity as a rare vehicle. All 6,400 units have been pre-sold by dealers across the country.

Retail value of the raffle car for charity is just under $42,000. Due to limited initial production numbers, many Challengers across the United States have sold for considerably more than their sticker prices.

Raffle tickets for the car are on sale now at all participating Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky Dodge dealers. Raffle tickets are priced at $5 each or six for $25.

Proceeds from the raffle will be donated to The Salvation Army, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, and Make-A-Wish Foundation. The raffle drawing will take place in November 2008.

For more information contact Pickard Chrysler at 528-6681 or to get a closer look at the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, visit the showroom on Cumberland Gap Parkway in Corbin.