43rd 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 to be painted "Petty blue" and auctioned

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While the rights to the first 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 brought $400K at Barrett-Jackson last weekend, we'd rather have the 43rd car built, which will go up on eBay's virtual auction block from February 12 to February 22. Chrysler is working the numerology angle, linking the 43rd Challenger to living legend Richard Petty and the #43 he made famous while driving Mopar stock cars to victory over his long racing career. Pre-qualified bidders will have the opportunity to take home the 43rd Challenger built, which will be the only one finished in B5 Blue in a nod to the Petty Blue (or Corporate Blue) finish that adorned The King's racers. Carbon fiber-look hood stripes, a chrome fuel filler lid and a numbered dash plaque finish this particular one-off appearance package, and the auction winner also gets a VIP Package to this May's Dodge Challenger 500 NASCAR race at Darlington. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the Petty family's Victory Junction Gang Camp, so it's for a good cause. Wanna bid? Go here to get pre-registered.

[Source: Chrysler]

PRESS RELEASE:
No. 43 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Up for Bid on eBay

Auction of No. 43 production 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 to benefit Victory Junction Gang Camp

- The 43rd 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8(R) will sport a one-of-a-kind B5 Blue paint scheme to honor Petty Enterprises and the legendary racing family

- Limited-edition 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 features a 6.1-liter HEMI(R) V-8 engine, one-of-a-kind B5 blue paint scheme, carbon-fiber-like hood stripes, a chrome fuel filler cap and a no. 43 of 6,400 dash plaque

- A VIP race package to the Dodge Challenger 500 NASCAR race at the historic Darlington Raceway in Darlington, S.C. is also included

- No. 1 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 sold for $400,000 at the Barrett- Jackson Collector Car Auction on Jan. 19

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Dodge and the Victory Junction Gang Camp have partnered to auction the 43rd 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8(R) on eBay beginning Feb. 12, 2008. The auction timing coincides with Petty Enterprises celebrating 50 years of racing at Daytona International Speedway.

"As a long-time friend of the Pettys, Dodge is delighted to be able to auction the No. 43 Dodge Challenger SRT8 with all the proceeds going to Victory Junction Gang Camp (VJGC)," said Mike Accavitti, Director -- Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing, Chrysler LLC. "The No. 43 Challenger will be the only 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 to be painted B5 Blue, this certainly will be an added draw for potential bidders and help out VJGC."

"Dodge has been a staple in the Petty Family and we are thrilled to know that they are partnering with Victory Junction and helping send more kids to camp," said Pattie Petty, VJGC Founder.

The all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 features the proven 6.1-liter HEMI(R) V-8 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, a race- inspired interior and an exterior design stays true to Challenger heritage while delivering host of modern features and technologies and "race inspired, street legal" SRT DNA.

Developed by Chrysler's in-house performance engineering organization, 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.

"The original Dodge Challenger was such an awesome car. I'm happy to see Dodge bringing back such a classic. There is only one way to make the release of the new Challenger better," said Kyle Petty. "That is to paint one similar to The King's famous No. 43 and auction it off for the Victory Junction Gang Camp. The Pettys and Dodge have enjoyed a great relationship. It's an honor to work with them on such a worthwhile program because it will give more kids a chance to go to camp."

The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 will make its worldwide debut on Feb. 6, at the Chicago Auto Show.

Interested bidders are required to register with eBay prior to bidding. Registration information can be found at www.ebay.com/challenger43 .

Victory Junction Gang Camp

Victory Junction Gang Camp enriches the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, in a safe and medically- sound environment. Victory Junction Gang Camp was founded by NASCAR driver Kyle Petty and his wife Pattie in honor of their late son Adam.

Victory Junction is a year-round camp that serves children, ages 7 to 15, with a variety of health issues. During the summer they offer week long disease specific sessions with up to 125 kids per session. During the Fall, Winter and Spring they offer family weekends with up to 32 families per weekend. Victory Junction Gang Camp has a racing theme with the sights, sounds, look and feel of a race track! The Camp is comprised of 44 buildings, including the Goody's Body Shop medical center, the Hendrick Motorsports Fuel Stop dining hall, the Silver Theater, the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America water park, Adam's Race Shop, the Michael Waltrip Operation Marathon Sportscenter, Jimmie Johnson's Victory Lanes bowling alley, the Kurt Busch Superdome, Jessie's Horse Power Garage and much more! Victory Junction Gang Camp operates solely on the donations of wonderful corporations, organizations and individuals. Children that attend Victory Junction would not otherwise be able to attend a camp because of their medical needs. For more information on the Victory Junction Gang Camp check out their website at www.victoryjunction.org .

Dodge Brand

With a U.S. market share of 6.4 percent, Dodge is Chrysler LLC's best- selling brand and the fifth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2007, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market. In the highly competitive truck market, Dodge has a 15 percent market share. Recently, Dodge introduced the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan with 35 new or improved features including the newest innovation, the Swivel 'n Go(TM) seating system. Dodge is entering key European volume segments with Nitro, Caliber and Avenger. The all-new 2009 Dodge Journey will debut in 2008 calendar year, and will be available outside North America in both left- and right-hand drive in mid-2008. Also in 2008, Dodge will introduce its modern muscle car the all-new Dodge Challenger.