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These rare and exclusive models from Detroit managed to elude most gearheads.
For more than ten decades, Dodge has been in the business of building high-quality vehicles that combine performance with gorgeous designs. From a stable filled with rugged pickups and sleek family cars, it is the muscle car lineup that gives Dodge a fearsome reputation. Boasting beautiful bodywork and powerful engines, most Dodge muscle cars are well known to enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike.
However, apart from the well-known run-of-the-mill Chargers and Challengers, Dodge also has many unique special edition muscle cars to its name. In addition to features that make them stand out from the pack, most of them also came in extremely short supply. Created to satisfy the most ardent muscle car connoisseurs, they are also highly sought after by collectors. The cars on this list are some of the hottest special edition models ever to roll off Dodge's production line. So, read on for a review of these muscle cars that only hardcore gearheads know about.
From 1968 to 1970, the Super Bee was a package on the Dodge Coronet lineup. In 1971 however, it was moved to the Charger lineup, where it was marketed as the low-priced model. The 1971 Super Bee was offered with a choice of several power options.
However, only 22 Super Bees were fitted with the mighty 7-liter Hemi V8 power mill. Power was sent to the wheels by either a four-speed manual transmission or a Torqueflite automatic. The 1971 Super Bee Hemi is a rare and highly collectible muscle car, featuring a wrap-around chrome bumper, special paint, and decals.
Returning for the 2006 model year after a long absence, the Dodge Charger was a four-door sedan offered in several trim levels. At the top of the lineup was the performance-focused SRT-8 model. Under the hood, it sported a 6.1-liter Hemi V8 mill hooked to a 5-speed automatic transmission.
Rated at 425 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, it sent the SRT-8 to 60 mph in about five seconds. It rolled on a sports-tuned suspension and 20-inch forged wheels, while the interior featured red accent stitching and heated front bucket seats.
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Unveiled in November 2014 for the 2015 model year, the Charger Hellcat was not created for the faint of heart. Backed by 707 ponies and 650 lb-ft of torque from a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8, it was the world's fastest production four-door sedan.
It is capable of hitting 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, clearing the quarter-mile in 11 seconds, and maxing out at a claimed 204 mph. Although the mediocre cabin materials may be a letdown, the Charger Hellcat more than balanced it out with aggressive styling and out worldly performance.
The SRT Demon is a widebody extreme performance variant of the 2018 Challenger SRT Hellcat. Under the hood, it sports a 6.2-liter Hemi V8 mill hooked to a 2.7-liter supercharger. To unlock its full 840 hp and 770 lb-ft of fury, one needs the red key fob and 100 octane race fuel.
Rolling on a set of unique rubbers, the Demon clears the quarter-mile in 9.65 seconds at an insane 140-mph trap speed. It launches so hard that it can perform a wheelie - the first production car to do so.
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With the discontinuation of the Challenger SRT Demon for 2019, Dodge created another drag strip special in the Scat Pack 1320. Fitted with gear borrowed from the SRT Demon and a set of drag radial tires, the 1320 provides a more pocket-friendly straight-line thrill.
Power is supplied by Chrysler's 6.4-liter Hemi V8 mill hooked to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The setup sends 485 hp and 476 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. Properly harnessed, it can send the 1320 through the quarter-mile in 11.7 seconds at 115 mph.
To best the competition on the drag strip, manufacturers in the early '60s were dropping their largest engines in ordinary production models. Combined with upgraded suspension components, wider tires, and weight loss measures, specialized dragsters were created. The 330 Ramcharger was a drag racing champion created by cramming a 7-liter Ramcharger V8 mill in the 1963 Dodge 330.
Fed by two four-barrel carburetors and boasting a 13.5:1 compression ratio, the engine was good for an output of 425 hp. Thanks to its low weight and powerful engine, the 1963 330 Ramcharger was basically a race car for the streets.
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The Trans Am was part of the Challenger lineup for its introductory model year. Developed for SCCA Trans-Am racing, it rode on a heavy-duty suspension. It ran on a 5.6-liter V8 engine fed by three double-barrel Holley carburetors sitting on an aluminum intake manifold.
Although it was officially rated at 290 hp and 345 lb-ft, it is believed to have made more than that. With this, zero to 60 mph happened in 5.8 seconds, while the quarter mile was crossed in 14.3 seconds. Unfortunately, this gorgeously styled muscle car was discontinued after 1970 due to high development costs.
The 1968 Dodge Dart GTS 440 was a limited run of a drag strip monster developed with the help of Hurst Performance. While the standard cars ran either on a 5.6-liter V8 or an optional 6.3-liter unit, the 440 got a monstrous 7.2-liter V8 mill.
Rated at 375 hp and 440 lb-ft, it was so massive that there was no space for a brake booster. Hooked to a three-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission, it sent the unassuming Dart across the quarter-mile mark in 12.7 seconds at 112 mph. Sadly, with front-heavy weight distribution and the absence of brake assistance and power steering, it was good for little but drag racing.
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Inspired by the 1970 Dodge Yellow Jacket show car, the 2012 SRT8 392 Yellow Jacket rocked a coat of exclusive Stinger Yellow paint. Under the hood, it had a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 power plant that produces an output of 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque.
Underneath, it sported a two-mode adaptive suspension system that provided better vehicle control. Furthermore, it also got Chrysler's then-new paddle shifter system fixed to a new heated steering wheel. Also on offer was a new sports seat and an 18-speaker 900-watt Harman Kardon sound system.
The Dodge Viper always surfaces in conversations about the most iconic cars from Dodge, and there have been many special editions based on the Viper. When Dodge introduced the 2010 Viper Voodoo Edition, the company was aiming for a track-ready eye-catching beast.
Fitted with an 8.4-liter V10 that's mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, the car could spit out 600 hp and 56- lb-ft of torque. In addition to being powerful, the Voodoo Edition was rare. In fact, only 31 units were produced and each was numbered. The paintwork, race-focused interior, and satisfying grunt all added to its charm.
Jay Moren is a car enthusiast who loves everything with an engine. When he's not writing about cars, he plays the saxophone and keyboard. He also plays as a goalkeeper for a non-league side in his native Nigeria