A garage can only hold so many cars, and it can be difficult to hone in on which one to add next. What makes one car more worthy than another is obviously up to the individual, but a car that represents either the start or the end of an era might give it a bit more appeal. Of course, any vehicle with low miles that’s in original condition and well cared for will also rise to the top. Here are three such examples that sold this week on Hagerty Marketplace.
Going back to its roots, Shelby American modified S197 V-8 Mustangs to create a more visceral Mustang experience in the Shelby GT. These coupes and convertibles featured the same intake, exhaust, and tune used on the Shelby GT-H that also returned for 2006. The upgrades increased the output of the SOHC 4.6-liter V-8 from an even 300 hp to 319. Also like the GT-H models, this particular Shelby, with just 12,126 miles, was treated to suspension and handling upgrades including performance shocks, sway bars, a strut tower brace, and springs that lowered the car 1.5 inches. Finally, the rear axle was upgraded with 3.55:1 gears to make even better use of the V-8’s 330 lb-ft of torque.
Cadillac’s Pininfarina-penned, Italian-bodied Allanté represented a big swing by GM at more exclusive and expensive imports. Allanté bodies were built in Italy and flown to the U.S. via Boeing 747 for final assembly in Detroit. Powered by a 170-hp, 4.1-liter V-8 upon its debut in 1987, the car was later upgraded with a larger, 4.5-liter version that produced 200 hp. Cadillac sold just over 210,000 of the two-seat convertibles over the car’s seven-year lifespan. Unfortunately, only the final-year cars, built in 1993, came equipped with the 295-hp, 4.6-liter, 32-valve Northstar V-8.
This is one of those desirable Northstar cars. One of the final examples of the model, this white and maroon droptop has just 36,361 miles and two previous owners. It is in remarkable shape, with just a few minor imperfections in the finish and upholstery.
The Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Jailbreak is one of the most powerful V-8 sedans ever built, and, although we haven’t conducted extensive research, its name must be in the running for the longest in automotive history, bested by its Challenger stablemate but not much else. Dodge famously stretched out the Challenger and Charger Hellcat’s swan song, but at least it offered some of the most powerful and meanest-looking versions until the very end, like this one.
Let’s dig into that name. We all know that Hellcat means a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V-8. Initially good for 707 hp, the Redeye version bumped that already impressive output to 808 hp. “Widebody” means fender flares and wider rubber all around, a welcome addition when trying to put that much power to the tarmac. Finally, “Jailbreak” means that those final Challenger and Charger models could be equipped with a wider range of options that earlier buyers weren’t offered. This specific example, finished in sinister Destroyer Gray, is equipped with launch control with line lock, Black/Demonic Red seats, and a suede headliner, among many well-chosen options. With just 2600 miles on the odometer, it’s almost as if the Hellcat’s “Last Call” never happened.
