Quentin Tarantino may refer to Death Proof as “the worst movie I ever made,” but the 2007 cult classic remains a beloved tribute to the muscle car films of the 1970s. Tarantino’s commitment to reintroducing a sense of realism to Hollywood’s chaotic car chase scenes is noteworthy. Now, you have the chance to own a piece of this cinematic legacy: the 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T driven by the film’s three lead characters during their intense showdown with Kurt Russell’s character, Stuntman Mike.
The term “used” here is quite fitting. The Challenger shows its history with dings, dents, and scratches accumulated during the chase sequences, along with modifications suited for filming, such as altered front seats and camera brackets mounted on the chassis. To facilitate a thrilling stunt, window frames were added to the top of the doors, allowing stuntwoman Zoe Bell to secure herself for the iconic “Ship’s Mast” scene.
Although Grindhouse fans note that the car portrayed in the film is a 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 440 Magnum—a nod to the vehicle seen in Vanishing Point—Tarantino’s team worked some filming magic, making this 1971 model serve as a convincing stand-in.
Under the hood, the car retains its original 6.3-liter, 383 Magnum V8 engine, which has been well-maintained and now features various new parts. According to the eBay listing, the transmission operates smoothly, and the electrical system has been fully refurbished. Additionally, a new fuel tank and exhaust system will keep unwanted gasoline odors to a minimum.
This Hollywood vehicle comes with a fascinating backstory. The Challenger is being offered by Movie Cars Central, a European-based collection specializing in famous film cars. The team discovered this particular car in a garage in Australia while working on an unrelated restoration of the Mad Max Interceptor.
In a YouTube video linked to the listing, the previous owner recounts how he inadvertently acquired this piece of movie history. In early 2007, after filming for Death Proof had wrapped but before its release, a friend imported the Challenger sight unseen. Upon its arrival in Australia, the car’s poor condition led the friend to be disappointed, prompting the previous owner to buy it, envisioning it as a potential restoration project.
It wasn’t until months later that he recognized its significance after seeing the car featured in a trailer for the film. Realizing its value, he decided to keep the car in its current state, hoping to sell it to someone who would appreciate its cinematic history rather than making the same oversight he had. Movie Cars Central quickly acquired the Challenger, offering you the chance to make it yours. However, interested buyers should act fast—bidding has already surpassed $13,000, with five days left to go.
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