Since the 1970 and 1971 Dodge Challenger Convertible, if you wanted to buy a drop-top four-seater muscle car from Detroit, you had to stick with Ford or Chevrolet. Both the Mustang and Camaro offer a convertible body style, but curiously the retro-modern Dodge Challenger has only been available as a coupe from the automaker... until now. Though Dodge was never convinced to build a modern Challenger Convertible from the factory, several aftermarket companies have emerged to offer them to eager customers since the car's debut. But for the 2023 model year, Dodge will streamline the process, making it easier than ever to purchase a drop-top Challenger.
Starting in 2022, Dodge dealerships will offer an expedited transportation process for third-party convertible models from a company called Drop Top Customs in High Springs, Florida. Drop Top Customs is the oldest convertible coachbuilder located in the US, so it can be trusted for quality and craftsmanship.
The program opens on August 16 and will include 2022 and 2023 model year Challenger models, including the R/T, R/T Scat Pack, and SRT variants (yes, the Hellcat is available!). Once a customer places the order, the dealership will arrange for the car to travel right off the assembly line at the Brampton Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada, to Drop Top Customs for its custom convertible top. Once the build is complete, the vehicle will be sent to the dealer for a traditional delivery.
The conversion includes a fully hydraulic power soft top, structural reinforcements to reduce body flex, and a heated glass rear window. Based on the photos, the trunk and cabin area appear mostly unencumbered.
"While we hit the throttle towards our new performance path, Dodge is also having fun on this victory lap by celebrating decades of muscle car power," said Tim Kuniskis, Dodge Brand Chief Executive Officer. "What better way to commemorate how far we've come than to make it easier for Dodge Challenger customers to create a throwback convertible look."
Because this is a third-party conversion and not a factory effort, it's not cheap. Pricing starts at $25,999, plus the price of the Challenger. That means the cheapest model will be the R/T, starting at $65,074 ($39,075 plus the price of the convertible conversion). Want an SRT Jailbreak Convertible? That will run you $111,619, nearly the price of a Corvette Z06 Convertible. And that's assuming the dealer doesn't charge any markup on the car because Dodge specifies, "final pricing negotiated and confirmed with dealer."
