A Significant Piece of Racing Heritage

A notable Dodge Intrepid stock car, which played a pivotal role in the manufacturer’s high-profile return to the premier division of NASCAR, has surfaced on the auction block at BringATrailer. This vehicle represents a unique opportunity for collectors to own a tangible segment of modern motorsports development history.


Origins and Development

The vehicle dates back to the year 2000, when Dodge was laying the groundwork for its comeback to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2001. The tube-frame chassis was engineered by Ronnie Hopkins Engineering as a critical component of the development program. This initiative was spearheaded by Ray Evernham, with NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott serving as a central figure in the testing and refinement process.

Dodge’s reentry into top-tier stock car racing was a major industry milestone, ending an absence that had lasted since the late 1970s. Evernham Motorsports was the focal point of these efforts, tasking the team with crafting the Intrepid machines that would eventually grace the track for the official return.


Condition and Provenance

The car currently sports a vibrant red No. 9 Dodge Dealers/Evernham Motorsports livery, representative of its appearance during the experimental phase. It retains the quintessential early 2000s NASCAR aesthetic, featuring authentic headlight decals, cooling ducts, and a prominent rear wing. Unlike many retired race cars that end up as static displays, this unit has been consistently maintained and track-tested by its current owner, who acquired it directly from Bill Elliott in 2021.


Technical Specifications

Under the hood, the Intrepid is equipped with a 5.8-liter naturally aspirated Dodge R5 V8 racing engine, which sends power through a Jerico four-speed manual gearbox. The engine, originally constructed by Ernie Elliott, was professionally rebuilt in 2022 by Fred Lankford. According to provided documentation, the powertrain is capable of delivering 808 horsepower and 537 pound-feet of torque. The owner confirms that the engine has logged approximately 16 hours of track time since the overhaul.


Race-Ready Features

The vehicle is fully outfitted for the track, featuring:

  • Aero racing wheels wrapped in Goodyear Eagle slick tires
  • Brembo front braking system and AP Racing rear calipers
  • A professional-grade roll cage
  • Dual ButlerBuilt racing seats and Simpson harnesses
  • A cockpit-mounted 10,000-rpm tachometer

The interior also features a dashboard autographed by Bill Elliott, further solidifying the car’s pedigree. Recent maintenance includes the installation of new brake rotors, pads, and fully resealed calipers.


A Rare Collector's Opportunity

Given the scarcity of vehicles tied to Dodge’s NASCAR resurgence—specifically those with direct links to both Evernham and Elliott—this listing is expected to draw significant interest. The combination of historical documentation, racing lineage, and operational status makes this Intrepid an exceptional find for Mopar enthusiasts and NASCAR historians alike. The auction for this piece of automotive history is set to close on May 31.