51014 sold last week at auction in Detroit. It sold for a ridiculous price, about $2000 more than like condition SRT's have been selling at salvage auction. It is obvious that it was purchased to be rebuilt and resold. Here are a couple things to keep in mind if it does show up for sale.

First I think the insurance company played games with their valuations for the auction. They listed an actual cash value of $16,800 which is a good figure for a 25,000 mile car that was as clean as this one. But they listed a repair cost of only $8500. Who totals a car for a 50% damage ratio? This makes it very attractive for a rebuilder, it also nets more auction proceeds for the insurer. I know this vehicle had far more damage than that, and if rebuilt, would be suspect to me. From my dealings with wrecked Crossfires, I have learned to see subtle clues in the pictures. Here is what damage I know existed.

Front fascia
DS foglight
DS headlight
Inner DS lower splash shield and access cover
Belly pan
DS front fender
PS front inner splash shield
PS lower side skirt
PS under car jack pads
Possibly light damage to PS front fender
Complete PS front suspension and brakes
PS rear suspension control arms
Possibly front sway bar
Steering center link and tie rod end for PS
Wheel/center cap/tire for PS and DS front, also PS rear.

That is the obvious damage. Now the not so obvious damage.

The curb impact shattered the entire front PS rim so only the center and stubs of the spokes were left. Also the PS rear wheel had a substantial dent into the rim. The DS front rim also had a dent in it. The PS front is the concern. The impact was great enough to have twisted the body over 1.5 inch, with PS front twisted upward. I know this because in the pictures I could see the PS dash showing twist, the glove box door becomes misaligned, the outer side cover with airbag switch popped open, and the air vent popped out of the dash. That much twist in the structure will be very difficult if not impossible to straighten. Plus the PS front suspension mounts would be pushed back slightly. The other missing piece of info was provided by the owner, he stated on here that the curb got the oil pan. The auction listed it as a start/run engine. This means a very good possibility the engine was started and ran without oil depending on how badly the oil pan was damaged. I would assume if owner saw it, it was because the oil leaked out everywhere. The auctions do not check for any damage they simply start the car and see if it runs.

If this unit shows up for sale, I would be very cautious in even considering it as a rebuilt vehicle. Yes it had some unique parts on it, but it was definitely not worth what the final bid was. I hope this one was a fluke and not an indicator the SRT prices for salvage have taken a dramatic leap. If so, it means used parts prices will start trending up faster than expected.

 

Hey Tim..Don't forget me on a good condition Crossfire hood before the auction price trend goes up. Need one for my summer time mod. Squirrel Crusher