Jay Leno is famous. However his fame is not simply confined to his talent as a comedian, showman, and knowledgeable car collector. He is also famous for his generosity. And if you need proof of this immense generosity, you need look no further than his recent announcement that he would donate his 2008 Dodge Challenger for auction with the proceeds going to the non-profit United Service Organization (USO).
“I rarely sell any of my vehicles in my personal collection unless it’s for something as important as the USO,” Leno stated. Leno is a longtime USO supporter, performing overseas for stationed U.S. troops several times. The auction being held by the Gooding & Company, will occur in Scottsdale, Arizona Auction on January 17, 2015.
The 2008 Dodge Challenger owned by Jay Leno is not only one really cool musclecar, and according to Car Buzz it’s the very first one of the new generation of Dodge Challengers that received the HEMI V8–an SRT 8 model. Of course Leno got the first one to roll off the production line–he likes to own collectible cars. And that’s why it will no doubt bring a pretty penny when it goes up for auction, helping the USO to continue its efforts to support military families, wounded warriors, troops in transition, and families of the fallen.
Leno’s Dodge Challenger SRT8 features the 6.1-liter HEMI V8 that kicks out 425 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. The powerful ride sits on 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, and includes a unique dash plaque. This first new-generation Dodge Challenger with a V8 is even more special as production that year (2008) was only about 7,000 cars.