Sam Krahn 
Last week, we reported on auction results for a 2017 Holden HSV GTSR W1 Maloo Ute, the end of the run for the Holden’s iconic performance vehicles. Australian buyers definitely saw how special the LS9 powered half pickup half muscle car was, hence the converted $855,655 sale price. While that vehicle certainly has many fans in the US, including us, it’s safe to say that price is out of reach for most people. Luckily, another ute has popped up for auction, and it should be far more accessible. Currently on Bring a Trailer is a 2006 Dodge Charger R/T ute conversion, and we want it. Badly.
The build started with a typical black 2006 Dodge Charger R/T, which means a 5.7 liter Hemi V8 is paired to a five speed automatic gearbox, pushing 340 hp and 390 lbs ft of torque. But in 2018, the Dodge Charger was transformed by Smyth Performance into the ute you see here.
Obviously, everything from the B pillar back is changed. Behind the doors, the rear window surround and rear fenders are all fiberglass, and the chassis is reinforced with aluminum components to keep the structural integrity in check. The ute bed is lined with corrugated metal to strike the right balance of weight and durability, and it features under floor storage. Around the steel tailgate, it uses Dodge Grand Caravan taillights to complete the pickup look, if those looked familiar to you.
The Dodge Charger ute’s looks and handling are beefed up with Eibach lowering springs and Koni dampers, and the Hellcat inspired chrome wheels modernize the design very nicely. They’re also wider than the standard wheels this Charger would have had, and are wrapped in Lexani LX-Thirty tires. While the handling should be modernized and improved, the same can’t be said of the engine, or especially the five speed slush box. Hellcat powered, six speed manual Dodge Charger ute anyone?
The same goes for the interior, which is in good condition, but unmodified from how it left the showroom in 2006. Still, this Dodge Charger has dual zone climate and heated and power seats.
The Charger has five days left in the Bring a Trailer auction, and is currently going for $8,500. If you’re looking for a unique vehicle that pairs pickup practicality with muscle car performance, this is it. Additionally, Smyth Performance sells ute conversions for everything from a Dodge Charger like this to the Subaru WRX and VW Jetta, so you can even make your own if you desire out of a range of vehicles.
