The new Dodge Charger Daytona EV is just reaching dealers and yet, someone has already taken one and chopped its head off. That someone is Florida-based coachbuilder, DropTop Customs, the same company known for cutting up Challengers and making the custom-built convertible variants that Dodge refused to make.
The coachbuilding firm posted its latest efforts on its social mediums to showcase what appears to be the world’s first and only Charger Daytona EV convertible. But more so, this custom drop-top Charger Daytona also takes the title as the only all-electric four-seater convertible available on sale today.
DropTop Customs Makes It Like The Good ‘Ol Days
DropTop’s custom Charger Daytona looks like it started life as a normal, production R/T model in Bludicrous on Black leatherette. But in usual fashion, the company then completely cut the roof off at the shoulder line and ahead of the front windshield, adding the option for a million miles worth of headroom. They didn’t stop there, however, as in typical fashion, the team’s fabricators fitted their own bespoke and tailored folding power softtop.
Obviously, such a feat is no small undertaking, requiring a ton of bodywork and custom fabrication to make it all work. And it appears this latest example is a work-in-progress. As one can see, with the trunk lid, some panel gaps aren’t quite lining up. However, because it’s such a major project, it’s not abormal to see the results go through various runs of trial and error. So, we’ll chalk that one up to the potential result of being a pre-production prototype.
Additionally, when one chops the roof off of a vehicle, it significantly compromises the structural rigidity of the chassis, which is why some automakers just don’t do it themselves. It requires a ton of reengineering and redesigning to reinforce a vehicle’s chassis when no roof exists. If the project costs too much R&D money to make a business case out of it, it simply just isn’t feasible.
Regardless, the brunt of the project is there, and it looks like DropTop Customs has the overall arrangement down pat. And if you ask us, the latest Charger’s design and pronounced shoulders do well to embrace the roofless modification.
DropTop Customs made a name for itself for its custom-built Challenger convertibles. And they were so darn good, Dodge contracted the company to produce a limited number of factory-sanctioned examples for its final 2023 model year. Those commanded an additional $26,000 over the Challenger’s original MSRP, depending on the model.
Although Dodge never officially made a Charger convertible from the factory, the company did produce a convertible version of the first-generation OG Challenger from 1970-1974. The Charger was always a two-door hardtop coupe, until the last two sixth- and seventh- generations, which were four-door sedans.
So, while a Charger convertible isn’t quite directly in line with Dodge’s previous model heritage, this custom DropTop Charger Daytona will be the closest thing to the original open-air Challenger.
Similar to the convertible Challengers prior, Dodge hasn’t hinted at any desire to make an official version out of its latest Charger Daytona. But if you want to relive the good ‘ol days of big, four-seat open-top boulevard cruisers, this is one way to potentially get a modern rendition of it.
Source: Facebook – DropTop Customs
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