Get ready, folks – this is something entirely different!
What’s your definition of an epic road trip? For some, it’s crossing state lines to visit family. For others, it might be that legendary coast-to-coast journey across America. But while you’re measuring your road trips in states or time zones, Keith Sinclair measures his in oceans and continents. His idea of a casual drive? Taking his Plum Crazy Purple Challenger across the Atlantic, through 18 countries, across three continents, racking up 17,500 miles of adventure through terrain no muscle car was ever truly meant to see.
The journey started with a shipping container in New Jersey and a dream most would dismiss as impossible. Keith Sinclair’s 2016 Scat Pack Challenger made the month-and-a-half voyage across the Atlantic, arriving in Paris to begin an adventure that would span continents. While some questioned the sanity of taking a muscle car across thousands of miles halfway around the world from their home, Sinclair knew that being “Plum Crazy” was precisely what the world needed.
“I wanted to find a way to combine my love for the modern Dodge Challenger, muscle cars, my camping/nature passion and connecting with people from other cultures,” Sinclair explains. This combination led to some unique solutions, including ditching traditional overlanding equipment in favor of a simple hammock setup. “I never slept in a hammock before starting this trip … and I never regretted it once. Unbelievably comfortable.”
His journey began in northern France, where Sinclair’s Challenger arrived by container ship after a month-and-a-half voyage from New Jersey. The start wasn’t without its hiccups. A French receiving company kept his container in their yard for an extra four days, disrupting his carefully laid plans. “In hindsight, things tend to work out,” Sinclair reflects. “I spent more time in France than expected and had some wonderful experiences.” Those experiences began at the iconic Mont Saint-Michel, where he spent his first night camping beside the famous castle on the water.
From there, he carved a path through Western Europe, hitting the Swiss Alps despite the spring snow closures, exploring the French Alps and discovering Italy – which would become his favorite country of the journey. “If anyone could make a road trip through Italy in their car, they will have an incredible time. It’s just so diverse,” he enthuses. He found Slovenia an unexpected gem through the Balkans, with its beautiful capital and well-maintained roads defying common Western misconceptions about the region. His path continued through Croatia, Montenegro and Albania before reaching Greece, where island-hopping in a Plum Crazy Purple Challenger with American plates caused quite a stir among tourists.
Turkey proved to be another highlight, though it was rushed due to schedule changes. In Sinclair’s opinion, “The Mediterranean side of Turkey is more pretty than Greece, which a lot of people don’t know about, and it’s very safe.” From there, he ventured into Central Asia, encountering everything from pristine Alpine passes to rugged Tajikistan backroads. Along the way, he’d discover that his American passport, rather than causing problems, would often be a source of excitement for local officials, even if his bright purple muscle car occasionally raised eyebrows at checkpoints.
The Challenger, with its unmistakable Plum Crazy Purple paint and HEMI® engine under the hood, proved to be the perfect choice for bridging cultures across continents. While some would question using this car for such a journey, Sinclair’s choice was inspired – the Challenger became a rolling catalyst for joy and connection. “It is tough to fathom driving a Challenger on these roads,” Sinclair recalls, describing a particularly memorable stretch along the Afghanistan border. “You’re ripping this perfectly asphalted road, and there’s military personnel walking along the border who just see this muscle car ride by them. They’re just smiling, waving – seeing this spaceship from another galaxy.” This scene would play out countless times throughout his journey, with the Challenger transforming from mere transportation into a vessel of unexpected happiness, breaking down barriers with nothing more than its presence and the unmistakable 392-cubic-inch rumble.
The journey wasn’t without its challenges. In Tajikistan, the Challenger’s clutch gave out in a remote village of 1,500 people. The local mechanic, who had never worked on an American car, improvised a repair by bonding new friction material to the clutch plates using parts from old Russian cars. “For about 200 kilometers, it was almost impossible to shift,” Sinclair laughs. “I was starting in second gear because I couldn’t even use first or reverse.” Shifting became more manageable after a bit of wearing in, and he regained full use of the gearbox. Imagine being on the other side of the world with no way to pop into a dealer or parts store and having to fix your clutch!
Fuel quality and availability posed another constant concern. While Western Europe offered high-octane gas at eye-watering prices (“about $140 to fill the tank”), Central Asian countries presented a different challenge. “Tajikistan basically doesn’t have 91 or 93 octane fuel,” Sinclair notes. “You can get 87; as you get into more developed areas, you might find 91.” Armed with octane booster gifted by some motorcyclists, he pressed on.
One of the most powerful aspects of the journey wasn’t about the mechanical challenges or even the stunning roads – it was about human connection. The back window of Sinclair’s Challenger displayed “Love Everyone,” written in the languages of all 18 countries he visited. “Locals would call over their friends and point it out … they really liked seeing it in their own language,” he reflects. “The love they share with people they don’t even know is unbelievable. This is how the world is.”
Throughout Western Europe, the Balkans, Turkey and Central Asia, the Challenger served as more than transportation – it became a catalyst for joy and cultural exchange. “There are so many misconceptions in mainstream media,” Sinclair observes. “Most people are hospitable, kind and happy to see tourists.”
Currently, the Challenger waits in Almaty, Kazakhstan, while Sinclair contemplates the next leg of his journey, possibly including Japan, Taiwan and Pakistan. With potential modifications like a lift kit and more rugged suspension in mind, this Plum Crazy Purple ambassador might not be done spreading its message of horsepower and camaraderie across the globe.
“I would never use another car for a trip like this,” Sinclair concludes. “Sure, there are some roads I couldn’t take and some camping spots I couldn’t reach, but I don’t believe I missed out on anything. The joy shared between people when gathered next to this car – it just amplified everything.”
From the Swiss Alps to the Tajikistan borderlands, this Challenger and its owner proved that sometimes the most unlikely vehicle can create the most unforgettable journey. This is more than just a road trip, it became a rolling testament to human connection, proving that a love for cars can transcend cultural boundaries and bring people together, one unexpected appearance at a time.
Take a look at Keith’s Instagram for a deeper look into his journey.
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