Bruce Willis’s 1969 Dodge Charger: From Hollywood to South Africa
Bruce Willis is known for his blockbuster movies like Die Hard, but off the screen, he also had a deep love for classic American muscle cars. One of the most memorable cars he owned was a 1969 Dodge Charger, which had a unique story of its own—starting in Hollywood and eventually making its way all the way to South Africa.
A Special Gift from Demi Moore
In 1998, Bruce Willis received a 1969 Dodge Charger as a gift from his then-wife, actress Demi Moore. This wasn’t just any car—it became a favorite in his collection for more than 10 years. With its aggressive look and powerful engine, the car suited Willis’s tough-guy image perfectly.
A Car with Star Power and Muscle
This Charger was modeled after the car from the famous 1968 movie Bullitt, known for one of the best car chase scenes in film history. It had a massive 8.2-liter V8 engine and a three-speed automatic transmission. Its sleek black paint and custom leather interior gave it both style and muscle.
Sold to Jamiroquai’s Jay Kay
In 2008, Willis sold the car to British singer Jay Kay, the lead singer of Jamiroquai and a big car enthusiast. Jay Kay brought the Charger to the UK and spent about £25,000 (around $36,000) on upgrades. He rebuilt the engine and improved the interior, making the car faster and more valuable.
A New Home in South Africa
In 2018, the Charger was auctioned off in the UK for £94,500 (roughly $132,000). It was bought by Gerard de Billot, a car collector from Ballito, South Africa. He restored the car and gave it the nickname “Demi’s Curse” because it had many mechanical issues early on. Even though he’s received offers as high as R5 million (about $295,000), de Billot has chosen to hold on to this rare piece of Hollywood and automotive history.
FAQs
1. Who gave Bruce Willis the 1969 Dodge Charger?
The car was a gift from his then-wife, actress Demi Moore, in 1998.
2. What engine does the Charger have?
It’s powered by an 8.2-liter V8 engine with a three-speed automatic transmission.
3. Who owns the car now?
As of the last update, the car is owned by South African collector Gerard de Billot.
4. Why is it called “Demi’s Curse”?
The new owner gave it that nickname because the car experienced frequent breakdowns after he bought it.
