The Challenger was Dodge’s entry into the previously lucrative “pony car” market. But they were the last manufacturer to get there (in 1970) and demand for muscle cars (and related) began to drop just about the time the Challenger arrived. It shared its new E-body platform with the Plymouth Barracuda, but none of the sheet metal. The seller’s Mopar is from 1971 and is a restored Challenger 340 in its original color, Hemi Orange. Located in Ormond Beach, Florida, this nicely done small-block performer is available here on eBay where $40,100 is not enough to crack the seller’s reserve.
Dodge had reason for optimism when nearly 77,000 Challengers were sold in 1970. But the next year, demand dropped to 26,000, with the Barracuda experiencing a similar decline. Rising insurance premiums and tightening emissions controls helped drive the downward spiral. By 1974, Dodge could only peddle about 11,000 Challengers, so both of Chrysler’s pony cars were retired (the Challenger name would return later, but not the Barracuda). The Challenger 340 helped keep the fires flamed as it offered some degree of muscle without the insurance scrutiny of a big-block R/T.
As the story goes, this Challenger was “taken apart” more than 40 years ago and kept in dry storage until a year ago. That’s when the seller came along and went to work restoring it to the car’s earlier glory. With the 340 engine, 4-speed manual transmission, and Hemi Orange paint, we’re told this machine is just 1 of 35 assembled the way you see it. All the sheet metal is said to be original and minimal rust was found on the car during its rehabilitation.
We’re told this vehicle is fully documented, including the broadcast sheet and fender tag (I don’t like it when the latter is removed and photographed separately). Everything here is said to be numbers matching, adding further to the desirability of the automobile. The finished product was unveiled recently, and less than 200 miles have been added to the 85,000 already on the odometer since then. The seller opted to replace the drum brakes with front disc brakes during the restoration. The was tweaked slightly during the rebuild.
The front end of the automobile has been rebuilt, too, and the 3:23 Sure Grip rear differential is original to the Dodge. The AM radio was replaced by a stereo with four speakers. The seller only included two photos from the restoration process but says he/she has lots more and you just need to ask. The Challenger and E-body Barracudas are hot commodities these days and there’s no reason to think this car won’t command some big bucks.
What is it that people think will happen if they show a pic of their car’s plates?
I agree. But people think that you can find the cars address/location online by looking up the plate, and think people will go there and just steal the car. It happened maybe a few times, and now everyone is scared to put it out there.
Stinking thieves! They are making life hard for all of us honest hard working wheel turners! I live down a long dirt (or rock, depending on where you’re from) road, and all of the residents’ mailboxes are at the end of the road, and every so often I will come out to the main road and see all the boxes open, and mail scattered all over the place. Then about a half mile down the road you’ll see empty packages where they’ve cleaned out the contents and chucked the boxes in the ditch…but enough about that, this car is a real gem! Love those 340 cars! My buddy with the 69 Dart GT,340 4 speed, could attest to that! And pin you to your seat!
A VIN# search can do that.
I’ve wondered the same thing. It’s not like you can cover it up when your out on the road where everybody can see it.
This Challenger is very nice!
Numbers matching, restored and documented makes this a big winner – what am I missing?
Beautiful to my eyes, and how they did not take this one post restoration on the road in 40 years is impressive.
I do not know a great deal about Mopars but it looks like
all the many details were were
Apparently a great deal of care has been given to it over these many years.
Ok, so a brake booster may have helped here with the front disc upgrade – but changes are often very sensitive to driveability in that department.
Where will all the many pluses take this to, in this market ??
Beautiful.
Here is a legit Mopar!! Worth the money which can go to $50,000 . If your looking for a real close to stock Challenger this is it. I had a friend who had a 71 Challenger 340 convertible. Same dash and it was a 4 speed. Very nice clean Mopar. It’s getting harder to find good clean Mopar’s. Note… Engine color should be Hemi orange . 1972 started the corporate blue on the engines. Unless this was a late production code it may be correct. Good luck to the seller and to the next owner. 🐻🇺🇸
Hi Big Bear, incorrect about blue 340 starting in ’72, they were orange until end of March ’71, starting in April ’71 the 340’s were painted light Blue. According to the fender tag this was built May 3rd so blue is correct.
Insurance Dodge’r it is….sweet and a rare one at that.
The pictures on eBay are awesome!
Tried to ask a question about the car’s engine…..good old e-bag refused to let me sign in…..super difficult to get info……
Ended at $45,100, Reserve Not Met.