It’s nice that the Dodge Challenger’s reputation rests on two generations far removed from each other in time, yet both loved about equally (before anyone says it, I know that the Mitsubishi-based Challenger of 1978-83 has its fans, too). Still, there’s nothing like a muscle-bound ponycar from the early 1970s, and although this particular Challenger started life with a 318, it now has a rebuilt 340 under the hood. No Challenger is going to be a sleeper, but without the scoops and stripes that many examples have sprouted over the years, it talks somewhat more softly, at least until you turn the key. Brisk bidding on eBay has taken this convertible to $29,680 with a week to go on the auction, and if you’re looking to drive your new prize home, it’s located in Pompano Beach, Florida.

The fender tag will come with the car, although for some reason, it was not reattached after being removed for a paint job, I assume. It reaffirms that the Challenger originally came with a 230-horsepower 318 and a TorqueFlite 904 automatic, in addition to B5 Blue paint (also known as “Brite Blue”). The car has been repainted at some point in a darker B7 Blue (the aptly named “Dark Blue”).

While the original 318 will come with the car, it has been replaced with a “strong rebuilt 340 engine” and matching transmission (we’ll assume it’s a 727 TorqueFlite). No details on the build are given, but a factory 340 was rated at 275 horsepower, although that was notoriously conservative; the NHRA refactored it almost immediately at over 300 horsepower. Also notice that there are no power brakes, although the seller points out that the front brakes are discs. Additionally, the differential has been upgraded to an 8 3/4″ unit with 3.55:1 gears. Judging by the air conditioning equipment on the passenger inner fender and firewall, this car came from the factory with air (I think there’s an “H51” on the fender tag, but it’s obscured by a shadow, and the dashboard controls are correct for an air-conditioned car). The compressor is in the trunk with some other original parts.

The interior shots are all a little darker than I’d like to see; it’s hard to determine the condition, although nothing stands out as being alarming. It does have a console and a floor shifter (although I can’t quite see the shifter itself).

Here’s the trunkful of parts, including the aforementioned AC compressor and original air cleaner.

The 1970-74 Challenger still looks just right, and with only 2,165 1971 convertibles built in the final year of production for that body style, it’s a fairly uncommon car. Even though this one isn’t exactly factory stock, it is going to be a little more fun with that giant-killer 340 under the hood and deep gears out back; besides, who wouldn’t want to drop the power top and listen to that small-block rumble?