383 Upgrade: 1971 Dodge Charger

Thanks to its paint shade and larger wheels, this 1971 Dodge Charger makes a bold visual statement. It appears to be a rock-solid classic, but the star of the show could be the upgraded 383ci V8 hiding under its hood. It should give this classic muscle car credentials, ensuring that it doesn’t ask for respect; It commands it. It is a turnkey proposition, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Charger listed here on eBay in Fremont, California. The seller set their BIN at $33,500 with the option to make an offer.

Dodge introduced its Third Generation Charger for the 1971 model year. While it retained its predecessor’s mechanical package, the company adopted the “fuselage” styling that was a hallmark of several Chrysler marques at this time. Interestingly, the new look gave the car a greater sense of presence, although Chrysler’s Dealer Specifications documentation confirmed that the wheelbase and overall length were slightly shorter than those of the Second Generation offering. The seller is an enthusiast who has chosen to downsize their collection by parting with this first-year example. They don’t provide any history, but the car appears presentable for those seeking a driver-grade classic. The Bright Red paint holds a nice shine, contrasted by the Black stripes. With no close-up shots, it is difficult to spot any cosmetic shortcomings.  The panels are straight, and if the Charger has spent its time in its current location, it may have avoided the scourge of penetrating rust. There is surface corrosion visible in the listing’s sole underside shot, but nothing that appears to be a problem. The trim and glass are in good condition, and the aftermarket wheels suit the car’s character.

Decoding this Charger’s VIN confirms that the car isn’t numbers-matching. It left the line powered by a 318ci V8, which would have delivered 230hp and 320 ft/lbs of torque. I have never found an enthusiast who says that they wish their classic had less power, because more is almost always better. That seems to be the philosophy behind this Charger, because its engine bay houses a 383ci V8. The rest of the drivetrain includes a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission and power steering. However, consistent with the performance boost from the motor upgrade, this Charger now features power-assisted Wilwood brakes. The seller doesn’t provide information on engine specifications, but if Dodge’s official figures are a guide, it should be considerably faster than when it rolled off the lot. The seller confirms that they recently flushed the cooling system and brakes and treated the car to a tune-up to deliver peak performance. They say the motor is strong, indicating that the Charger is a turnkey proposition.

If potential buyers are seeking a tidy, driver-grade classic, this Charger’s interior ticks that box. Trimmed in Tan vinyl, there are no rips, splits, or other issues. The carpet is clean, and there are no issues with the dash or pad. The car retains its original AM radio, but an aftermarket radio/cassette player is mounted below the dash. I’m not a fan of the additional gauges, and I would probably either “lose” or relocate them if I became the new owner. Otherwise, the interior has no genuine needs.

One of the greatest strengths of the classic scene is that almost every car will divide opinions. That is how I feel about this 1971 Dodge Charger. I have always admitted that I am not a fan of the “fuselage” styling the company adopted for its Third Generation version, believing that it isn’t as elegant as either of its predecessors. However, that is a personal opinion, and you may disagree strongly with my view. I respect your opinion if that is the case, because beauty is in the eye of the beholder. You might consider this Charger particularly attractive, with the upgraded V8 as the icing on the cake. If so, are you tempted to pursue this classic further? I would like to wish you luck if you do.