The third generation of the Dodge Boys’ Charger was introduced in 1971, using a new split grille and a more rounded “fuselage” body. Sales increased by more than 25 percent over the prior year, so the changes apparently were popular with buyers. This example in Bright Blue with a half-vinyl top appears to be a beautiful survivor in SE trim with a 383 cubic inch, 300 hp Hi-Perf V8. The mileage may be as low as 58,000 and the car’s general condition suggests that it is. Bakersfield, California is where the car is located and it’s available here on craigslist for $30,000. Thanks again, MattR, for finding this tip for us!
Targeting a more youthful buyer, the Dodge Charger was based on Chrysler’s mid-size B-platform and ran from 1966 to 1978 before the name was transferred to a Japanese import. For 1971, Dodge merged its Coronet and Charger lines, so all 4-door models were badged as Coronets and all 2-door editions as Chargers. For just the one year, the Super Bee became part of the Charger lineup before disappearing as automakers like Dodge began paring back their muscle car offerings. 1971 would see a temporary march upwards of Charger sales, from 46,000 in 1970 to 58,000 in 1971 and 75,000 in 1972.
The seller of this ’71 Charger SE (Special Edition) is its third owner. We don’t know how long he’s owned it, but all three parties have kept it in top shape. The body and paint look good, but some of the photography is dark or has shadows that do not do the car justice. Sellers should always take their photos with clear skies so all the good, the bad, and the ugly can be seen. In this case, all we see is good, with the possible exception of the trunk lid. There appears to be a big blotch in the center, but we hope that is likely due to lighting or water from a rain shower rather than there actually being an issue. While not specified, it’s possible that this is the car’s original paint.
Inside the passenger compartment, everything looks mighty tidy. The car hardly looks like it has been sat it, another testament to its care over 50 years. The seller makes mention of the car still wearing several items from the first purchase, including its original license plate, dealership plate frame, and the dealership registration cardholder (still affixed to the driver’s sun visor). Once you start the car up, the 383 V8 with a 4-barrel carb and automatic transmission should purr nicely. If I were selling the car, I would have pressure-washed the engine as it’s carrying several years’ worth of grime. For a premium car at a premium price, this would be a plus.
$26,000 should buy you one of these cars in Excellent condition and $34,000 if Concours, according to Hagerty. The seller has priced his car right smack in the middle of that range, which may be no coincidence. This looks to be a beautiful turn-key car to take to shows on the weekends, providing your budget can handle the price of entry. More of these cars are found as rusted out hulks these days rather than exceptional survivors like this one.
I liked these better than the earlier Charger. They just looked nicer. But they were also starting to “de-fang” them for emissions and insurance purposes in 1971.
That was the direction ALL cars were going in the early 70s.
Chrysler hung on a year longer than the other, lesser brands.
The charger name was not transfered to a Japanese import, that was the Challenger name. Charger was just dropped because there were no mor true performance or muscle cars in the line, only to emerge as an option package on the 1981 Omni 024.
Not initially, but by 82 or 83 the charger was a sub-compact turd,with Japanese bones.
That would look great in my garage next to my B5 Blue ’15 Charger R/T Scat Pack. Problem is it may also become my new home….lol. Great looking car definitely something I’d look at down the line.
Great looking Charger. Seems a reasonable ask for a clean, low mileage 383 car with A/C. Surprised it is not gone already.
Back in high school, a neighbor bought a like new ’72 Road Runner that wasn’t terribly different from this car. It was a lime green with green cloth interior with front bench seat, 400, column shift auto, a/c and am/fm stereo. Car was still under warranty and his parents helped him buy it as the 1973 ‘gas crisis’ took a hit.
Prices? In 1978, I recall being offered an immaculate 1974 Challenger, loaded with 360, auto, air, stereo radio, low mileage for $1200. In our social circle, ‘Mr. Road Runner’ had the nicest ride for sure. I lost touch with them long ago – hoping they’re doing well.
Pressure washing has the ability to create electrical gremlins, so I would just leave it alone.
Too bad it’s an automatic, but not surprising since it’s an SE.
With a little bit of care one can clean the engine compartment with some liquid car was soap to detail engine compartment. no word if this is still running points and condenser. Would have been more appealing with Bucket seats and console automatic shift.
I ran across one of these in college, incoming freshman girl brought it. It was absolutely flawless, a gift from her brother. So sad she wouldn’t sell it to me LOL!
This comment is addressed to: Mr. Kevin: In 100981 Chrysler released the Charger name to the Omni 024 L Body Platform. They built a bunch of different variations up to the 1987 model year. So these were off of the American L Body platform built at Chrysler’s Belvidere Assembly Plant Plant 4015 in Belvidere, Illinois. So your comment ” Sub-compact turd with Japanese bones” is not an accurate statement.
Ad still up, I wonder why.
Seems that a cash buyer could bring a pocketful and possibly score a really good deal on what appears to be a solid Charger. Someone should snag this one.
Regretfully, my inn is overfull.