UPDATE 10/03/2023: It can be disheartening to list a desirable classic for sale unsuccessfully. Such has been the fate of the owner of this 1971 Dodge Challenger. The seller previously listed it with a BIN of $32,000 to no avail. However, they are taking a different approach this time by following the auction route. This is paying dividends, with the car receiving eighteen bids since it was listed here on eBay. This has pushed the price beyond the reserve to $20,000, meaning the seller is about to experience the taste of success.
09/21/2023: Purchasing a classic car can be a high-risk venture, and history is full of examples of enthusiasts who have been burned by the experience. However, when a seller actively encourages in-person inspections, that is a sign they have faith in their car and have nothing to hide. That is the case with this 1971 Dodge Challenger. It isn’t perfect, but it is a rock-solid vehicle with 94,000 miles on the clock. Its 383ci V8 should provide performance that will satisfy most owners, with signs the seller may have squeezed a few additional ponies from that powerplant. The Challenger is listed here on eBay in Staten Island, New York.
It is disappointing that the seller didn’t supply better images in their listing, making it difficult to assess this Challenger’s condition visually. The original owner ordered the car in Bright White with a Black vinyl top. This classy combination would draw as much attention today as it would have in 1971. The seller describes the paint as nice but not perfect. The impression is that potential buyers should consider it a tidy driver. They indicate rust bubbles are developing under the vinyl, but this is a common issue that shouldn’t be difficult to address if caught early. There are said to be little or no other rust problems, making me wonder whether the imperfections visible in the lower front fender and rear wheel arch on the passenger side are issues with photo quality. This should be easy to determine because the seller actively encourages in-person inspections by interested parties before they commit to hitting the BIN button or making an offer. The chrome and trim look acceptable for a driver-grade classic, and there are no glaring glass problems. The wheels aren’t original, but they suit this car’s character.
The VIN confirms this Challenger rolled off the line equipped with the two-barrel version of the iconic 383ci V8. This powerplant would have sent 275hp and 374 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission. The car features power steering but no such assistance for the brakes. That combination would have yielded a ¼-mile ET of 16.3 seconds, but the visual indications are that this engine may have received a few upgrades to unleash extra performance. There are cosmetic enhancements, an MSD ignition, and what appears to be an Edelbrock intake. That suggests there might also be a better carburetor hiding under the air cleaner, which could push the V8’s power closer to 300hp. This classic has a claimed 94,000 original miles on the clock, although there is no mention of verifying evidence. However, the Challenger runs and drives exceptionally well and should be considered a turnkey proposition.
The seller doesn’t mention documentation supporting their mileage claim, but the Challenger’s interior condition makes it seem plausible. There is little to criticize about its presentation. The stunning Blue upholstered surfaces show no signs of wear or physical damage, with the same true of the carpet. The faux woodgrain is in good order, the dash is spotless, and the pad is crack-free. The console adds a touch of class and luxury, although the first owner didn’t select factory options like air conditioning. It isn’t 100% original because there is a column-mounted tach, a gauge cluster mounted below the dash near the driver’s left knee, and an aftermarket stereo with speakers in the door trims and rear parcel tray. The changes are reversible, although removing the speakers would entail spending nearly $1,000 on replacement door trims in the correct color. Personally, I’d leave the inside of this classic as-is.
This 1971 Dodge Challenger shows promise, but I would accept the seller’s invitation for an in-person inspection before committing to this classic. The poor photo quality is my motivation because it is hard to determine whether there are rust issues beyond what they specify. Would you do the same, or is their candor enough for you to plunge ahead to make an offer?
Great write-up Adam! Good question, as I almost always want to see anything in person no matter what before I plop down my hard earned cash. But this one might be a situation where you could likely easily sell the car for what was invested if things aren’t quite up to your expectations. It’s not exactly cheap, but considering what similar E-Bodies are selling for, the price seems in the ballpark. But yes, unless there was just an extreme sense of urgency, I’d probably drive the 14 hours to Staten Island to inspect it first, and if I bought it then address how to get it home!
That Would be a great starting point for someone just getting into the hobby. The 373 version Is just starting to go up in prIce
Ok.. I noticed some things about this Challenger. First it has TA style exhaust. The dash board painted a different blue from B5. The interior looks way to new for original. The center console color is off. This is a 383-2 engine. Now with the modifications did they change the cam? What type of carb? Don’t know if the stock exhaust manifolds are on. I agree anyone interested stood look at this in person. And bring a magnet! Good luck to the next owner. 🐻🇺🇸
It has common (inexpensive) side exhaust, not at all similar to the wonky reverse flow mufflers and 60 degree chrome tips on the original T/A-AAR. Your right about the interior; about 5 different shades of blue going on in there.
Blue interior plastic change into all weird shades of blue and even green, haha! I have a blue interior in my Challenger and before I painted the panels they looked like they came from different cars but all the panels were original. The center console may not have been refinished so may have just “aged” into that shade. My center console looks similar.
These E-body Mopars have attracted quite a following. They were well designed, and still look great today. Many of us remember the iconic Dodge Challenger in the 1971 movie, “Vanishing Point.”
If the underside looks as good as the rest of the car, it would be a good buy.
Someone put subframe connectors under there. I think this is someone’s old street/race car, given the connectors, the dana axle, and the fats and skinnies and slapper bars that are in a couple of the pics.
There be surprises awaiting beneath the vinyl top.
The cassette tape on the driver’s side floorboard is a nice touch. 😁
lol. The spoiler is on backwards. I’ve never seen that happen before.
Short pedestals and thick wing, its a cheap aftermarket most likely for a fastback mustang.
I askew. Front bumper askew? Drivers side squished afew. And BOY that interior ablew…
Daily driver for $20K after inspection seems fair.
It’s just so tough now to justify large discretionary purchases. Interest rates are through the ceiling and the economy is probably headed for a major slowdown at least in terms of consumer spending. You can put your money in a regular ‘ol money market and make 5.25%. CDs a little better though your money is tied up for a year. Will these vehicles outpace this? I’m getting worried.
Hey Bick. As you said, it’s a discretionary purchase. For investment purposes you’d be wise to hoard Civics and Corollas.
Why would you do that? I think those would be as bad an investment to hoard.
There is absolutely paint chipping on the rear wheel wells and on the rear by the left tail light. Seller would have been better off not spray painting the underside of the car black, is he trying to hide anything with that. For a 94000 mile car it really doesn’t look to bad. In person inspection required. I don’t see this going much higher in bidding.
I wish i could own one she is as old as i am.the only car i can afford is a 1971 challenger made by matchbox or hot wheels
This white challenger really hits the nostalgia button for me . I have a relative who owned 2 early models in the late 70s long before I was old enough to drive but I was raised a gearhead so thought his cars were the best thing in the world. One was Brown and looked fast and mean but the white one was very stock looking tho nothing could further from the truth. He had picked it up at a police auction with permission from the owner who was in a certain well known motorcycle club who lost it as proceeds and was going to be away for awhile. I believe it was a 71 white no vinyl and black interior. On the outside it looked like a plain car but everything underneath was the best of the best . I’m almost sure it was a small block but had 2 big four barrels and built to exceed normal red line rpms .was a manual but can’t remember 4 or 5 speed. What I do remember was his girlfriend hated to drive it because it was cranky around town and would stall out unless driven hard with high rpms. It was built to be a highway car that could out run anything if need be . My cousin would tell funny stories about racing vettes and firebirds out on the highway when they would reach their cars top speed he would give them a wave goodbye and proceed to pull away with ease to up to 150 maybe 160 mph. I also remember the car suspension so stiff 2 guys could not rock a corner of the car. Probably the coolest car I’ve ever seen growing up . Nobody knows where it is now . Might still be out there if was kept between the lines
My only brand new car was a 71 Plumb Crazy purple Challenger 383-2 I paid $3,800.. for it in 1970
Rust on right rear quarter panel “lip” (pics 2 and 5) and what looks like “popcorn” rust under the paint on the right side, behind the front wheel. I’d approach with caution…. Although they’re my favorite Muscle Car, the rust prevention was lacking.
SOLD for $22,101.
Well, we all missed out on that one. Good luck to the new owner. ✌️