Admittedly, cars like a Dodge Challenger R/T grab a lot more press than their more pedestrian versions. And that’s true with any situation where there is a muscle car and, how shall we say it? a less muscular version available. And the standard versions generally weren’t appreciated so they are frequently lost to the ages, in spite of their overwhelming production volume. Well here’s an exception, a beautiful 1971 Dodge Challenger standard model with only 20K miles. It is located in Alto, Georgia, and is available here on Barn Finds Classifieds or here on eBay for $38,000.
How does this happen? It’s hard to say and interesting to ponder at the same time. This time capsule Challenger is just shy a half a century old and has only experienced 20K miles. The seller is forthright in stating, “20000 miles on the odometer and while I cannot prove it, take a look at the pedals, interior and I have no doubt that the miles are original”. The exterior Medium Green finish, which is stated as original, is magnificent as is the complimenting vinyl top covering. The documentation states this Challenger as originally being a Wisconsin car but apparently winter driving was not part of this Dodge’s operating plan – it has been well stored all of these years. There are two partial images of the underside included in the listing and both show minimal, typical surface rust, nothing more – overall this Challenger’s integrity appears to be fine.
The interior screams the ’70s all the way, it is a refreshing departure from the blandness that is pervasive with today’s cars, the current Challenger included! While the carpet is showing some signs of mild fading the upholstery is in good nick, no tears, rips, scuffs, or stains. The seller does mention that the dash pad has been replaced and that is the only non-original component of the interior. The installation job was well done, it looks as it should. The seller allows that while everything operates as intended on his Challenger, the A/C does not – there is no indication of what the problem may be.
Power under the hood is courtesy of a 318 CI, “LA” series V8 engine, good for 230 gross HP. The seller states, “No issues with the original 318 V8 engine and 3-speed tyranny. It drives great, no noises and everything works as it should”. The three-speed tranny is actually a three-speed, TorqueFlite automatic unit. This is a more than adequate power team for this basic Challenger and should provide a nice driving experience.
It is said “They are only original once” and while that may be true, the “once”, in this case, is going on 50 years. This is a magnificent example of Dodge’s ’70s pony-car, the non-muscular sibling that was often forgotten. There is a lot here to consider; when and where will you find another example like this?
Questions-Can this run on unleaded gas or do you have to replace with hardened seals? This has a single exhaust, but with a standard 318 could you order a dual? In the late 70s CA buyers got a 318 4bbl, could you in these years? That would have been a nice compromise in those days vs a 340. Maybe 20-30 more HP with a small 4bbl, dual exhausts and a 323 rear end. I know in 1970 (71 to?) you could order a 318 2bbl with a four speed, I saw one once. Such a nice package that wouldn’t break the bank or give your insurance salesman fits of delight.
71 were designed for unleaded gasoline. The 318 would benefit from dual exhaust and probably better gasoline than regular. But unleaded will be fine. Remember that regular was 93 octane and premium was 98 or higher so today’s regular is pretty crappy. And no car with a carburetor should ever have ethanol in the gasoline. Use ethanol free if you can find it or treat the junk gasoline with ethanol treatment to save the carburetor and fuel pump.
My 63 Split 327 340 ponies asks for octane boost all the time as our Midwest prem octane is to low to run smooth…
Now my pet peeve is the short gas pump nozzles still with no lead ever set in sight..when i pump fuel in my 67 Mustang convert that always wants to splash back unless i gingerly fill.
No, there were no 318-4 barrels in this era, although any intake manifold intended for a 340 or 360 (or one of the later 318-4 bbl intakes) would work on this 318 if someone wanted to go with a four barrel carb.
I’m suspect of hardened seals in 71, since unleaded gas wasn’t mandated until 74 when catalytic converters became OEM
Octane was calculated differently in 1970 than it is now.
I learned to drive in a 70 Challenger. Light metallic green and all vinyl interior. Manual everything. Didn’t run too bad for a 318 and served as the boat puller-the boat was bigger and weighed more than the car. Dad traded in a 66 Coronet 440 2 Dr ht 225 3 on da tree on it.
To my knowledge then the 318 came only with the 2bbl.
The Chally got traded on a 75 Cordoba.
This is a nice car!
I noticed two gauges under the dash on the right and some kind of controller above the HVAC controls. And the woodgrain wheel.
As stated before the 1971 318 V8 engines came with hardened valve seats in 1971, The A/C probably does not work as it needs a Freon recharge. For 1972 I know that 318 Dodge Dart Swingers came with the fuel filter mounted in front of the fuel pump extending the life of the fuel pump filtering out contaminants before getting to the fuel pump. This car could benefit from the same practice.
Very nice original example but not sure on the asking price seeing that it is a 318?
Wouldn’t have to do too much for a performance upgrade. A 4bbl carb and intake along with a nice dual exhaust system with the correct factory exhaust tips. You can also change the rear valance panel to the one with the dual cut outs. Lose the wheels and wheel covers too. Keystones or Cragars would be nice or factory magnums or rallyes.
Hopefully it has a suregrip differential.
Auto makers knew that unleaded fuel would be the only fuel available in the future that is why they started using hardened valve seats in 1971..
Since it is a 1971 model you can get a Mopar Electronic Ignition package and get away from the old points set up.
318=38k?????? 10k that’s it. wake up!! …………………….later ………………..JIMMY
I’m not seeing 38k here…
Nice original example of the bread and butter musclecars. Not everyone wanted a hemi to get their groceries in. The 318 2 barrel was simple and reliable. Once had a 1970 Fury sedan with the same setup. Ran very well. Leave this Challenger the way it is. It doesn’t need any upgrades at all.