This 1971 Dodge Charger 500 is a tidy and solid classic with some desirable features. It has a couple of minor shortcomings, but none that prevent it from providing immediate motoring enjoyment. The seller floats the idea of a Hemi transplant, and it will be fascinating to gauge your response once you assess what it offers in its current form. The Charger is listed here on eBay in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The seller has set their BIN at $28,900 but provides the chance for interested parties to make an offer.
Dodge introduced its Third Generation Charger in 1971, and if I’m honest, I have never been a massive fan of the “fuselage” styling adopted on these vehicles. It isn’t as elegant as its predecessors, but I must stress that it is a personal preference. Your opinion may differ from mine, and I respect that if it is the case. However, there is a lot to like about this classic. The first owner’s decision to order the car in striking Hemi Orange with a contrasting Black vinyl top creates an eye-catching look that will turn heads. The seller admits the car received a repaint at some point, but this was limited to its exterior. Areas like the door jambs retain their original paint, which still looks pretty good. The paint shines nicely, although the seller reveals shortcomings in this YouTube video. There is checking in a couple of areas, but nothing demands immediate attention. The video provides a detailed walkaround, and if you are evenly remotely interested in pursuing the Charger further, it is well worth a look. They believe there have been no panel repairs or other issues, and the original owner’s decision to hand it to the good folks at Ziebart has allowed it to remain rust-free. The trim is excellent, and there are no issues with the tinted glass.
Lifting the hood reveals this Charger’s original 318ci V8. It sends 230hp and 320 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission. The seller believes this car is an executive order, making the presence of power assistance for the steering and brakes unsurprising. This Dodge falls short of being a genuine muscle car, although its performance would have satisfied most owners. The seller states that the car runs and drives perfectly, with no issues or problems. My only reservation is the presence of blue overspray on the battery cables and exhaust manifolds. This suggests somebody has made merry with the rattlecan, which is disappointing for a car of this caliber. It has a documented history, including the original Broadcast Sheets, Window Sticker, and other desirable paperwork. The seller floats the idea of a big-block or Hemi transplant, and it will be interesting to gauge whether you would pursue that path on a classic that is so original.
Opening the doors reveals an interior featuring new carpet. That is the only change, with the remaining trim and upholstery as it left the factory. The seats feature Black and Orange vinyl and cloth, which the seller describes as “Halloween Trim.” I’m not sure about that term, but I am sure that some of our Mopar experts can shed light on the claim. It is hard to find anything worth criticizing because there is no appreciable wear or signs of physical damage. The upper door trims are excellent and, like the dash and pad, show no signs of UV deterioration. The dash and gauge cluster are perfect, there is no cracked plastic, and the faux woodgrain is flawless. The original owner focused on comfort with this Charger, equipping the interior with some excellent options. The buyer receives air conditioning, bucket seats, a console, a Rally gauge cluster with a factory tachometer, the lamp cluster that forms part of the Driver’s Aid Package, cruise control, a rear defogger, and an AM/FM radio.
This 1971 Dodge Charger 500 makes a bold statement courtesy of the high-impact paint shade, and its overall condition virtually guarantees it will draw crowds. The interior provides a wonderful balance of creature comforts, but that brings us back to the subject of the engine bay. Would you leave it untouched if the Charger was in your garage, or would a transplant be irresistible? It will be interesting to gauge how the crowd votes on the subject. So, over to you.
If I were to acquire this one, the only thing I’d do to it would be to convert it to dual exhausts with an OEM valence and tips. Then I would lavish TLC upon it and cruise away! GLWTA!! :-)
I’m right there with ya! That one is cherry! Why mess with an original? If I had the $, I’d be making a move!
I’m right there with you Moparman, but I would also put a set of white lettered tires on it. The Keystones are great (period correct) and having the double-striped original spare tire is a plus as you just don’t see them anymore.
I would like to fit a 6BT with a manual 6 speed , Dry sump to fit it lower .. .
Huh?
Zero interest in hemi’s…i’d keep it 318 and cruise happily,at most i’d go as far as a 340.
I think the sensible thing to do is a 440 A-12 on a engine stand ready to take over for the 318 when a more sporting driving experience is required! No demerits for keeping the A/C unit intact to cool things down after that 440 gets heated up!
Nice car! Not a Mopar guy, and it was 40 years ago, but IIRC what guys did with a 318 to pump them up a fair bit was fit a cam, 340 heads, and headers. I seem to recall that that was all you really had to do to a 318?
bt
It’s too nice, keep it stock and enjoy it.
I agree! It’s beautiful. Why destroy by yanking the 318 and shining some other engine in it?
I’m not a huge fan of this year’s Charger, but this one is a documented, original beauty. Leave her alone. If you want a race car, buy something else that makes sense.
Nice car.
Beautiful original. Leave her be and enjoy !
The overspray on the negative battery cable and exhaust manifolds is exactly how they left the factory.
Watch Lou Constabile on”My Car Story” 1971 Dodge Charger R/T 440 in black & ride with the Halloween interior. Very rare Charger. Wouldn’t change to a Hemi , just do the small things to restore the 500 back to original condition. Worth more that way.
This car should be left alone and driven the way it is. IF I was the owner, the only mod I would consider is the one Moparman suggested. Dual exhaust and drive it. I’ve owned many Mopars over the years but never one as nice as that one!
Let her flaunt her stuff just as she is.A basic 318 sporting 230 HP with AC is no slouch and who can kill a Chrysler TorqueFlight? OK, Id definitely consider the dual exhaust though.Some general detailing and let the good times roll!
I would drive it the way she is.
This is what Christine would look like if she were born in 1971.
I would put on Edelbrock heads, intake, headers, and a robust cam.
Storing the parts I removed.
I have always loved the 71-74 chargers and my first Mopar was a 72 SE with the stock 318 with a 4 barrel carb and duel exhaust I put headers on it and in 1980 drove it from Salt Lake City to San Antonio in 2 days once we hit New Mexico my father was cruising on his brand new thunderbox at 110 mph hollering at me to “keep up” while passing slower cars on the 2 lane highway , at times I had to run it up to 140 mph to catch up . That 318 had the power to hurry the 150 mph speedometer that’s when I fell in love with the 318. in 1982 after rebuilding the 318 in our garage I was offered a 72 442 Convertible 4 speed for a straight trade and I jumped at it , I still kick myself for making that trade
the 318 is my favorite Mopar engine because with just a little beefing up they have decent power . I would leave it like it is and drive it like I stole it
I have a 71 500 that’s hemi orange with the “Halloween interior”. Mine came originally with a 383 and 8 3/4″ rear end. My uncle gave me the car when I turned 17 in 1993. He handed me the keys and said “Happy Birthday. Don’t kill yourself”. I still have it.