How many of you have heard of a high-performance bookshelf? Well, they are rare, and can often be very rewarding. This 1971 Dodge Charger has been tucked away in this garage since 1978 when the engine was rebuilt. The seller assures that it’s a nice car, but I will say the price seems a bit ambitious for the lack of details in the photos. Although, some cars found this way offers many rewards to those who invest the time and money to catch them! Check out this $12,500 bookshelf here on eBay out of Pottsville, Pennsylvania.
The seller must have a fabulous memory as some details are given about this car that likely hasn’t been seen in 30 years. The original 318 V8 was rebuilt but it would seem that the automatic transmission was never installed after the rebuild. Although stored indoors, I would guess that the fuel and brake system needs some attention, and the rebuilt engine will certainly require a gentle touch when it comes time to revive it.
The seller has also remembered that there is no significant rust and that the paint on the hood is faded. A not so pleasing sight is the driver side rear quarter with its beat up and dented appearance. Also, there looks to be some scratching, and the rear wheel arch trim is damaged as well. I will say that the car appears rust free, and the vinyl top looks excellent. This Charger could be a nice car, or perhaps a flop, but it seems that many sweet finds turn up like this 1971 Charger. Would you take the gamble on this Mopar?
If the seller can’t be bothered with clearing out the junk and pulling the car out for better pictures than he can forget me paying $12.5 K. Lazy sellers PMO.
Patina, man, patina.
Winchester Grey is by far the best color on these bodies. They’re stunning when restored.
I drove a ’71 Satellite with a 383 4 speed for a couple weeks in the summer of ’73. Compared to the usual 318, it had some real get up and go. It was the Winchester Gray (American English). I enjoyed it. If I bought this car, I’d have the engine pulled to refresh the rebuild but would also bore it out to 340 c.i., balance it add the ‘X’ heads and a 4 barrel. Keep it numbers matching while making it a 340. Sort of having my cake and eating it too.
You can’t turn a 318 into a 340. The cylinder wall thickness is insufficient… maybe a 360 with longer stroke. Or just find a 360.
Tell it to All-Par. They indicated the 340 is a bored 318 with better heads and a 4 barrel, cam, and dual exhaust. In any case, bore it as big as you can.
They share a stroke, but they are cast in different molds. I’m not sure who edits Allpar, but I’ve come across many fact challenged statements on there.
@ The Walrus – When you bore a 318 to 340 Specs, it improves the cooling. The pistons, rings, valves, and then the rods and crank all get direct water cooling.
If not, then you can at least check cylinder wall thickness with a light bulb.
Lots of benefits.
Yep make a 318 a 340 by boring it. Probably have holes in the cylinder walls but what the heck.
But then a 4” stroke will get you about 390 ci. With good heads and cam too, it would be a 383 killer. He he!!!
Another case of wishing and fishing by a seller.
If this was brought out and presented properly , I suspect that it would not be worth half that asking price.
Waste of time
The value of these 2nd series Chargers ,has been carried by the high priced 68-70 series.This particular car is ,as Del says,way overpriced.
That drivers quarter says it all ;An underpowered,low spec,non-runner,requiring tons of bodywork.Lazy seller + abandoned project =$2500.
@ TriPowerVette, A big ol’ boat like that needs water on the inside and out. Hmmmmm, Might make a better Boat anchor. I never had any use for that generation of Charger.
i got one in fla that runs great in better condition for 8500 just cause its a barn find don’t make it a gold mine
Dear HARDBALLS,
I couldn’t disagree more. These 318 powered ’71 Chargers (with a little work) were the essence of beauty, speed and handling. The girls loved them and the street racers always stayed clear of me because of the cars reputation for winning. Boy, do I miss that car!
Might be a nice car? I would have to see it to see the body all the way around! 318,would be a dog in this big car, even a 383 wasn’t enough for these cars! I know!
“No longer available ”
I’d love to know what thats about.
It’s eBay, not rocket science. It means it didn’t sell and the auction expired.
My impression was the auction was ended early. Either because it sold privately off ebay or perhaps because the lazy a** seller was inundated with requests for proper pictures, like he should have posted in the first place, and took it down.
My favorite car that my family ever had: 1971 Charger 500. It was an oddly optioned car. Full gauges, p/s. m/b, a/c, and Super Bee tail lights ! Buckets with arm rest, column shifter. 318. Chrome luggage rack on the trunk. (Never saw any luggage). A demonstrator, with 12K miles. My Dad was concerned about the warranty, so the dealership REPLACED the odo with a new one ! Forest green with a white vinyl top. I Loved that car. Factory Rallye wheels. I would like to have that car back, and give it back to my Dad. He would have a fit !