Dodge was a latecomer to the “pony car” game, not jumping in until 1970 when Plymouth redid the Barracuda. It was popular at first, but demand fell off quickly as the decline in muscle cars spilled over to the corresponding ponies. This ’71 Challenger 340 is a number-matching coupe finished in Hemi Orange paint, a desirable combination. It’s a non-running project that needs a lot of work. Located in Manahawkin, New Jersey, this Mopar is available here on eBay. The current bid is $14,100, the reserve is north of there, and the Buy It Now price is $27,500.

Though the Barracuda and Challenger rode on the same new E-body platform for 1970-74, they didn’t share any sheet metal. The Challenger did have a two-inch wider wheelbase, though. After selling nearly 77,000 Challengers in 1970, the bottom fell out in 1971 and just 27,000 were built (the Barracuda saw a comparative decline as well). The Challenger 340 was somewhat rare in the mix for 1971 as just 2,344 were produced as both coupes and convertibles (the last year for that body style).

The seller’s car is another unfinished project which we’re seeing a lot of lately. The good news is that the 340 engine and 4-speed manual are still there and numbers-matching, but both are going to need some attention in order to run. The same can be said for the wiring which is hanging out below the dashboard while the steering wheel rests in the driver’s front seat.

We’re told the bones on this Challenger are mostly good, though some of the sheet metal has been removed and only partly refastened. The paint is EV2 Hemi Orange which we assume is the applied factory color. A photo of the cowl tag would have been helpful as the seller says he/she has it along with the VIN plate, door tag, build sheet, and title (they’re all said to jive). The principal rust seems to be focused on the hood.

Quite a few parts are new on the Dodge, including the dash pad, retro radio, gas tank and fuel lines, heater core, and brakes. The tires are old and are subject to going flat at any time. The seats will have to be redone, but the headliner and carpeting are said to be good. As was typical of the era, someone cut holes in the door panels for sound speakers. Who’s ready to make this Challenger hum again?