Though this 1971 Dodge Challenger seems like excellent project material, it’s also one of those cars that I’d hate to be the next owner of, simply because this is one of those E-Bodies that trying to decide what to do with could result in several sleepless nights in a row! Fortunately, there’s no real right or wrong path to take; it’ll just boil down to whatever best satisfies the buyer’s tastes. If you’re already getting visions about how to move forward with this 1971 Dodge Challenger convertible to meet or exceed your desires, it’s located in Manahawkin, New Jersey, and can be found here on eBay. The current bid of $14,600 still hasn’t met the reserve, but this one can also be bought right now for a flat $35,000.
Dodge offered the convertible option for the Challenger only during its first two years of production, with the total number of droptops produced in 1970 just slightly over 4,000. That number was roughly half the following year, so ragtops are considerably less common than hardtops in both years, but the ’71 is especially rare. The seller says that rust isn’t a major issue on this car, and most of the body panels appear solid and reasonably straight. Even though the paint is a bit faded and shows a few imperfections, it wouldn’t necessarily be a bad idea to just leave it for a while. However, I could easily see an eager buyer wanting to take the exterior to a higher level almost immediately.
Probably the biggest temptation for a change here is the engine, as this one is equipped with a 318. It’s reported to still be the original component, but this Challenger is also said to have been off the road for years, and the small block is only presently running with spray being shot into the carburetor. The owner suggests a fuel system cleaning is in order, but I’m guessing somebody might be thinking that installing a more potent V8 of a larger variety may be in order here. However, that would nix the numbers-matching status, so just giving the 318 whatever it needs to be dependable might be the best way to go for the long run.
This is a base-model Challenger and doesn’t include the rallye instrument cluster, and the seller provides very few details regarding the interior. The steering wheel and passenger’s door panel look surprisingly good, and the console might also clean up nicely with some attention. However, at a minimum, the seats will need to be recovered and the dash pad replaced. I’d probably be inclined to live with the smaller engine here, and resist thinning the herd more of the already dwindling number of original-spec Mopars still out there. What would you do with this one?
Based on the asking prices I’ve seen lately, fentanyl is still flooding into this country. I have seen some crazy prices fixed to big project cars, as of lately. IMHO, the current bid price is a solid number for this car, in this market. It’s a 318, 2 peddle, ragtop car, nothing special. Anyone buying this car, better be prepared for some expensive surprises.
You couldn’t have said it better.
A lot of starting coin. But I guess the “buy it already done” cars have to come from somewhere.
The BIN should be about half of that.