Though this 1971 Dodge Challenger seems like excellent project material, it’s also the type of car 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.
Anymore anything that’s even closely related to a muscle car, the owner takes it as a signal that the sky’s the limit on pricing. It’s truly insane… even more so if someone pays these prices.
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.
Not unlike the housing market in some cities, the market news has not reached some people or they refuse to accept it is not 2 years ago.
I don’t know if old cars sell at the ask prices but no one in my circle is buying, or selling right now.
Sometimes it is hard to accept a car that you could get $35k for two years ago is only worth $20k now. But I’m no expert and maybe the market is back?
A lot of money here for yet another Mopar with some rust. A good inspection would be needed. Maybe a 15k car here and that’s a big maybe on 15K. Looks like the original 2 barrel carb set up in the truck. I do get it is a convertible but it needs a lot of work probably setting for at least 2 decades.
I humbly disagree. That looks like an aftermarket intake manifold to me. And the aftermarket air cleaner says 4 bbl. to me. (Unless a Holley 2 bbl. resides underneath) So, looking at the engine picture tells me, aftermarket headers, intake, 4bbl. carb and air filter. (that has not been changed in a long time.) And judging by the location ofcthe fuel line the carb. is an AFB/Edelbrock 4 bbl. All of these modifications are very “Period correct” and considered an improvement over the original equipment for power gains. An upgraded camshaft would hopefully also have been completed. And the coolant hoses look not to be original equipment and “appear” to be in good condition. I don’t like the price, but as pointed out previous, converts are hard to find. A friend had a Challenger Convert 383 car. That he got IIRC $25,000 for back about 25 years ago. So if the tin worm has not slimed all over this car. It may be a decent ride. (Definitely make the new front seat overs match the rear upholstery!)
Everything you said is on point.
Steve R
Look over the pictures carefully. Not a wheelbarrow full of rust with a vin tag on top of the pile like usual, but what is under that old respray and those underside shots mean take your magnet and pick hammer for inspection. Maybe only half a boxcar of sheet metal from AMD will do the job.
A couple of years later than I would like but numbers matching and running at that price and condition is a good deal assuming there is not too much tin rot.
35k is ludicrous, cot to make the car worth that is 35K so you have 70,000 in a car worth 30,000 never going to happen
it’s at $15,200 right now and I’d say that’s tops.
Funny. People talk about this like they’re being forced to buy it. The reality is that today a convertible ’71 Challenger IS special, whatever the engine or transmission is in it. Try shopping them and see how many you find for sale at any given time. If someone wants a car like this to make a project out of its worth what it’s worth to that person. And if an owner doesn’t want to part with it for less than he wants, well that’s up to him. There are many of them out there that started just like this that have ended up pristine with a big block swap and sold for big numbers. And that buyer got what he was looking for too. Personally I’d rather see it restored as is for originality’s sake. You could drive it from California to New York and back again and I guarantee you would not have had an opportunity to wave at another one.
Eclectic Collector, the only common sense comment so far. The have nots always refuse to accept the reality of today’s market. Saying this drop top is maxed out at 15K is ridiculous, hardtop rollers are fetching more than that.
Absolutely agree with this as well. Whether people here like it or not, droptop E bodies bring the money, in any condition.
This one is in 100% restorable condition, unlike most of the E bodies that we see here. If this goes for less than 30K, the buyer got a deal.
And, as for all of the criticisms of the BIN price – this is an auction and could very well go for a lot less.
aahh. i see it’s the seller from Manahawkin NJ again with a fresh rust bucket that he wants a pile of money for. if this car gets blasted for a redo there would be not much left without dropping a bucket of cash on it. these prices will not be sustained at this level much longer due the fact nobody has pocket change because they’re are using that money to cover the outrageous cost of living right now.
Hello, Mr. Worman? Have I got a deal for you! Seriously, an all original car that deserves to be saved. For more power under the hood, I’d start with a complete engine overhaul, including boring out the original numbers matching block, if my machinist says the block would survive the surgery, LOL! A forged crank and four-bolt main bearing caps to fortify the bottom end along with new pistons and connecting rods to go with the bigger bores in the block. Better flowing heads, a new intake manifold, headers and dual exhausts complete the engine upgrades. Rebuild the transmission and the rest of the drivetrain while the body gets some love to repair the leprosy caused by the dreaded tin worm, and presto! A fully restored car after writing checks totaling well into six figures! Is it worth it? That depends on how badly you want one. They aren’t making any more, that’s for sure!
Now at 16.4K
No one is forcing anyone to buy it. It’s a ’71 rag, fairly clean. It isn’t a big-block fire-breathing monster, but it’s not a pile of rust strapped to a trailer either. I think it’s pricey, but still a good starting point.
These are rare indeed. It looks like a back east car, so be prepared for some body/panel work. The Chrysler products were so thin in the 70’s, we had rust thru in less than 2 yrs. I would have to see this one in person, than make a decision….
Sure it’s a lot of money but this ain’t no Camaro or Mustang. Challenger convertibles are two year cars and if that’s what you want you’re going to only have so many to look at. Maybe it’s the two color interior you’re paying for.
Has been hit in front passenger fender mudded up . Grill is broken in that corner. Figure that into the restoration . 71 grills are cheap they sell em every were. Rotted rear frame rails . Bottoms of doors most likely rotted also. Nice of them to leave the junk in the trunk to cover up rotten trunk floor.
I f you look close at the frame it all should be replaced. The floor as well .
The current bid is 16900 thats to much. $35000 buy it now is over the top . it will cost the new owner $35000 just to make it driveable. And another $35000 to make it show quality . Upside down when it comes to money on this car. If it had a 440 with a pistal grip 4 speed I could see the money spent, but with a 318 NO WAY. Good luck to who ever gets it.
The pessimists would say that with frame rot, it’s a hard pass (and they wouldn’t be wrong), but the optimists see an opportunity. Cut out the rotten frame rails and drop the body onto an aftermarket frame from the usual suspects (Art Morrison, Schwartz Performance or The Roadster Shop). With a solid frame and a modern suspension and steering gear under it, I’d ditch the 318 in favor of a modern 3rd generation Hemi (Base, Hellcat or Redeye). Granted it won’t be cheap, particularly if the solid rear axle goes away in favor of a fully independent rear suspension, but when you’re done, if you keep the restored body looking stock, you’ll have one hell of a sleeper, LOL! Can you say “restomod”? Sure you can!
Again, it will take someone with deep pockets and mad skills, like a Mark Worman, Dave Kindig or Chip Foose to make it happen, but a man can dream, can’t he? C’mon, Powerball, Daddy needs a new toy, LOL!
The auction ended on 4/29/2026 with a high bid of $28,100, but did not meet reserve. There were 33 bids from 13 bidders.
If the buyer were to list for sale with a fixed price of $35,000 they’d likely get offers higher than the highest bid, possibly high enough they could work out a deal.
Steve R
Let’s just say for sake of argument I was able to buy this for no more than the 15k it’s at, I would get it running good, reupholster the seats and whatever the interior needs and drive it. The 318 may not be the ground ripping hemi but it’s gonna move this car along just fine. I would have to assume the brakes and suspension would need to be replaced as well to be sure you have safe top down cruising. Even doing all these repairs yourself is still going to set you back several thousand.
Sold for $28k. ✌🏽
Reserve not met, no sale. I think they were a little bit over optimistic, seller should’ve taken that. Seems when cars get re listed they rarely fetch as high of bids as the first listing.