It can be hard to tell what you are buying when you purchase a genuine barn find. However, the seller hit the jackpot with this 1971 Dodge Charger. It isn’t pristine, but hidden beneath years of accumulated dust was a rock-solid, unmolested classic finished in one of Chrysler’s most desirable paint shades. The seller coaxed this car back to life, saying that it runs and drives quite well. The Charger is ready for a new home and is listed here on eBay in Eakly, Oklahoma. The current bid is $23,700, which is below the reserve. However, the interest generated suggests the figure could climb rapidly as the auction nears its end.
Dodge introduced the Third Generation Charger in 1971, adopting Chrysler’s new “fuselage” styling. The look gave the Charger a bold presence, but it divided opinion among customers and the contemporary motoring press. This first-year example looks striking in Plum Crazy, one of the company’s most desirable paint shades. The first owner teamed it with a White canopy-style vinyl top that oozes class. The seller says that only around 800 examples of the entry-level Charger were ordered in Plum Crazy. If potential buyers can verify the figure, it makes the car relatively rare. The Fender Tag confirms the color is original, but the previous owner repainted the car in the 1980s because of UV deterioration. It shows its age again four decades later, with a matte appearance and plenty of scratches and chips. The seller thoroughly cleaned the car and polished one spot on the driver’s-side front fender. It revealed a surprise, because it responded quite positively. It isn’t pristine, but if the winning bidder completed that process, the Charger would look quite presentable. Another factor to consider is that Dodge discontinued its “Hi-Impact” color range at the end of 1971, making this classic the last of its breed. The vinyl looks okay from a distance, but since it is lifting on one edge, it will need attention to eliminate a potential rust trap. Possibly the best news for potential buyers is that this Charger has split its time between Oklahoma, California, and Texas. The seller’s underside shots show dry surface corrosion, but no signs of existing or previous penetrating rust. Yep, this beauty is rock-solid. There is some minor trim damage, but the glass looks okay, and the Charger sits on its original wheels.
Chrysler marques enjoy a reputation for featuring some pretty impressive engines, and this Charger is no exception. The first owner selected the two-barrel 383, and the factory-quoted power and torque figures of 275hp and 374 ft/lbs confirm that it is a willing performer. The Charger also features a three-speed A-727 automatic transmission, power steering, and unassisted four-wheel drum brakes. Purists will welcome the news that this classic is numbers-matching. The car’s history is interesting: the original Californian owner drove it regularly. However, she parked it a few years before passing away, leaving it to her niece. She decided a revival was beyond her and sold the car to a Texas gentleman, who rebuilt the motor around 2010. He drove it from the shop to his home, parked it in a barn, and it stayed there until the seller discovered it. They worked through another revival, coaxing the motor back to life, and returned the Charger to active duty. The winning bidder still has work to do, as the seller believes it needs a front-end alignment, and there are minor fluid leaks from the power steering and transmission. However, it appears there are no major problems.
The first owner ordered this Charger with White interior trim, matching the vinyl top. It has survived remarkably well, with a seam separation on the driver’s side as its worst upholstery issue. There is minor yellowing in a couple of spots, but that is almost inevitable with this trim color. The headliner has a couple of mouse holes near the back window, but the cracked dashpad could be the biggest problem. The new owner could fit a cheap cover to hide the problem, although investing around $410 on a new pad would be a permanent solution. The air conditioning is complete, but it doesn’t blow cold. It hasn’t since the revival, so that will need an inspection and potential refurbishing. The speedometer is inaccurate, and the AM radio is inoperative. Otherwise, everything works as it should.
There’s something undeniably attractive about owning a survivor-grade classic. This 1971 Charger isn’t a survivor in the strictest sense, but it carries its story proudly, thanks to its aging paint and minor cosmetic imperfections. It is undoubtedly a prime candidate for a cosmetic restoration, but I’m sure that many readers will believe that preservation is a more appropriate approach. I rather like this Charger in its current form, and I’d probably finish the polish the seller started and fix the minor vinyl top fault to prevent potential rust problems. Then I’d wheel it out of the garage and drive it with my head held high. Would you do the same?
Cool car.
Buff the paint, make sure it’s reliable, then drive it. None of the cosmetic issues are too bad, going through the car with new paint and interior will only make what might be an affordable car into something that becomes unaffordable down the line.
Steve R
A rare Los Angeles build. This is probably close to when the plant closed in July 1971.