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Purple People Eater: 1971 Dodge Charger

Dodge designed some great performing cars in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. One icon of that era was the all new 1970 Dodge Charger with its coke bottle fuselage. This example is for sale in Glendale, California. It is said to be a very clean rust free Charger that is powered by a 440 cubic inch V8 engine. The car is listed here on Craigslist for what seems like a very reasonable asking price of $18,000. It is a California car with new tires, new vinyl roof and a new white interior.

The 1971 Dodge Charger was the last year for the Hi Impact colors. The car featured a new split grill but higher insurance rates and gasoline prices took its toll on production. The 1971 CHarger could be ordered in four different trim packages which included the base model, 500, R/T and Super Bee. While the 426 Hemi engine was still available, only 63 Hemi RTs were built. The base engine in the R/T was the 375 horsepower 440 cubic inch Magnum V8. The ad states that this Charger is equipped with a 440 cubic inch V8.

The 1971 Dodge Charger was larger and comfortable. Even though it weighed over 4,000 lbs, enthusiast state that the car if fun to drive. This car is equipped with the high back bucket seats and a 3 spoke steering wheel. The V8 engine is backed by a 727 three speed automatic transmission. The car rides on aftermarket wire rims. The seller states that the brakes are about done and will need to be rebuilt so its probably a safe bet not to drive this one across the country until it has been sorted and gone through. The odometer reading indicates 36,319 but that has probably been around the block at least once.

The 1971 Dodge Charger represents the first year of the 3rd generation of the Charger platform. The 1st generation Charger was produced for only two years from its introduction in 1966 to 1967. The redesigned 2nd generation Charger had a 3 year run from 1968 to 1970. The second generation Charger rightfully gains a lot of attention by enthusiasts. The 3rd generation Charger came out in 1971 on the B platform and changes were necessary to meet new safety regulations. With no claims to originality, this Dodge Charger would be a fun street machine.

Comments

  1. Chasbro

    What??? A mopar without terminal rustout, big block, and under 20k? Is it April 1st? Makes me wonder how and why people pay much more than that for huge steaming piles of junk that will require another 40k to become usable vehicles.

    Like 10
    • bone

      Have you looked at some of the Mustang and Camaro heaps posted here that are going for stupid money , or do you just hate Mopars ? Whatever brand a car is, if its a desirable and/or rare model ,people will pay more for it

      Like 1
  2. Glenn Hilpert

    Car has been for sale for awhile and why is that? hidden issues not revealed? ,unknown. Still an early 70’s Charger with a 440 under 20K not rusted out, or.

    Like 2
  3. MattR

    Where’s the love Bruce? :)

    Like 0
  4. FireAxeGXP

    Ive only recently come to appreciate this generation Charger. Over the years that split grill has really grown on me. That big rear end makes the car look like it means business. Did this gen Charger ever come with hidden headlights? Or am I thinking of a similar product from Chrysler?
    Anyway 18 grand seems like a good deal here. Maybe the brake situation is shooing away potential fly in drive home buyers. If anyone knows about those hidden headlights I would love some info. Thanks BF

    Like 0
    • Slantasaurus

      Yes, in 1971 and 72 hidden headlights were standard on SE models and could be optioned on other high trim models. There were also 2 different taillight treatments in both 71 and 72, although one taillight style was used both years.

      Like 1
  5. Culver

    Hey Barnfinds experts, curious not-very-knowledgeable new to classic cars enthusiast here. The article states the “all new 1970 Dodge Charger” but I thought 1971 was the first year of the all new coke bottle fuselage and 1970 was the last year of the previous generation. Like to know if I’m incorrect, misunderstanding the article wording, or something else. Always interested in expanding my knowledge. Thanks for the info! Love this website cause I’m always learning new things.

    Like 0
  6. Jasper

    Yuck. Looks like a mess. Lots to do or undo on this one. The PRNDL is a cute touch. Looks like power window door cards with a crank through the square hole. Bondo-ed side markers, horrible spoiler and stripes. But I actually like those fat wire wheels!

    Like 2
  7. Michael Berkemeier

    No pedigree…not in good shape. This car should be really cheap because there is no good reason to restore it. You’d be better off modifying the car to the Nth degree and beating the snot out of it.

    Like 0

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