While I’ve always admired muscle cars, I also find it interesting to see stock factory versions of the tamer models. In today’s age, where it seems every LeMans becomes a GTO and every Malibu a Chevelle Super Sport, it is refreshing to see classic models originally used for commuting to work or grocery shopping. If you long for a stock 1971 Dodge Charger, this exceptional example located in Bristol, Tennessee, is available for auction here on Hemmings Marketplace, with a current bid of $20,250 and two days left.
1971 was the beginning of the “fuselage” bodies for the B-body Chargers, which lasted until 1974. These fastback-looking Chargers looked fast even when parked. The seller’s Dodge Charger was repainted in its original Dark Blue Metallic paint fifteen years ago and looks like it just left the showroom floor. The Charger has never been wrecked and has no scratches or dings. Part of the light restoration included a new fuel tank and dual exhaust. The Charger also has non-power-assisted drum brakes. The only non-stock part is the five-spoke aluminum wheels, which could be swapped for factory-correct 14‑inch steel wheels or 15‑inch “Magnum” style wheels.
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While I normally prefer contrasting exterior and interior colors, the color-matched blue Charger looks perfect, and its blue vinyl bench-seat interior has been restored to stock. All of the instruments are said to work properly, and the Charger has factory AC. The only area of the interior not looking perfect is the steering wheel, which the seller notes shows surface wear.
Dodge offered a wide variety of engines for the Charger in 1971, from the economical 225 slant-six up to the monstrous 426 Hemi for the Super Bee performance option. Under the long hood of the seller’s Charger sits the original 95,602-mile 318 cu-in V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor, the standard V8 engine offered in 1971, producing 230 hp. A Torque-Flite three-speed automatic transmission handles the engine output. The seller states the engine doesn’t leak or burn oil and still drives well with plenty of power. This would certainly be ample for driving around town or for cruise nights and car shows.
The seller of this beautiful 1971 Dodge Charger states they have been the second owner since 2010, along with the magic words that the car “has been garage-kept all its life,” which accounts for its excellent condition. I would be proud to keep this Charger in my garage – what about you, readers?
A beauty for sure. I do question the miniature exhaust pipes. That can’t help the engine’s power much.
Very nice Dodge here. I would put on factory magnum rims and maybe add a 4 barrel carb set up.