Dodge sort of got a late start in the marketplace when the Challenger was introduced in 1970, but for its first couple of years especially the car sure made a big splash among muscle car enthusiasts, with even no-drivetrain examples like this 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T here on eBay still sought after by eager thrill seekers.  It’s also a bit sad that the car’s second year of production would be the last to offer such an array of high-performance engine choices, and equally regretful that production numbers fell nearly two-thirds from the first year output, from 76,935 units in ’70 to a total of 26,742 for the 1971 model.  But the ’71s are harder to come by than the inaugural year, and this one’s bid has only reached $7,100 thus far, so if the price doesn’t skyrocket maybe your initial investment can justify a full restoration.

This Challenger is located in Saint Michael, Pennsylvania and apparently was found inside a building from an old body shop when the property was purchased.  It has no title, no build sheet, and unfortunately, no fender tag is present either.  But the VIN does match the body numbers and door sticker.  Originally, the car is said to have been painted B2 blue from the factory, and the fenders are claimed to be nice originals.  But hold on a second… isn’t that Panther Pink under the driver’s side fender that didn’t get fully primed?  In any event, they both look pretty good, and the doors and rockers are stated to be rust-free, but some quarter panel work will be in store for the next owner.

One of the great things about the early Challengers was how many different engines you had to choose from.  The seller says this R/T began life with a 383 and a 727 TorqueFlite automatic, which unfortunately, are both long gone.  But since a numbers-matching E-Body is out of the question, there’s really no right-or-wrong choice on how the next owner decides to equip his Challenger, from mild to wild.  A couple of other interesting nuances are the ’70 T/A hood, and I think we’re seeing Plum Crazy purple paint under the trunk lid.

Not a whole lot is specifically mentioned about the interior, other than there are new front floor pans tacked in place and new rear pieces ready for installation, although the trunk area is going to need attention.  Those front buckets have seen better days but that back seat is in surprisingly good shape, and even though the dash is cracked and the vents are missing it looks like this is a factory A/C car.  How would you proceed with the resurrection of this 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T?