Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

Rolling Project: 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T

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?

Comments

  1. Avatar RMac

    Where WAS the shifter on this? No console and does not look like anything on the column
    I think this was a wrecked or rusted hulk and the body shop where it was found assembled it from spare parts hence pink fender purple trunk lid etc… seems a bit pricey for an assemblage of parts with no drivetrain or title

    Like 9
    • Avatar CATHOUSE

      It has a new front floor pan that goes completely across the car and includes the transmission tunnel. It is in the process of being installed and still needs the hole for the shifter cut into it.

      Like 2
  2. Avatar George Mattar

    Pass

    Like 1
  3. Avatar Grant

    Slant six, three speed. Make a statement at your next car show. Tell them you don’t run with the heard, you are a lone wolf, a self thinker.

    Like 5
  4. Avatar RMac

    Thanks Cathouse that makes sense but really is additional info that this is a an assemblage of parts with little left of the original not a terrible thing but will never bring big big money

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Duffy

    Whole lot of money for a whole lot of nothing. Wow

    Like 2

Leave a Reply to George Mattar Cancel reply

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.