Dodge introduced its Third Generation Charger in 1971, with the new model signaling a significant change in styling. Gone was its predecessor’s Coke-bottle appearance in preference for what became known as “fuselage” styling. The pick of the bunch for those seeking serious performance credentials was the Charger R/T, with 3,118 rolling off the line in that year. Our feature Charger is stunning and would suit an automotive perfectionist. It is a classic where it is virtually impossible to find fault, but it needs to find its way to a new home. The seller has listed it here on eBay in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Bidding sits at $30,300, but I’m unsurprised that this is short of the reserve.

This Charger is a classic that leaves me feeling equal levels of desire and frustration. Its overall condition and presentation leave me feeling I want to find it parked in my garage. However, the seller’s unwillingness to provide meaningful information is frustrating. He is sparing in his details, leaving us begging for more. There is no information on the car’s history, but a spot of online sleuthing reveals that it may have been stripped to bare metal and refinished in its original Bright Red around 2003. It still presents beautifully, with no flaws or defects in the panels or paint. The gaps are tight, and there is no evidence of rust on the exterior or underside. The Black stripes are crisp, with no checking or lifting. The original owner ordered the vehicle with a Ramcharger hood that feeds cold air to the engine at the flick of a switch. The grille features the concealed headlight option, and like the remaining trim, chrome, and glass, it is immaculate. The car rolls on a set of Rallye wheels, and combined with the rear spoiler, they give this R/T an air of authority.

The frustration levels grow when we confront this Charger’s drivetrain configuration and condition. The VIN indicates the engine bay should house a U-Code 440ci Magnum V8 producing 370hp. That power feeds to the rear wheels via a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, while I believe the car also features power steering and four-wheel drum brakes. The Hemi-powered R/T will always command the majority of attention, but that doesn’t make this Dodge an automotive slug. If the driver points it down the ¼ mile, it should reach the finish in 14.5 seconds. If they keep their boot into it, the needle will nudge 131mph before the 440 runs out of breath. There are no photos or specific information in the listing beyond the engine bay housing a V8. The seller does themselves a disservice with their approach, especially in a classic of this caliber. However, I have uncovered enough information elsewhere to suggest the car may be numbers-matching. They provide contact details, so it would be worth the effort to ask the right questions before committing to pursue this R/T further.

The spotless presentation continues when we examine this Charger’s interior. The seats wear vinyl and cloth in a combination of Black and Gray. It also features a factory console and a wood-rimmed wheel. I usually avoid using the word “perfect” when describing a classic interior, but that phrase is hard to avoid with this R/T. There is no evidence of wear, abuse, or UV damage. The faux woodgrain trim hasn’t faded or lifted, and the dash and pad are crack-free. Slipping behind the wheel would be like stepping back to 1971, and the interior is guaranteed to garner as many favorable comments as the rest of the vehicle.

While Dodge produced 3,118 examples of the Charger R/T in 1971, those equipped with a 440 4-barrel/TorqueFlite drivetrain were the most common. However, with a build total of 2,172, they remain a relatively rare car when we consider the big picture of total passenger car sales for that year. I’m unsurprised that it has already received fifty-three bids because its overall condition justifies the interest. That begs the question of where the bidding might go before the hammer falls. A brief internet search revealed a previous auction for this classic from two years ago where it was passed in with the bidding at $60,000. That figure is close to what the seller might expect today, although the overall condition of this classic makes $70,000 possible. That’s hardly pocket change, but the interest levels suggest it might get there before the hammer falls. Even if you find this R/T beyond your financial means, watching this auction to the end might be worth the effort.