This 1971 Dodge Challenger is a running, driving project that offers an affordable entry into classic Mopar ownership. Powered by a 318 V8, it’s described as a solid car overall with some expected floor and trunk repairs needed, but it could be enjoyed as-is while being improved over time. Located in the U.S. and showing 41,304 miles, it’s currently listed here on eBay.
For 1971, Dodge offered the Challenger as an entry-level pony car alternative to its more aggressive R/T and HEMI models, and this 318-powered example falls squarely into that “everyday muscle car” category. While it won’t match the performance of a big-block R/T, the 318 is known for reliability and ease of maintenance, making it a great foundation for someone who wants a fun driver without paying top-tier Mopar prices.
The seller notes that the Challenger was driven regularly a few years ago in its current condition and that the 318 runs “great.” The automatic transmission appears to operate normally, and a new gas tank was installed a few years back. The brakes, however, are described as soft and should be inspected before any serious road use. With some work, this could be an ideal candidate for a pro street build, a mild restoration, or simply a patina-preserved driver.
Body-wise, the car presents well for its age, with the seller describing it as “pretty solid.” The front floors were repaired at some point, though the rear floors and trunk will need patches. The photos reportedly show straight panels with no major dents, and the black exterior pairs nicely with a set of aftermarket wheels and good tires, giving it a period-correct street machine vibe.
Inside, the Challenger comes with its original blue seats and door panels, which will need to be redone, but having the correct components included makes restoration easier. The car was factory-equipped with air conditioning, and while the system isn’t currently installed, the parts reportedly come with the sale, which could add comfort for anyone planning to make it a cruiser.
While it may not be a high-dollar R/T or a shaker-hood 340 car, this Challenger represents a fun, approachable way to get into Mopar muscle. The fact that it runs and drives—at least around town—is a big plus for a car at this stage of restoration. Would you fix the floors and keep it as a mild driver, or would you build it into the pro street machine the seller suggests?
It’s an auction, what are you asking for, do you want her to include the high bid when she wrote it up? It makes sense it include the price if it’s an ad on Craigslist or Facebook, those often disappear once the item is sold, eBay is different, an auction changes often constantly, click the link and you can see the ad for 90 days after it ends.
Steve R
There is no reason to turn it into a Pro Street car, that style of build went out of favor 30+ years ago, no reason to build it as a race car, it’s much cheaper to buy than build. Competitive turn key, low-10 second bracket cars aren’t hard to find for $10,000 to $15,000. What this is worth is in the eye of potential buyers, based on the amount of rust and their plans. Dynacorn hasn’t made Challenger bodies for years, what’s out there, no matter how rusty, is all there is to work with.
Steve R
Seems pretty abused to me. Better be dirt cheap and mostly rust free. Looks like some kid had it in the late 70s.
Hoopty with attitude.
Half of a Wynn’s sticker in the driver rear window, that’s old school cool.
Those were everywhere. What did they make? I can’t remember.
Oil and fuel additives. They are still in business.
Steve R
Thanks.
Looks like a cool project!
With the side scoops, hood scoop and the flag on the rear fender looks like he was going for a ‘71 R/T/AAR, a one of none!
I would grab a 340/360 and paint it up like a T/A tribute since it has the right hood and side exit exhaust. Will need little wider tires out back though for the factory look, despite there not being any ‘71 T/A’s produced.
Rough
The listing has been taken down. I couldn’t find a vin decoder for old cars but something about this car say its a T/A . It has a T/A hood, chin spoilers, trunk spoiler, side exhaust but also the R/T side scoops were on it. I wonder if he typed the vin in wrong? Were the parts added later? I’m a B Body guy and know nothing about these in depth. I keep thinking of the Tempest on Ebay I was watching years back and I watched it because something did not seem right. It was a roller, different colored nose, a regular rear axle instead of the trans axle, old drag car? It went to a couple of grand quickly and then holy crap, it went on o sell for $225,000.oo. It was one of six factory 421 Super Stock cars built. The nose was different because someone removed the aluminum front clip years prior
Hi Walt! Yeah that would be cool if it was a T/A but the biggest thing saying that it’s not a T/A is that the car is a 1971. There were never any 1971 Dodge Challenger T/As produced. Oddly though, in 1971 Dodge put out an ad for a Challenger T/A featuring a 1971 style grill (Same as the one on this car.) and it’s rumored that the ad had an airbrushed ‘71 grill on it. All Challenger T/As produced were 1970 model year and 1970 model year appearing.
The original eBay ad is still accessible. There is no VIN in the ad but IF the VIN and a fender tag were available then if my memory serves me then the 5th digit will have an “H” for 340ci engine. I think the 318ci engine has a “G”? Also all T/As have a VIN that starts with “JH” which is the designation for a non-R/T car (which the VIN starts with “JS”. ) The fender tag will actually say “Trans Am” on it, I believe on a second fender tag. Also if a build sheet is available you may be able to see if it’s a true T/A. I don’t know now but Barry Washington used to run the Challenge T/A registry and he has record of a large number of Challenger T/A VINs as recorded when he runs into T/A or for that matter, Plymouth AAR car.
The T/A style hood, chin/duck tail spoiler, side exhaust and side scoops can all be found aftermarket. An old friend of mine had a ‘72 done up like a T/A. The side scoops are actually part of the appearance package for only the 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T cars, one year specific. Also if you look at the eBay ad, the antenna hole is on the passenger front fender. Factory T/A cars have the antenna mounted on the passenger rear fender near the trunk due to alternator interference transmitted through the fiberglass hood. Also the rear tires are wider out back, not sure if the rims are wider as well? These were the first factory cars with staggered tires. There are some other T/A specific items but they slip my mind at the moment.
“This listing was ended by the seller on Mon, Jul 21 at 4:00 PM because the item was lost or broken.”