The Dodge Charger, along with the rest of Chrysler’s intermediates, got redesigned for 1971. The new, fuselage styling helped boost sales, which increased by 25% over the year before. This was also the year that the detuning process began to make cars more environmentally friendly. For many, that meant running on unleaded fuel like this ’71 Charger SE 383 V8 2-barrel which had a lower compression ratio which brought output down to 190 hp. The seller’s car is a running project, showing its age after 50 years, but solid. Thanks, rex m, for finding this tip for us in Sparks, Nevada. The Dodge is available here on craigslist for $12,750
Always on the hunt for more youthful buyers, the Dodge Charger shared Chrysler’s mid-size B-platform from 1966-78. Dodge decided to merge its Coronet and Charger lines in 1971, so all 2-door models were now Chargers and all 4-door models were Coronets. That year would also be the last for the physically similar Super Bee as Chrysler began thinning their muscle car herd. The Charger would see more than 58,000 units go out the door in ’71.
This Charger SE (for Special Edition) is a survivor that could stand some TLC. We’re not sure if it’s wearing its original paint, but the factory color was Dark Bronze Metallic. Regardless, it’s pretty faded now, and the canopy vinyl top is peeling back from the roof. Only two areas of rust are noted, in the battery tray and the inner fender below it (battery acid got loose, no doubt). However, the trunk floor has a fair amount of surface rust which may point to an earlier leak. The passenger side front fender also wears a dent, the same one that has an odd mirror mounted only on it. The leather interior looks well-used but mostly intact, with the visible exceptions being the dash pad and headliner.
In the plus column is that the engine is original, a 383 V8 but one with a 2-barrel carburetor rather than the Hi-Perf 4-barrel. We assume this car was recently acquired to resell as the only reference to it driving is the seller saying it moved up and down his driveway under its own power. But the brakes are close to non-existent, so repairing them should be the next order of business. The heater hose is also bad, so why not replace all the hoses while you’re at it, along with the exhaust. The odometer reading is said to be 53,500.
This Charger has had several new parts installed, including the battery, spark plugs, plug wires, and electronic ignition. The transaction will include some extra parts going along with the car, namely a hood, door, and spare hideaway headlight setup. The seller expressed his willingness to consider take a trade, but he doesn’t mention his preference other than a “classic car.” According to Hagerty, the resale value on one of these Chargers is $12,700 in Fair condition, just about what the seller is asking for this one. Hmmm.
I agree w/ the sellers’ assessment that this is a good solid start. It took me a while to really warm up to this body shape, but I like this one and it is spec’d exactly as I would love to find one! I would imagine that the asinine placement of the right mirror was to assist in boat towing! GLWTS!! :-)
I think it is a scam…
I thought the same thing about the mirror.
But then looked again and realized it’s further in than it would be if mounted on door, so it wouldn’t be able to view something behind car and also , how good could you see a 4 inch mirror that’s almost 8 ft away from you?
You get to see some strange things on this site.
With that snow tire in the trunk, this thing lived most of its life where it is salty / snowy. It could even be a recap – remember those?
Pricey for its condition. These aren’t nearly as popular as the previous generation, unless this is someone’s dream car it’s better to spend your money on something better.
Steve R
No, no, and no again. Chrysler didnt beging to drop compression ratios until 1972. All they did in 1971 was take lower RPM readings to “lower” the horsepower ratings to get around insurance surcharges. All of the 1970 horsepower was still there if you reved the engine up to the old ratings. Anyone who has ever torn down these engines knows that.
My Daddy always told me not to buy a used car with a trailer hitch on it (used to tow boat, toy trailer, who knows what…tranny and/or engine possibly fried)…and then there’s that mirror
My 74 charger use to tow a boat. I’m 3rd owner. Trany lost second, fixed it. Has been running good for the last 22+ years
You have to be careful with this one. A leaking or cracked battery spewing acid all around the engine compartment as the fan will blow the acid vapor all around and will result in a leaking radiator ,heater core replacement and metal fatigue where the wheel house meets the floor pan. I know first hand as I had a 1972 Dodge Dart Swinger that suffered from what I just described as the battery had a cracked case and resulted in the parts failures, don’t forget replacing the water pump as well.
The ad is legit. Location is just north of Reno/Sparks Nevada area called Spanish Springs, a fairly new housing development. Yes there is snow in them there hills. I sold my 71 SE, factory plum crazy with the “N” code 383 4V last year for $12,500.00 and in way better shape than this one. Original Southern Cal car with 65K miles, no rust and drove perfect. It went back east and I should have never sold. Live and learn. This car does have good bones to work with from what I’m seeing.
Yep, that’s about $10K short of what it would bring right now…I would’ve traded you a nice CVPI for it Glenn, lol.
Yep, that’s about $10K short of what it would bring right now…I would’ve traded you a nice CVPI for it Glenn, lol.
I had a ‘71 the SE the same exact color with a half vinyl roof. It had a 383 high output with a 4 speed. Fastest car in town and I wish I never sold it. I remember going to see wrestling with 6 friends and all of us fit. Amazing car and the horse power was the same as the 70.