When I initially saw this 1971 Dodge Charger R/T, I was set to dismiss it as a potentially lost cause. However, I was wrong. When you look beyond the tired paint and the surface corrosion, you discover that it is surprisingly strong. We’ve previously seen some pretty sad classics brought back from the brink, and this Charger offers that opportunity to its next owner. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting the R/T listed here on eBay in Celeste, Texas. The seller set their BIN at $15,000 with the option to make an offer.

I have never shied away from the fact that I am not a fan of the styling that Chrysler adopted for the Third Generation Dodge Charger. I acknowledge that the company was following the prevailing school of thought upon its release, but I don’t find the “fuselage” look as attractive as either of its predecessors. Of course, that is a personal opinion, and yours may differ from mine. The first owner ordered this R/T in Bright Blue Metallic, and it would have turned heads in its prime. However, a lot of water has passed under the bridge since, and it appears that this classic may have spent years sitting in a junkyard. Exposure to the elements and a lack of glass would typically spell bad news, but this Charger’s location is key to its viability as a project candidate. The Texas sun has baked the paint, but the dry climate has done an admirable job of protecting the steel. There are acres of surface corrosion, and stripping this Dodge to the last nut and bolt would seem the most appropriate approach on the path to elimination. Sending the bare shell to a media blaster would be worthwhile to fast-track the build, and should also produce some positive news. The floors appear to have only a few minor holes that are patchable, while the trunk pan and rails look rock-solid. There are a few spots externally requiring attention, but this Charger is far from a rust bucket requiring major structural repairs and steel replacement. It appears that the side glass is present, but the buyer must source a new windshield and back window. Some trim items are missing or require replacement, but the story looks promising to this point.

This interior shot demonstrates how sound the floors are, while also revealing that the interior is missing its seats. One photo in the listing shows a range of interior items, including trim pieces and a console. However, the dash appears complete, and sourcing another set of seats shouldn’t prove too challenging. A retrim will follow in the original Black vinyl if the buyer elects to pursue a faithful approach. With that work complete, the paint and trim combination would make this a striking vehicle.

A 440ci V8 teamed with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission was the drivetrain of choice for this Charger’s original owner. The 1971 Dodge Sales Brochure quotes power and torque figures of 370hp and 305 ft/lbs, confirming that the R/T was a genuine muscle car. This is also where the car’s story takes a turn for the worse. The seller confirms that the engine block is numbers-matching, which is positive. However, the cylinder heads and the peripheral components are long gone, and the level of visible corrosion will probably mean that the engine is locked. Whether it can be freed is a great unknown, but it would be worth the effort to preserve as much of this classic’s originality as possible.

I admit that returning this 1971 Dodge Charger R/T to its former glory will take dedication, and it is a project that requires more than a few weekends of tinkering in a home workshop. However, the lack of significant rust should make it worth the effort, especially if the buyer can be hands-on with much of their approach. Whether the seller achieves their BIN price is debatable, but what would you be prepared to pay to take this classic home?