Vehicle Description
Mopar people, you know what you like: big block power, E-body
looks, high-impact colors, and sporty bucket-seat interiors, all
covered in a big, bad, and bold attitude. This 1971 Dodge
Challenger R/T Tribute delivers plenty of that decadent good stuff
(and then some) punctuated with a built 440 V8 engine,
quick-shifting Torqueflight transmission, power steering and
power4-wheel disc brakes, and a period-perfect look that drops jaws
on command.
A lot of this Challenger's appeal is under the skin, where it
really is a bare-knuckles street fighter, but it sure is pretty to
look at, too. Plum Crazy Purple always looks best on Chrysler's
pony cars, particularly the Challenger, where it looks both fast
and highly polished at the same time. The jury's out on whether the
Challenger or the 'Cuda is the better-looking car, but there's no
denying that showing up in this slick R/T will generate a TON of
attention. The bodywork is nicely finished, showing off the crease
running along its flanks to great effect, the result of a lot of
careful sanding work before the high-impact paint went on. Fit and
finish are par for the course on any vintage Mopar muscle, and they
did their homework on the matte black T/T stripes, which were laid
down with great precision and really complete the look. A big,
blacked-out fiberglass cowl hood was added too, complete with that
giant hood scoop and hood pins/lanyards, and when coupled with the
decklid spoiler it transforms the big E-body into an aggressive
asphalt-eater that looks like it's going 100MPH just sitting still.
The car's been driven and enjoyed (seriously, who could resist the
siren song of a big block Mopar with these killer looks?), so it's
no longer flawless, but you'll have a hard time resisting this
strong, driver-grade car and the call of the open road, just like
the last owner. Shiny chrome bumpers and brightwork add even more
flash to the attention-grabbing presentation, and the raked stance
is set so aggressively it practically forces your feet down onto
the gas pedal.
The interior is mostly original stock Challenger, from the high
back bucket seats to the original center console, to the ornate
door panels at the flanks, and everything is very nice shape
inside. In fact, other than some slight rub marks at the top of the
door cards and a little wear on the woodgrain applique found
throughout the cabin, there's not really anything to complain about
inside, and with the sculpted, roomy contours inside, this cabin is
very comfortable place to spend some time in. Factory Rallye gauges
give you a pretty comprehensive look at the engine and include an
original tachometer front-and-center, but for accuracy's sake, it
also carries a couple auxiliary gauges under the dash that keep a
close eye on the upgraded big block. A JVC AM/FM/CD stereo head
unit replaces the ancient Music Master AM radio in the dash, and
the factory A/C system was upgraded with Vintage Air components,
which means modern hardware, R134a refrigerant, and ice-cold air
blowing through the vents inside. The stubby T-handle shifter
inside the center console falls easily to hand, and the original,
wood-rimmed steering wheel should be standard equipment in any
muscular Mopar simply because they look awesome. Challenger
floormats prove nothing was overlooked during the restoration, and
the trunk was painted to match the Plum Crazy exterior and finished
with a plaid mat for long-term durability.
You can see just how serious this Challenger handles itself on the
streets by popping the hood, where you'll find a powerful 440 cubic
inch V8. Topped by a big Holley 4-barrel carburetor, Edelbrock
intake, Mopar Performance ignition, and block-hugging long-tube
headers, it's as fast as it is good looking. The block, intake, and
valve covers were coated in Hemi Orange engine enamel, whereas the
firewall and inner fenders were painted Plum Crazy to match the
exterior, so the engine bay is full of color and ready to be shown
off right now. Newer components include the upgraded A/C
compressor, A Mopar Performance air cleaner, steel-braided fuel
lines, and a power brake system that hooks ups with 4-wheel disc
brakes underneath that feature drilled-and-slotted rotors. Handling
is vastly improved with power steering, a torsion bar and
heavy-duty shocks up front, and big leaf springs, shocks, and
traction bars in the rear, and the soundtrack is downright epic
thank to the Flowmaster dual exhaust set-up that exits through quad
tips underneath the rear valance. An A727 Torqueflight 3-speed
automatic transmission spins what's likely the original 8.75-inch
rear end, and it's geared in such a way that both off-the-line
acceleration and highway cruising are on the menu. Gorgeous factory
15-inch wheels wear meaty BFGoodrich T/A white-letter radials that
look exactly right and finish the look perfectly.
Beautiful and fast, this is the Challenger R/T Tribute every guy or
gal wishes they could own. Here's your chance, don't miss it! Call
today!
