Vehicle Description
1971 Dodge Challenger RT Hardtop
For years, theories have spread as to why Chrysler launched their
optional High Impact paint colors in the summer of 1969. Could it
have been the booming economy that allowed production of these
frivolous features? Society's newfound desire for individuality? Or
was it as simple as too much free love and good dope. Whatever the
case, these unique options have always made Dodge stand out and
generations of Mopar nuts are thankful. While competitors tried
keeping up in the wake of Chrysler's fresh new look with their own
bold blends, like Grabber Green or Hugger Orange, their shallow
imitations couldn't compete with Chrysler's sharp new shades.
Chrysler's colors could also be placed on nearly any model, unlike
the competition who limited their few exciting enamels to
performance models only. Today, High Impact Paints have become
incredibly desirable and increase the value of a classic Mopar
vehicle tremendously, although when originally ordered, these new
pretty pigments only set customers back an extra $15! Chrysler's
High Impact paints were available from 1969 through 1973 and
included ten captivating new colors.
For consignment, a stunning restored to mostly original 1971
Challenger R/T, and it has the big block 440ci V8, an added on 6
Pack set up, 4-speed manual transmission, the R/T stripe and bathed
in Top Banana. Adding into all that excitement is the fact that
this car is also dressedas an RT/SE car. Muscle cars just don't get
much better than this 15,698 non verifiable mile example!
Exterior
The coke bottle design can be seen at its finest with this car with
bulging fenders and a straight door in the center with a thin front
end and pinched dual oval grille with dual headlights. Top Banana
paint is graced with a R/T black stripe kit to set the mood, and
the vinyl top is showing in black and sports the optional SE
package small glass rear window is the bow on the present under the
proverbial Xmas tree. On the hood is a wide satin black stripe over
the yellow and highlighting a dual "whale nostril" hood opening.
Nice chrome trimmings for the wheelwells and the window surrounds
help to highlight the rear fender gills,a 1 year only styling cue.
Bumpers are nicely preserved and shiny, as are the hood pins and
deep inset black and argent egg crate grille. R/T badges on the
front fenders and rear deck, and the stripe thatrolls down the
beltline and ends with a snappy R/T in case you didn't know who you
were messing with. Perched upon the trunk lid is a satin black Gull
Wing. A "pinched" rear houses the splittail lighting set within a
black inlay that stretches across the rear and is framed in the
bottom by a nice shiny bumper. On the rear yellow roll pan are dual
dual rectangular tailpipes tipped in chrome. Rally wheels with deep
dish trim rings are wrapped in BF Goodrich raised white lettered
Radial TA rubber.
Interior
A swing of the doors and we've turned on the way back machine
Sherman, to 1971 where black molded vinyl and plastic form the
panels for the doors. A wood centered applique complete with the
Special Edition badge and shiny cranks and actuator paddles dress
the panel to the nines. The simplistic high back buckets and rear
bench make up the seating, and this is black vinyl with some tuck
and roll stitched areas throughout the seats. A 72-74 black rimmed
rimmed 2 spoke drilled steering wheel fronts the dash and is in
fine condition. A grouping of round gauges is within the dash front
and all floating in a field of wood applique. Noted with the R/T
package the optional tachometer is installed. The original AM/FM
radio is present and has been updated with modern internals. Lest I
forget, a center console races rearward from the bottom of the dash
on the hump and sports the faux wood handled Hurst pistol grip
shifter and a glovebox. Clean fade free black carpeting and a tight
smooth black headliner with the correct SE overhead console
complete this nicely done interior.
Drivetrain
Under the hood in the Top Banana painted engine bay sits a non
original 440ci big block engine with an orange Edelbrock intake and
valve covers. A Hemi Orange air cleaner cover sporting its stickers
is atop and filters air for the added on Six Pack intake and
carburetors. A non original A727 3-speed Torqueflite automaticis on
the back. Putting all this power to the ground is the correct 8 3/4
rear axle assembly.
Undercarriage
Appearing restored with nice black undercoating covering all
surfaces with no rust or even road dirt. All structurally sound
under here. Disc brakes are in front and drum brakes are reserved
for the rear, and a nice clean rust free exhaust system with
Magnaflow stainless steel mufflers snakes its way rearward from the
engine attached to the original no rust manifolds. For the
suspension front torsion bars are on and on the back, leaf
springs.
Drive-Ability
This 440ci big block fired right up, and ran smoothly. Wonderfully
endless acceleration and the automatic transmission shifted
smoothly into each corresponding gear. Handling was good, and a
comfortable cruise can be had on the highway with this car. All
functions worked as they should during our time behind the wheel.
While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were
working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these
functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Very well restored, and sorted all presenting in a wonderful High
Impact hue of Top Banana. All nooks and crannies, corners and
panels, and the interior present as excellent for this RT/SE
dressed Mopar. Let's go for another spin and spin the tires!
JS23N1B391748
J-Dodge Challenger
S-Special Price Class
23-2 Door Hardtop
N-383ci 4bbl V8
1-1971
B-Hamtramck, MI Assy Plant
391748-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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