1971 Dodge Challenger CONVERTIBLE
Dodge only made 1,792 convertible Challengers in 1971. Of the 1792 convertible Challengers built, 662 were manual transmission cars, the rest were automatics. If you figure maybe ½ of those manual transmission cars survived to today, that would leave us with about 331 - 1971 convertible Challengers left. Now if you think about how many of those Challengers would be left in original, un-restored, un-molested condition, with just over 43,300 original miles and you are looking at maybe just a few, or maybe even just only this one.
I purchased this Dodge Challenger from the original family that ordered in new in 1971. With an original odometer reading of only 43,357 miles, it's easy to see that this cherished and loved Dodge was well cared for an ALWAYS garaged its whole life. This Challenger sits now as it was built by Dodge and delivered to the original owner over 53 years ago. As you’d expect, it has never been exposed to any winter weather and very minimal rain exposure. The only damage to the car is some small garage dings. Otherwise the original paint shows incredibly well, with just some minor checking and cracking of the enamel. The complete body and undercarriage are rot free.
Ron (the original day one owner) told me that he ordered the car with just a few options as he was a young college student and it was all he could afford. He ordered the Challenger from Shanksville Auto Company, in Shanksville, PA. The car was ordered as you see it, other than the newer tires of course. The pin stripes were added by the dealer and are obviously hand painted originals.
EVERYTING IS ORIGINAL - The interior is near perfect and has beautiful bucket seats that are without a trace of wear anywhere. The dash, console and the carpet are near perfect too. The gauges are all clear and work well. The power convertible top is also completely original and works well. The only item not working is the AM radio. The car presents as almost new.
Powered by the sturdy and stout Chrysler 318 cubic inch engine, that made 230 HP and 320 FT LBS of torque in 1971, the Dodge has enough power for it to be a fantastic cruiser. And its 3-speed manual transmission shifts silky smooth. The suspension is tight, the manual brakes are excellent, with perfect modulation and pedal feel. Driving this Dodge is thrilling and a testament to how well they were built. It’s an exciting experience.
In 2002, with only 42,000 miles on the car, over $10,000 was spent on the engine. Obviously, with that low mileage it didn’t need substantial internal work, but the engine was removed, cleaned, painted with new gaskets sets, freeze plugs, timing chain set, water and fuel pumps, new transmission and engine mounts, plugs, wires, all new under hood hoses and more. The flywheel was machined, a new clutch was installed and the engine and radiator were flushed (invoices come with sale). A copy of the original build sheet is also included with the car and is evidence of its originality along with the fender tag and the dealer books. The BF Goodrich radial tires were new in 2020.
I love old cars. Accordingly, I am always on the hunt for another. That said, if you have a vintage car that you might want to use towards a trade on this car, reach out to me. These are the cars that I have interest in, not in any particular order:
1968 - 1972 Chevy Chevelle
1968 - 1972 Pontiac GTO
1968 - 1972 Olds 442 - Cutlass
1967 - 1970 Ford Mustang Fastback
1970 - 1974 Plymouth Barracuda
1970 - 1974 Dodge Challenger
1968 - 1987 Chevy - GMC - K-10 or K20
I'm completely okay with project cars. If you've got a trade(s) in the range listed above, hit me up with some info and pics and what you think it's (they're) worth. If you have a foreign car or a vehicle not on the above list, sorry, they're not interesting to me. No offence meant, they're just are not my jam. Also I'm not interested in older or newer cars than listed above.
This classic Challenger is as original as they get. It’s an incredible piece of Mopar history. Whoever is the lucky person to get this car can be assured it’s the real deal and has never been messed with. It truly is a one of a kind, very well preserved time capsule.
Please take the time to watch the video and feel free to reach out to me with any questions.
Edward Racicot - Savannah, GA
828-225-5565 - talk or text
