Vehicle Description
Chrysler E-bodies continue to be red-hot collectables, and this
1971 Challenger R/T tribute is a very cool piece of muscle that
will get respect everywhere it goes. What else do you need besides
that great shape, some Hemi Orange paint, and a Go-Wing out back?
Well, how about a 440 Six Pack engine, an award-winning
restoration, and, of course, a relatively reasonable price tag
compared to a pedigree car.
Mopars were still the kings of the street in 1971 and while the
rest of the industry was busy getting ready for new emissions
rules, the guys at Dodge went against the crowd and continued
building legitimate V8-powered muscle. This Challenger certainly
looks the part, with vivid Hemi Orange paint and correct
reproduction R/T stripes that were the perfect early-70s accent.
Finding one of these that hasn't been eaten by the dreaded tin worm
is getting tougher all the time, so they made sure they did it
justice by getting excellent panel gaps and flat surfaces that
reflect distortion-free images. They also added a correct R/T hood,
a satin black Go-Wing on the deck lid, and a full set of satin
black R/T decals. Add in a set of hood pins, correct rectangular
exhaust tips, and a beautifully preserved grille, and this is a car
that will definitely get some attention at the local cruise night.
There's a reason it earned all those awards, and while we don't
like to say "perfect," this car doesn't have many nits to pick
cosmetically.
Correct black upholstery tells you all you need to know about the
level of restoration in this car. If you can touch it, it's
probably new, including the seat covers front and rear, the door
panels, and the fresh black carpets that take you all the way back
to 1971. A restored wood-rimmed steering wheel looks cool framing
the gauges, all of which are clear and brightly marked, including a
factory tach. It's as beautifully finished inside as it is outside,
and the attention to detail shows everywhere you look, from the
discreet T-handle shifter to the fresh woodgrained appliques on the
dash and console. It's set up for A/C, although it's not currently
installed (call us for details on the Vintage Air setup that's
available with the car), and the AM radio is disconnected in
preparation for an entertainment upgrade that would stay hidden in,
say, the glove box. As a show car, it has also been outfitted with
a correct mat and matching Rallye wheel in the trunk, and again,
finish quality is exemplary.
This car was born with a 383, but today packs a 440 cubic inch V8
complete with a factory "Six Pack" induction system. In the
interest of earning trophies, everything under the hood is OEM or
NOS, including the battery. Invisible upgrades include a Comp Cams
292 camshaft that adds a few horsepower and gives it a nasty idle,
too. Correct decals, a functional ram air assembly, stamped hoses,
and other little items make it look factory fresh, and the Hemi
Orange paint on the block matches the bodywork almost perfectly,
adding a sort-of custom look that Mopar guys will appreciate. The
chassis is spectacular, with body-colored floors that shine like
the bodywork, satin black hardware, and a fresh reproduction
exhaust system. A TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission feeds
an 8.75-inch rear end full of 3.55 gears, so it's punchy but not
obnoxious on the road. And no other wheel looks as good on an
E-body as the classic Rallye, with these wearing correct trim rings
and a set of 245/60/15 BFG radials.
This car was 4th in the nation in the Restored class at the ISCA
indoor circuit and the attention to detail is extremely impressive.
If you want looks, power, and quality, this is one heck of a
Challenger. Call today!