Description

Chrysler E-bodies continue to be red-hot collectables, and this 1971 Challenger is an affordable 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?

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 good 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 refreshed the white vinyl roof, which ties in well with the white stripes. 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.

Glittering white 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 high-contrast black carpets that keep it from burning your retinas. A restored Tuff Wheel looks cool framing the gauges, all of which are clear and brightly marked, along with a neatly-mounted Sun tach. This Challenger also includes factory A/C, a relatively rare option that adds value, and while you're out cruising, you'll enjoy the sounds of the Clarion AM/FM/CD stereo. Matching monogrammed 'Challenger' floor mats will help keep it looking new for a long time, and the sanitary trunk is fitted with a correct mat and matching Rallye wheel.

Before you scoff at the 318 under the hood, remember that it's still bigger than just about anything you can buy today and delivers a wallop of torque at just about any speed. Upgrades include an Edelbrock intake, Holley 4-barrel carburetor, and a dual exhaust system with wicked-sounding glasspack-style mufflers. Lots of chrome dress-up from Mopar Performance makes it sparkle when you open the hood, 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 solid and clean, sporting a coat of ancient undercoating that has nothing to hide, showing off the excellent original floor. A TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission feeds the stock rear end, which is full of easy-cruising gears that make this an ideal road trip candidate. 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 215/70/14 radials that are so new, they still have the stickers on the tread.

Still cool after all these years, how awesome is it that you can get a V8-powered E-body, fully restored and ready to rock for so little cash? Call today!