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, 3-speed automatic transmission, the R/T stripe and bathed in Top Banana. Adding into all that excitement is the fact that this car is also dressed as 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 that rolls 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 split tail 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 appliqu© 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 appliqu©. 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 automatic is 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.
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