Nut & Bolt - $100k restoration - matching #'s

1971 Dodge Challenger Hardtop Additional Info:

While the modern Dodge Challenger is proof that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, the real Challenger from the early 1970s is where it's at. This two-owner car has been fully restored. At a cost of over $130k with full documentation and a 31' 3 ring binder full of receipts. The gentleman we purchased the car from purchased the car from the original owner.

Made on September 22, 1970, in Chrysler's Hamtramck, Michigan factory (VIN code B), this R/T Hardtop remains in its factory color, Cintron Yella (code Y3), with a black sport hood (code J54) and roof drip-rail moldings (code M21). This example has the optional tinted glass (code G15). The paint and trim are in overall excellent shape, the bodywork is straight and solid, the engine bay is extremely tidy, the Optima battery looks new and the chrome bumpers look brilliant.

This Challenger rolls on BFGoodrich Radial T/As, size 235/60R15 in front and 255/60R15 in back. Each tire is mounted on a factory alloy wheel. The tires and wheels are all in very good order.

Under the hood is a matching number 340 CID V-8 engine with four-barrel carburetor, breathing via dual exhausts (code N41) with chrome exhaust tips (code N42). The engine block and heads were disassembled; the block was cleaned, along with the connecting rods, pistons and heads. The cylinders were deglazed @ .030 bore and forged pistons were re-ringed @ .030. The main crankshaft and rod journals were polished. There was a three-angle valve job, and the intake runners in the head were polished. A new comp cam kit was installed with new lifters, retainers, springs, valve seals and brass freeze plugs. The engine also has a new water pump and thermostat. Backing the engine is a A727 TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission and a 3.55:1 rear end.

Driver convenience features include power steering, three-speed wipers (code J25) and power brakes (code B51).

Inside is a black vinyl interior. The front buckets (code C55) and rear bench seats are in overall excellent order, as is the matching carpeting and headliner. A three-spoke steering wheel frames a woodgrain dash with Rallye instrument cluster. The car has full door panels (code 000) and a center console with woodgrain accents (code C16). The dash, doors and console are all in excellent order, as is the console-mounted shifter. A factory AM radio (code R11) rounds out the interior.

Introduced in fall 1969 for the 1970 model year, the Challenger was one of two Chrysler E-body cars, the other being the slightly smaller Plymouth Barracuda. Positioned to compete against the Mercury Cougar and Pontiac Firebird in the upper end of the pony car market segment, it was "a rather late response" to the Ford Mustang, which debuted more than six years earlier. Even so, Chrysler intended the new Challenger as the most potent pony car ever and like the less expensive Barracuda, it was available in a staggering number of trim and option levels and with virtually every engine in Chrysler's inventory.

The Challenger's longer wheelbase, larger dimensions and more luxurious interior were prompted by the launch of the 1967 Mercury Cougar, likewise, a bigger, more luxurious and more expensive pony car aimed at affluent young American buyers. The 110-inch wheelbase was two inches longer than the Barracuda's and the Dodge differed substantially in its sheetmetal, much as the Cougar differed from the shorter-wheelbase Mustang. Air conditioning and a rear window defogger were optional. With 1971 being the sole exception, the front ends of both cars differed from each other in that the Challenger had four headlights and the Barracuda had only two; a trend replicated by offerings from Chrysler's rivals.

The exterior design was penned by Carl Cameron, who was also responsible for the exterior designs of the 1966 Dodge Charger. The pony car segment was already declining by the time the Challenger arrived. Sales fell dramatically after 1970 and though sales rose for the 1973 model year with over 27,800 cars being sold, Challenger production ceased midway through the 1974 model year. A total of 165,437 first-generation Challengers were sold.

Documentation includes original owner's manual, duplicate Missouri title from 1979, Challenger R/T badging and other badges, original Dodge Scat Pack club membership form, two Challenger brochures and a binder full of 200+ restoration receipts and invoices. Also included is a flash drive with over 2,000 photos of the restoration process.

Competition to this Dodge in 1971 included AMC's AMX and Javelin, Chevrolet's Camaro, Dodge's own Charger, Ford's Mustang, Mercury's Cougar, Pontiac's Firebird and Plymouth's Barracuda.

If you're looking for an original Dodge Challenger, stop by MotoeXotica Classic Cars today to check out this '71 Challenger R/T before someone else drives it home!

VIN: JS23H1B150507

This car is currently located at our facility in St. Louis, Missouri. Current mileage on the odometer shows 72,420 miles. It is sold as is, where is, on a clean and clear, mileage exempt title. GET OUT AND DRIVE!!!

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