Find Of The Day: 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T

By David Ashton

For some, a Dodge Challenger barn find is one of the best you can come across in the muscle car world and this is exactly what we have here. A 71 Challenger R/T 383 and a four-speed, now a 440.

Although the bodywork does have its rust issues, with images provided of the worst areas, the bodywork is solid enough to make you feel positive about a restoration. There are rust holes on panels, but it seems to be solid, where it counts. The current engine is a 1970 440 HP2 heavy rod (440+6) and is said to be seized up and looks very rusty, so lacking the original engine, you could drop anything you like in here.

The interior initially looks quite good with the dash looking intact and apart from the tears on the driver’s seat, carpets and upholstery will go a long way to bringing this back to life. The wooden steering wheel, even looks intact.

The seller has given a nice rundown of the plus and minus points along with a fender tag decode, but all that information aside, you have plenty here to start a nice restoration, It’s just if at the current bid of $18,000 with four days to go, the price point at this time of year is something that appeals. I’m guessing it would make a nice winter project if you’re happy with either a complete engine restoration or upgrade.

Positives
1 of 465 1971 383 4-speed Challenger R/Ts produced
Documented two owner car
Original fender tag
Original Broadcast Sheet
All body numbers match – VIN, door tag, fender tag, cowl number and radiator support number
All original body panels and floor pans
Mostly original paint (part of trunk lid and roof repainted)
Numbers matching transmission
Near perfect 3 speaker dash pad very minor imperfection on left corner beside instrument cluster (see pic). Top of the pad is not cracked
Original AM/FM multiplex radio still in the car
Desirable color combination – B5 blue with black interior and stripes
Rallye dash is complete and in very good condition
Glass in very good condition
Near perfect grille – No cracks

Fender Tag Decode
JS23:
Dodge Challenger
Special, R/T
2 Door Hardtop
N1B: 383 300HP 1-4BBL 8 CYL
1971
Dodge Main, Hamtramck, MI, USA
349198: Sequence number
E65: 383 cid 4 barrel V8 300hp
D21: 4 Speed Manual Transmission
GB5: Bright Blue Poly Exterior Color
H6X9: Trim – High, Vinyl Bucket Seats, Black
OOO: Unknown Int. Door Frames
405: Build Date: April 05
091101: Order number
GB5: Bright Blue Poly Top Color
???: Unknown (Can not read code on fender tag)
B51: Power Brakes
C55: Bucket Seats
J25: 3 Speed Wipers
J45: Hood Tie Down Pins
J54: Sport Hood
M21: Roof drip rail moldings
M25: Wide sill moldings
N41: Dual Exhaust
N42: Chrome Exhaust Tips
N85: Tachometer
R35: AM/FM Stereo Radio (10 Watts)
V6X: Longitudinal Stripes, Black
EN2: End of Sales Codes

BUY NOW ON EBAY.

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