A performance-built 383ci V8 hits particularly hard.
As the golden age of American muscle cars was coming to a close, enthusiasts were left with a dwindling number of options. It was true that Dodge ended the Special Edition line for the Challenger after 1970, but the roof remained an option few selected. What you see here is a genuine 1971 Dodge Challenger SE, easily picked out from the crowd thanks to a smaller back window. The interior also has a cloth headliner and overhead console, further distinguishing it from other Challengers.
That’s the first set of attributes which make this car special. Another is the rare Butterscotch paint. Paired with the gloss black hood scoops plus red and black stripes, it really dresses this muscle car up. The steel wheels are painted to match, with caps which match the chrome bumpers and door handles. A fresh set of Cooper Cobra Radial G/Ts help round out the tight exterior presentation on this car.
An understated black interior with some woodgrain accents keep everything simple. Everything from the steering wheel to the gauges are stock. While the carpeting and vinyl upholstery have obviously been refreshed, this Mopar retains its original characteristics. There’s even a center console. One subtle upgrade is a leather-wrapped dash, which is a really nice touch for this Dodge.
While new vehicle emissions standards and an oil crisis helped choke out a good portion of vehicle performance in the 1970s, this Dodge Challenger is packing real heat in the form of a built 383ci V8 engine. Among the goodies bolted on is an Edelbrock high rise aluminum intake, dual-feed Demon carb, Edelbrock e-street aluminum heads, billet distributor, MSD coil, and Hooker headers. With that setup you can really shred some rubber and impress your friends. A polished aluminum radiator and twin electric fans help keep everything running nice and cool. Dressing the engine compartment up further are chrome pulleys and the bay itself painted to match the body.
A classic Mopar muscle car like this isn’t going to last on the market too long. If you want to negotiate pricing or ask questions about the car, get in touch with Volo Auto Museum, which is handling the sale.
