Elsewhere in the ClassicCars.com Journal, we are featuring a 1971 Plymouth GTX that is being auctioned on AutoHunter, so we thought it would be a good opportunity to show you the Dodge version of the same car to compare their designs. For that reason, this 1971 Dodge Charger R/T is our Pick of the Day. It is for sale on ClassicCars.com by a Michigan dealer. (Click the link to view the listing)
The Dodge Charger experienced big changes for 1971, much like Plymouth’s Satellite series. For one, the Charger went from being a specialty coupe to a complete range of coupes replacing the Coronet coupes from 1968-70. There was a Charger for every type of consumer: budget-minded (Charger coupe and hardtop), well-appointed (Charger 500), luxury (Charger SE), econo-muscle (Charger Super Bee) and upscale performance (Charger R/T). The Charger R/T continued to feature a standard 440 Magnum, though for 1971 it was rated at 370, down five from 1970. A louvered hood was part of the standard configuration, with the Ram Charger air induction system optional on both 440s and standard on the Hemi. The Charger R/T was also the only Charger to feature simulated door louvers.
Like the GTX, a host of options were available to make your Charger R/T hot or hotter, including urethane body-colored bumpers, and front and rear spoilers. Unlike the GTX, the Charger R/T was available with concealed headlights as an option. The Charger R/T didn’t have several stripe choices like the GTX, as the Charger R/T had standard “body side tape performance stripes” in black with the option to delete them.
Both the GTX and Charger R/T have their own strengths when it comes to styling. This 1971 Charger R/T gives us a good idea why some people prefer the Dodge. The seller claims the Charger “was completely restored four years ago by a local enthusiast who purchased the car from Michigan” and has been driven only 1,000 miles since. Per the VIN, we know the U code in the fifth character means it has the standard 440 Magnum, though the original engine is long gone. Two interesting options for this car are the concealed headlamps and the black and orange cloth interior, the latter which nicely matches the EV2 Hemi Orange paint. It also has the Ram Charger hood, though the N96 code doesn’t appear on the fender tag so this likely has been added. Wheels are clearly aftermarket.
So what’ll it be? Do you prefer the GTX or this 1971Charger R/T? If you’re leaning towards the latter, it’ll make your wallet $59,900 lighter. Considering how crazy 1968-70 Charger prices are these days, that’s a veritable bargain for all the performance and charm in a more modern package.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Source: www.classiccars.com