Original price: $3,273.00
On loan from: Phil Mitchell, Sumner, WA
Previous owner(s): Bought new by Mr. Norms, Grand Spaulding Dodge
Number made: 71
Engine, etc.: 426 cu. in. Hemi; 4 speed transmission
This car is one of less than ten Hemi cars built with a Shaker hood.
There were 71 Hemi Challengers built in 1971; only 59 had a four-speed transmission.
This car is numbers matching and has full documentation.
It is on loan, waiting to be repainted and lightly restored by Level One Restoration, Arvada, CO.
In 1971 the Challenger started its second year of production retaining the low “Coke Body” profile with full-width scoop-like grille, dual round headlights, and raised rear fenders. Body styles included a coupe, hardtop, and convertible.
It was the last year Dodge built a convertible until the mid-1980’s and the last year for the Hemi engine. The shaker hood was an option on the Challenger.
The Hemi option added $892.00 to the bottom line, partly responsible for the low production numbers.
Standard equipment for the 1971 Challenger included dome and parking brake/brake system warning lights, front foam seat cushions, three-spoke steering wheel, glovebox with rotary latch, ventless side windows, and front and rear side armrests. They had color-keyed carpeting, bucket seats, a left outside manual mirror, electric windshield washer, and concealed two-speed wipers.
By 1972 government safety and emission regulations and increasing insurance premiums caused horsepower for all manufacturers to decline. Dodge did not offer the Hemi in 1972.
Sources: https://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z10954/dodge-challenger.aspx
https://oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Dodge/1971_Dodge/1971%20Dodge%20Full%20Line%20Brochure/index1.html (Original dealer brochure)