1971 Dodge Challenger | |
Description1971 was the second year of the first generation Dodge Challenger which was manufactured from 1970 - 1974. The Challenger still came in hardtop and convertible forms. For 1971 there were two versions, the base model, and the R/T (Road/Track) model. The R/T convertible was no longer available, and the SE (Special Edition) version was gone as well. The front grill was changed to a new split design which was silver for regular Challengers and black for R/Ts. The rear panel was new and had different tail lights which were two separate units which did not span the full width of the car. Two back-up lights were used, with one in the center of each of the long, rectangular tail lights. The dash surround was changed slightly to include an attached Challenger name plate (which was formerly embossed) on the right side. 1971 was the last year for a convertible Challenger. It was also the last year for the shaker hood scoop option. The R/T had non-functional brake cooling louvers added to the rear fenders behind the doors for 1971 only. The R/T model also had new side stripes for this year. The Bunmble-Bee tail stripe was also available. Body-colored front and rear bumpers were also available, but came in limited colors. The seat pleating pattern changed, as did the shift lever handle for automatic cars. The 225 cubic inch slant-six with 145 horsepower and 215 ft-lbs of torque was the base engine in the Challenger, with the 230 hp two-barrel 318 cubic inch engine with 320 ft-lbs of torque being the base engine in the V8 equipped Challengers. Optional engines included the 340 with 275 hp and 340 ft-lbs of torque, the 383 two-barrel with 275 hp and 390 ft-lbs of torque, the 383 Magnum with 300 hp, the 440 Six-Pack with 385 hp and 480 ft-lbs of torque, and the 426 Hemi with 425 hp and 490 ft-lbs of torque. Optional High Impact Paint colors included Plum Crazy, Hemi Orange, Top Banana, Green Go, and Citron Yella. Total production of 1971 Challengers: 26,299 1971 Challenger Key Differences1971 Dodge Challengers are easy to identify as they have a unique split front grill, and have unique, long, rectangular tail lights. Similar Years1970 to 1974 Dodge Challengers all had the same body and looked similar. Grill, bumper, and tail light changes from year to year can be used to identify most years, but 1973 and 1974 Challengers are virtually identical. The 360 cu in engine was available only in 1974. | |
More 1971 Challenger PicturesFor more photos of vintage 1971 Challengers, visit the Dodge Challenger Gallery at the Muscle Car Jungle. If you have any comments, or would like to report any errors or omissions, contact us at feedback@oldcarsguide.com | |