Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/eBay seller dd_auto_salvage
The Dodge Challenger was a hit from the beginning, and the production figures for the first generation, available for four years between 1970 and 1974, are living proof. Dodge built over 165k Challengers despite the car struggling with collapsing demand for the entire segment.
The carmaker tried to turn the Challenger into the right choice for everybody, so the engine lineup included everything from lazy six-cylinder units like the 198 to massive big-block mills such as the 426 Hemi and the 440.
The 1971 Dodge Challenger sitting in a yard has a 440 under the hood, though the car rolled off the assembly lines with a 318.
Someone replaced the engine along the way, but no further specifics are available on the swap, so I assume they wanted the Challenger to boast extra muscle. The 440 is as mysterious as it gets, as eBay seller dd_auto_salvage says the engine's condition is unknown.
The 440 turned out to be more powerful than the driver could handle, as this Challenger ended up hitting a wall. The front of the car is now damaged and is probably the reason the vehicle was abandoned.
The collision severely damaged the frame, so you'll need to repair the entire front if you want to bring the car back to the road.
The best news is the Challenger is still mostly complete, but it doesn't make the restoration work easier. You'll also have to deal with a concerning amount of rust, including on the roof.
The owner says the Challenger had a vinyl top that allowed some moisture to get underneath, eventually causing the damage you can see in the pictures. The sheet metal is awful, so you'll need to cut and replace it to install a new roof.
A 1971 Challenger is typically a desirable project, especially for people who want to build restomods with powerful engines. This example already has the powerful engine, but you must first see it in person and inspect everything, including the mill. A 440 is a great option unless you're drooling over Hemi power, but it's no good unless it turns over by hand.
The car was posted on eBay for auction, with the bidding already receiving 17 offers. Considering the digital fight started at $1, it makes slow progress, so the top offer at the time of writing is $770. Unsurprisingly, the owner has also enabled a reserve, and it's still in place today. Its value is unknown, but I wouldn't expect this Challenger to sell for less than $5K, maybe $10K if the owner is optimistic.
If you want to see the car in person, you'll have to go to Logan, Utah, and if you're committed to a purchase, you must take the Challenger on a trailer.
The 1971 Dodge Challenger sitting in a yard has a 440 under the hood, though the car rolled off the assembly lines with a 318.
Someone replaced the engine along the way, but no further specifics are available on the swap, so I assume they wanted the Challenger to boast extra muscle. The 440 is as mysterious as it gets, as eBay seller dd_auto_salvage says the engine's condition is unknown.
The 440 turned out to be more powerful than the driver could handle, as this Challenger ended up hitting a wall. The front of the car is now damaged and is probably the reason the vehicle was abandoned.
The collision severely damaged the frame, so you'll need to repair the entire front if you want to bring the car back to the road.
The best news is the Challenger is still mostly complete, but it doesn't make the restoration work easier. You'll also have to deal with a concerning amount of rust, including on the roof.
The owner says the Challenger had a vinyl top that allowed some moisture to get underneath, eventually causing the damage you can see in the pictures. The sheet metal is awful, so you'll need to cut and replace it to install a new roof.
A 1971 Challenger is typically a desirable project, especially for people who want to build restomods with powerful engines. This example already has the powerful engine, but you must first see it in person and inspect everything, including the mill. A 440 is a great option unless you're drooling over Hemi power, but it's no good unless it turns over by hand.
The car was posted on eBay for auction, with the bidding already receiving 17 offers. Considering the digital fight started at $1, it makes slow progress, so the top offer at the time of writing is $770. Unsurprisingly, the owner has also enabled a reserve, and it's still in place today. Its value is unknown, but I wouldn't expect this Challenger to sell for less than $5K, maybe $10K if the owner is optimistic.
If you want to see the car in person, you'll have to go to Logan, Utah, and if you're committed to a purchase, you must take the Challenger on a trailer.
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