The 1971 Dodge Challenger

There were four Challenger models for 1971.

• Challenger Deputy
• Two door hardtop
• Two door convertible
• R/T two door hardtop

Body

There had been plans to make a 1971 T/A model. It would have been the same as the 1970 version except for a 4bbl carb. instead of the six pack induction. These plans were dropped before any cars were made. Some people insist that at least one 1971 T/A was built because of an advertisement that seems to show one. However if you look at the advert on my "Challenger Adverts" page and compare it to the 1970 poster above it you can see it is the same car photographed on the same wet day on the same road. It is amazing what these graphics artists can do with an airbrush!

There were no major changes to the '71 Challenger bodywork except for a new grill and rear panel. Although the S.E. was dropped you could still order the formal roof (code A78) but not if you wanted the power sunroof.
The grill now came forward to a peak in the centre which split two long narrow bezels running the full width between the headlights. This was reflected in the design of the new rear lights which were now split into two separate clusters. The resulting gap in the centre housed a Challenger nameplate.
Challengers again used special front fenders when ordered with 15 inch wheels.

Photo donated by Paul Kisly of Canandaigua, NY.

The R/T now had dummy air duct scoops in front of the rear wheel arches.

All cars equipped with a 4 bbl or multiple carbs. received the "power bulge" hood as standard and the "shaker" hood as an option. 72 base Challengers, 11 convertibles, 102 R/T big block and 39 R/T 340 cars were fitted with the shaker hood.

The front bumper was carried over from the previous year until Feb. '71 when a new bumper was used. This then had to be changed again in June due to new safety requirements. Elastomeric front and rear bumpers became available for the Challenger in '71 but only in four colours. These were B5 blue, Y3 yellow, V2 hemi orange and, depending which reference you read, either C7 plum crazy or J6 green.

From April '71 all painted bumpers were cancelled except for Y3 yellow for some reason.

Exterior Paint and Stripes

The "power bulge" hood could have the R/T letters on the front as well.

Challengers were painted with acrylic enamel. There was a huge range of colours available to Dodge and you can see the complete 1971 Chrysler colour chart by following the link in the left frame or by clicking HERE.

Vinyl Top

Interior

Photo donated by Paul Kisly of Canandaigua, NY.

Wheels and Tyres

The wheels with "dog dish" hub caps were painted body colour as the previous year up until March 15th 1971. From then on they were painted black.

Engines

Option Packages