1971 Dodge Charger R/T: Uncover Its Beauty with Original HEMI V8 Hidden Beneath the Ramcharger Hood - 034

Unveiled in 1965, the Dodge Charger marked a departure from the brand's conventional lineup. It emerged as a response to the Rambler Marlin and targeted the premium market segment, offering a more sophisticated take on the muscle car category.


Despite its inclusion of features that almost positioned it as a personal luxury car, the Charger didn't shy away from Chrysler's most potent powerplants. Among them was the groundbreaking 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) HEMI V8 engine.

In its inaugural year, the Charger garnered significant attention, with 37,344 units sold. However, sales dipped considerably to just 15,788 examples in the following 1967 model year. Consequently, Dodge decided to shift gears for 1968, abandoning the fastback styling and upscale interior, transforming the Charger into a no-nonsense muscle car.


The second-generation Charger hit the market in 1968, with sales surging to nearly 100,000 units that year, and surpassing that figure in 1969. Despite the muscle car market experiencing a downturn in the early 1970s, Dodge managed to sell almost 50,000 vehicles in 1970 and nearly 74,000 cars in 1971.

These numbers categorize the 1968-1971 Charger as a relatively common and affordable classic in today's market, with one caveat: the HEMI-powered versions. The mighty 426 V8 engine saw extremely limited production.


Of the 377,795 Chargers sold between 1966 and 1971, during the HEMI's availability, only 1,589 were equipped with this range-topping big-block V8. This accounts for less than 0.5% of total production!

So, what's the rarest model-year for the HEMI Charger? It would be the 1967 version, with a mere 27 units sold. The 1971 model, in its final year of production, follows closely behind with only 63 produced (75 if we include export models). The vibrant Green Go example you see here is one of those 1971 cars.


This 1971 HEMI Charger is a remarkable sight, having undergone a professional repaint, yet it retains an impressive level of originality for a Mopar that has stood the test of time for 52 years as of 2023.

Notably, it still boasts its factory interior, and the 426 HEMI V8 engine is a numbers-matching powerhouse. Coupled with a TorqueFlite transmission, this Charger ranks among the exclusive group of just 33 HEMI/automatic cars sold in 1971.


Furthermore, it boasts a wealth of options, including power steering, power brakes, a push-button radio, woodgrain accents, a center console, and Rallye wheels. Naturally, the Ramcharger hood supplies air to the 425-horsepower and 490-pound-foot (664-Nm) engine.

It's safe to say that this Charger may very well stand as a one-of-a-kind gem, considering its combination of features, drivetrain, and color scheme.


Previously part of the esteemed Steven Juliano collection, this stunning Mopar is poised to cross the auction block at the Kissimmee auction in January 2024. While no pricing estimate has been disclosed, HEMI-equipped examples in this condition are known to command prices exceeding $200,000.

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