Frame Up Restored Challenger R/T 340 V8 with A/C

Have you ever owned the very best of something? You know: the top dog, the big kahuna, NUMERO UNO? Well, if you're into classic Mopar muscle, you know the very best blue chip cars usually translate to mega dollars. But what about the very best hobby cars? Freshly restored, powered by an original 340 and propelled by a numbers matching 4-speed, this fully sorted Challenger is guaranteed to provide a level of visceral excitement and adrenaline-fueled satisfaction that a pampered and paraded trailer queen simply can't match! If you're the kind of buyer who wants a nice muscle car that you can actually drive and show off, this classic Dodge is, without a doubt, one of the best deals on the planet!

This awesome coupe's high quality, frame-off restoration began with a rust-free original body that was garage kept for most of its life. That said, this isn't 1971 anymore and this Challenger is no longer a run-of-the-mill assembly line creation, so that solid original body was thoroughly stripped, lovingly sanded and massaged to a level that's much nicer than its original showroom condition. Once the car's panels were correctly aligned, and its intimidating slab-sided ambiance was fully reconstructed, a correct coat of Chrysler code GW3 Bright White paint was expertly applied under a correct vinyl top and fresh Challenger R/T decals. And today, this razor-sharp E-Body sits as an ultra-straight, fully detailed pavement pounder that elicits loud comments and long stares every time it hits the road!

Wearing lines that originated on Chrysler designer Carl Cameron's famous Charger turbine concept, this classic cruiser makes a bold and distinctly Mopar styling statement from virtually every angle. At the front of the car, a 1971-exclusive split grille hangs a bold “DODGE” script between four pristine headlights, clear parking lamps and a mirror-like chrome bumper. At the top of the car a correct sport hood, which is complete with two small scoops and two pristine “340 FOUR BARREL” emblems, rides in front of like-new glass that's framed by bright stainless trim and a black vinyl top. At the sides of the car prominent fender lines, which are complemented by traditional “Challenger” scripts, subtle quarter louvers and a body-matched mirror, ride between dent-free wheel mouldings, flush fitting door handles and chrome-trimmed marker lights. And at the back of the car, a stainless-trimmed valence hangs a third “Challenger” script and clear tail lights above a second mirror-like bumper and correct quad-outlet exhaust tips.

Lift the car's long, freshly finished hood and you'll find an original 340 cubic inch Chrysler V8 that's been fully rebuilt and thoroughly detailed for show. On the sides of that engine's block, a 2780930 casting number indicates this is a correct LA powerplant. And on the passenger's side of that engine's block, a January 14, 1971 casting date and matching 1B435253 partial VIN confirm this particular LA powerplant is indeed the original mill for this Bright White Challenger. The numbers matching small block sucks oxygen through a satin black air cleaner via a coated Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor that's bolted to a silver Edelbrock Performer RPM intake. At the back of that intake, a correct points distributor shoots fire into Hi-Temp Radio Suppression wires. And at the sides of that intake, stamped steel valve covers hang over fully restored exhaust manifolds. The big engine's cooling is supplied by a restored Chrysler radiator that utilizes pliable hoses and correct squeeze clamps to send water past fresh V-belts and an old school AC compressor. And its fire is provided by a reproduction Mopar yellow cap battery which sends spark through a rebuilt factory electrical system. Aesthetically, the car's appealing engine bay impresses all the way from its white inner fenders to its blue engine paint. And functionally, a quick turn of the ignition switch springs the great sounding motor to life and settles it into a rumbling idle, hot or cold.

By 1971 most street racers knew that an automatic wasn't necessarily a performance handicap. And today, these transmissions consistently pull down numbers that are just as fast, or faster, than the best row-it-yourself cars at the strip. Behind this Challenger's stout LA V8 you'll find an original, and completely rebuilt, A727 TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly, powers down the road with ease and wears a correct 1B435253 partial VIN. As with the body of the car, 'clean' is the name of the game down below where solid floors are nice enough to provide you with years of carefree driving, but not so nice as to be a point of stress if Mother Nature decides to rain on your one car parade. At the front of those floors, a good looking factory suspension has been fitted with new bushings and a rebuilt power steering system. At the back of those floors, a familiar 8.75 Sure Grip rear end utilizes steep 3.55 gears to throw power to the pavement with authority. At the center of those floors, a 2.5 inch true dual exhaust system sends spent gases into factory replacement mufflers and rear-mounted resonators. And at the corners of those floors, rebuilt drum brakes provide the kind of quick and reliable stops that perfectly counter a traditional 14 inch Rallye wheels and fresh F70-14 Firestone Wide Oval tires.

Sit down inside this great looking Challenger and you'll find a new vinyl interior which is accented with just the right amount of tasteful wood applique and bright stainless trim. The first thing you'll notice is the car's high quality bucket seats which feature comfortable pleats on top of straight frames and what feels like new foam. The second thing you'll notice is new black carpet which is protected by heavy duty rubber floor mats. And the third thing you'll notice is the optional factory console which wraps a traditional T-handle shifter in what seems like a mile of fade-free wood surfacing. At the sides of the car, correct full door panels hang fresh trim and familiar fratzogs above slick chrome door hardware and traditional chrome window cranks. At the front of the car, a great looking dash hangs a rebuilt Rallye instrument cluster above a small Auto Meter oil gauge and controls for the car's heat and air conditioning. At the back of the car, a fully restored trunk hides a new mat and a full-size spare tire below a correct decklid decal. And in front of the driver, an attractive wood-rimmed steering wheel mixes a whole lot of form with a whole lot of function.

As a nod to all our friends who are staunch authenticity buffs, the sale of this clean Chrysler cruiser includes an original owner's manual.

Classics like this freshly restored Challenger are what make this hobby fun! It combines a slew of trophy winning ingredients with a price that is substantially lower than most show worthy muscle cars and enough fire power to humble even modern performance cars. Best of all, in a sea of traditional, over-exposed big block Mopars, you'll have a unique piece that can be driven and enjoyed for years to come!