Seventies Challenger R/T is the perfect car to cruise to shows with.
Driving a vehicle like a 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T Shaker with the 440 big block V8 is an awesome experience, but these classic Mopar muscle cars don’t ride or handle as well as modern vehicles. That is where the “restomod” world comes into play and this ’71 E-body is a shining example, packing a modern braking system, suspension setup and sound system with classic big block power. This car is perfect for a long cruise event like the Hot Rod Power Tour or your local car show, and you could buy it today.
1971 Challenger R/T Shaker
While flipping through the Dodge Challengers on ClassicCars.com, we came across this gorgeous 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T. The car is painted bright red with black trim, including the convertible top, the R/T side stripes, the Shaker hood scoop, the “go wing” mounted on the trunk and the modern wheels.
Based just on a single exterior picture, this 1971 Challenger R/T is easy to love, but it gets better as you get into the details that you can’t see from the outside.
The Restomod Treatment
Under the hood of this 1971 Challenger R/T is a 440-cubic inch big block V8 with the Six Pack carburetor setup. There are no details on the engine build, but we know that it is fitted with a set of long-tube headers and an aftermarket serpentine belt-drive system for the underhood accessories – including the Vintage Air Conditioning system. Based on what we can see, the engine is likely a little stronger than it was when stock, but if nothing else, it breathes easier and looks great.
In addition to the world V8, this 1971 Challenger has a front and rear coilover suspension with a Magnum Force tubular front cradle, Wilwood front and rear disc brakes and late model wheels measuring 19 inches in the front and 20 inches out back.
Finally, the cabin of this Challenger convertible has late model bucket seats, modern gauges and a new sound system, featuring 800 watts of Pioneer power.
If you have been hunting for a classic Mopar muscle that will be fun and comfortable to drive while also being capable of claiming car show trophies – this might be your dream car. Of course, you will need to come up with roughly $80,000, but considering the quality of this car, that price shouldn’t come with much sticker shock.
"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.
"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.
"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.
"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.
"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.
