Fearsome and Solidly Original 1971 Hemi Challenger a Feature at Russo and Steele's Scottsdale Auction Event

January 3, 2017 by Russo & Steele

Scottsdale, Arizona (January 3rd, 2017) – The Chrysler E-bodies might have been the last to enter Detroit's pony car game. Though critics argue that the best were saved for last with these cars, making their introduction more than five years after the first Mustang was released. Using a formula similar to Ford and Chevrolet, the Challenger was based on a stretched, compact Dart platform, making the car an immediate sales success. The White Hat Boys at Dodge positioned the car as part of the 'Scat Pack,' emblazoning the cars with bumblebee stripes and offering them with a full array of options and nearly any engine Chrysler built, including the fearsome Hemi, as found in this car.

The Challenger, new for 1970, received only minor changes for 1971. A Challenger convertible was chosen to pace the Indianapolis 500. It was the last time Dodge built a factory convertible, until the mid-1980s. Gone, too, was the famous Hemi after 1971. R/T models included high back bucket seats, heavy duty brakes, an R/T handling package, and G70x14 raised white letter tires. With a base price of $3,273, the Hemi option added a staggering $892 to the bottom line, ultimately leading to low production numbers and making them quite desirable to today's collectors.

This rare Hemi-equipped Dodge Challenger carries its original numbers-matching drivetrain, including the engine, transmission, and rear end. It is equipped with the A-34 Trak-Pak option, which includes a 3.54:1 Sure-Grip limited slip differential and a Dana 60 rear axle. It maintains is original interior, glass, seats, headliner, and carpeting. Amazingly, this Hemi Challenger has travelled just 64,000 miles from new. While it is one of just six surviving examples with black exterior paint, it is the sole example known that still wears its original factory finish, putting it into a category of its own. Dodge built 70 Hemi Challengers for 1971, including 58 four-speeds; according to Mopar expert Galen Govier, it is one of 49 known to exist today.

The car was purchased in 1971 by the owner of a speed shop in Joplin, Missouri, who used it as his personal driver and kept it on display in front of the shop to help attract business. The entire ownership trail is known, but of particular interest is Susan Willey, of Ohio, who purchased the Dodge in 1979. Interestingly, Willey raced the car at local race tracks and worked on the car herself; she maintained the car until selling it in 1993. In its current ownership, the Hemi Challenger has been stored in climate-friendly Arizona and has been well looked after. Value trends for collector cars are ever-trending in favor of examples with the best provenance and originality, as they have for generations with other fine art segments. With this example having known history, solid originality, and being black on black from the factory with a four-speed manual transmission, combined with the unending interest in the vaunted Hemi-powered Mopar muscle, this is one highly desirable collector car.

Experience all the high energy excitement of Russo and Steele in Scottsdale for yourself! Bidder registration is just $200 and includes admission for all 5 days of 'Auction in the Round' action for the bidder and one lucky guest. Stay tuned for further updates on our 17th annual Scottsdale auction and event schedule and join us January 18-22 live from Salt River Fields at Talking Stick!

For Enthusiasts by Enthusiasts. ™ At Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions, it's far more than a tagline - it's our lifestyle! To obtain further supporting documentation, high-resolution images, or more information about Russo and Steele and our upcoming Scottsdale, Arizona auction, please contact Darin Roberge at darin@russoandsteele.com.

About Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions

One of the nation's premier collector-car auction houses, Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions continues to set records and attract a discerning global clientele. In addition to our reputation for offering stellar collector automobiles, our unique high-energy auction experience is simply unattainable anywhere else. Auctions include our signature event in Scottsdale, Arizona every January, followed by June at Newport Beach, and August at Monterey, California. For additional information, please visit www.russoandsteele.com or call 602.252.2697.