1971 Dodge Challenger Convertible

When the Challenger was introduced in the fall of 1969, Dodge fans were understandably excited about the addition of a pony car to the Scat Pack lineup. Performance was the obvious intention of the Challenger, but customers could choose from six different and distinct models and nine engine options. The smallest engine was the 145 horsepower 225 cubic-inch slant six; the largest was the 426 Hemi engine with two four-barrel carburetors. Challengers with the 440 and the Hemi engine came with an extra-heavy-duty suspension.

Of the 18 exterior colors that were available, five were High-Impact colors: Plum Crazy, Sub Lime, Go-Mango, HEMI Orange and Top Banana. These would later be joined by Panther Pink and Green-Go.

There were 1,857 Challenger convertibles produced in 1971. This car originally had a 318 CID V8 and was painted Plum Crazy, but when it was found in a farm field in Texas, it had a 440 CID V8 in the engine compartment and was painted yellow. It was hauled home and underwent a four-year restoration. Also original to the car were the rally dash, dual mirrors and automatic transmission. The engine had been blueprinted and balanced, with improvement to the heads, cam and headers.