When people think of 1971 Dodge Challenger, they typically picture a wild 440 Six Pack or Hemi. But there was a more austere version of the E-body coupe that was available for that year. It was a fixed rear window coupe with a 225 CID slant six that was rated at only 105 net horsepower. It was by far the slowest pony car of the era and good luck finding one now; any that do exist have been fitted with big V8s.
While the 71 Challengers looked almost identical to their 1970 counterparts, there were plenty of changes on the inside and under the hood for the 1971 model year. For starters, the 340ci two-barrel was now rated at 235 net horsepower and the 305ci four-barrel was rated at 190 net horses. The R/T versions still remained as the most popular models, but sales were down a significant amount in 1971 from the previous year. This was in part due to a weak economy, gas prices and emissions regulations.
Another change for the 71 Dodge Challenger was that the optional Ram Air was dropped in 1971. This had been an easy way to get more power by drawing air from outside the car through vents at the top of the windshield. This feature was a bit ahead of its time, but it was a huge hit in the 1960s, and many muscle cars were equipped with it at some point.
The 1971 Challenger was also the last year that a lot of engine options were available. The next year would see the elimination of most of the high-performance engines because they didn’t meet new emissions standards.
It was also the only year that Dodge offered a shaker hood scoop as an option. The scoop, which was designed to improve engine performance and appearance, was made of fiberglass and had a chrome lip. It was a nice touch that added to the overall appearance of the Challenger.
Another small but noticeable change was that the 197ci slant six was replaced by the 225ci slant six for 1971. This might seem like a minor change, but it was really an indication of how the industry was shifting to smaller and less powerful engines.
For the first time, Dodge offered the Challenger in a fixed rear window coupe as well as the convertible. This was a great addition because it allowed more people to enjoy the challenger’s styling without having to worry about a raindrop hitting them in the back seat.
The Challenger is a fun and unique looking muscle car that’s sure to turn heads. It’s not too expensive to maintain and can easily be upgraded to make it more enjoyable to drive on the street or at a show. While it’s not the fastest car in the world, it is certainly an eye-catcher that will attract a lot of attention wherever it goes. If you’re in the market for a Challenger, be sure to check out the new listing for this 1971 Dodge Challenger for sale in Ohio.