In 1971, the Dodge Charger was all-new, sitting on a 2-inch shorter wheelbase and featuring a new, rounded look that Chrysler stylists called “fuselage” styling. Chrysler managed to hold the line on performance in the face of ever-increasing emissions standards and insurance premiums, and you could still get a 425-horsepower Hemi in your Charger R/T. In typical fashion, a full range of bold colors was still available, from “Green Go” to “Citron Yella.” Unfortunately, 1971 would be the last year for the Hemi, as Chrysler wisely decided to kill it rather than let it slowly choke to death on emissions control devices.

This 1971 Charger SE represents the Charger’s luxury/performance personality. This SE isn’t as hard-core as the R/T, but it packs plenty of muscle in the form of a numbers-matching 383 engine, and is loaded with desirable options. Having undergone a complete bare-metal restoration in 2002, it remains in top condition today with a thick file full of receipts for all the recent work, as well as a photo album documenting the restoration itself.

The 1971 Dodge Charger was three inches shorter, but two inches wider than the 1970s. It had a redesigned split grille, each half of which was surrounded by chrome. The exterior was given a semi-fastback roof and a more rounded Coke-bottle styling, which made the car seem longer than in previous years. Other additions included ventless side windows and hidden wipers. Headlights could be either concealed or exposed. For you number-lovers out there, here’s how the fender tag on this car breaks down:

E61: 383 cid 2 barrel V8 290hp
D32: Heavy Duty Automatic Transmission
GA4: Light Gunmetal Poly / Winchester Gray Iridescent Exterior Color
E5X9: Trim – Cloth/Vinyl Bucket Seats, Black
225: Build Date: February 25
V4X: Vinyl Canopy Roof, Black
A04: Basic (Radio) Group
B41: Front Disc Brakes w/Standard 10in Rear Drum
B51: Power Brakes
C16: Console w/Woodgrain Pane
C55: Bucket Seats
G11: Tinted Glass (all)
G33: LH Remote Racing Mirror
H51: Air Conditioning with Heater
J25: 3 Speed Wipers
J52: Inside Hood Release
L37: Concealed Headlamps
M21: Roof drip rail moldings
M31: Belt Moldings
M44: Hood and Fender Moldings
R11: Radio Solid State AM (2 Watts)
V7X: Accent Stripes, Black26: 26-inch radiator

Looking at the photos of the restoration, this was a super-clean original car to begin with, and it was taken down to bare metal and reworked from the ground up. None of the photos show any significant metal repairs required – instead they show a 99% rust-free car that was restored properly, but not excessively, so it can still be driven and enjoyed on the road. It was repainted in its original Light Gunmetal Metallic paint, which is a very rare color on these cars and it looks amazing in person. The bodywork is straight with good panel gaps all around. The optional R/T rear wing was added to the deck lid and a black insert on the hood for a performance look, along with a set of 14-inch Rallye wheels sporting 235/60/14 BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires. Finally the vinyl canopy roof was reinstalled over the clean sheetmetal.

In 1971, the standard engine on the sporty Super Bee was a 383 cubic inch V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor making 275 horsepower, and that’s the optional engine that ended up in this loaded SE. This matching-numbers engine has been fully rebuilt to stock specifications and runs exceptionally well. Although you would think that a 2-barrel carburetor on a motor like this would be pretty docile, when you fire it up, it has an aggressive idle that says horsepower, not economy. Then they dropped it into a nicely detailed engine compartment and reinstalled all the correct pieces, including the factory air conditioning system. It’s backed by the matching-numbers rebuilt 727 TorqueFlite automatic transmission, which street racers will admit gives up nothing to the 4-speeds in terms of performance and acceleration.

Inside, the interior is a mixture of new and original pieces. With only 59,798 miles on the car, the interior hasn’t really had the opportunity to wear out, and it looks great today. Anything that wasn’t in great condition when the car was restored a few years ago was replaced, including the seat covers and carpets. The door panels and headliner are still like new, as are the gauges. The AM radio works perfectly, and the woodgrain on the original steering wheel and console is perfect, giving the interior an upscale feel that fits the SE’s sport/luxury mission. We also have the original owner’s manual and other documentation that came with new 1971 Chryslers.

1971 would pretty much prove to be the end of the line for Mopar performance. The Hemi and the Six-Pack would disappear for 1972, and the new horsepower rating system and emissions controls would sap horsepower. If you’re looking for something a little different that will stand out at shows and still be a blast to drive on the street, check out this Charger SE. Call us today!