Jun 21, 2020  •  For Sale  •  12 Comments

Formal Roof Find: 1971 Dodge Challenger

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Finding a solid E body Mopar is a “Challenge” no matter where you look, but this 1971 challenger Formal Roof package example is a very solid Find. With a lot more “good than bad” this project is a perfect candidate for a restoration. Currently, this Challenger is owned by Graveyard Carz, the classic Mopar based Television show, and will appear on this season of the show. With less than a day remaining, this Challenger is bid up to $8,800. Check it out here on eBay out of Springfield, Oregon.

Although dusty, the interior pieces and parts appear to be in decent condition. There is still upholstery on the back seat, and the dash looks as if it isn’t cracked. Originally equipped with a houndstooth interior, it would seem that the upholstery has been reworked, or the seats have been switched out at some point. There is little in the way of drivetrain included with this car, other than a rebuilt 340 short block that is not numbers matching.

The Formal Window Package is certainly neat to see, and it is fascinating that it has managed to remain with this car through time. I would imagine that is a rare piece of glass to find, with its matching seal and trim. It is mentioned that the roof has been partially replaced in the past, which hopefully was executed nicely. It is mentioned that some other minor repair has been executed on this Challenger with some mention of pros and cons. Based on the photos, this appears to be a very solid body car. I give praise to the factory undercoating for protecting this fine E body.

There is really no rust or rot to speak of in this challenger. There is surface rust on the trunk floor, but that appears superficial. Also, I can’t entirely tell from the photos, but there may be a few bubbles along the lower edge of the passenger rear quarter. Otherwise, I really can’t poke any holes in this Dodge. Although this is not a fire breathing Hemi powered machine, there is still a very cool Mopar. Have you seen a Formal Roof Package Challenger before?

Comments

  1. Moparman MoparmanMember
    Jun 21, 2020 at 6:50am

    So will the winning bidder get to see his/her car restored on the show?? Appears to be a unique combo. GLWTA! :-)

    Like 2
  2. JohnfromSC
    Jun 21, 2020 at 7:17am

    To me, this likely says that Worman’s business backlog is likely shrinking despite the show and he is simply prospecting for new clients.

    Like 3
  3. Howard A Howard AMember
    Jun 21, 2020 at 8:09am

    May as well get this out of the way,,,
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOb2BqiGZGA

    Like 6
    • Howard A Howard AMember
      Jun 21, 2020 at 8:25am

      I know, it was a Camaro, but I don’t think anybody watching the movie saw that coming.

      Like 4
      • Dave
        Jun 21, 2020 at 9:22am

        I was out to California over Easter Break. We went to the drive-in to see this when it first came out. I was kind of disappointed when I saw that Camaro at the end. With all they put the Challenger through in that movie (I know, they used several) I thought it would only be fitting to smash one of them up in the end.

        Like 4
      • piston poney
        Jun 21, 2020 at 4:38pm

        They didn’t smash a challenger because they were (and still are) worth so much so they smashed a camaro instead. lol

        Like 1
  4. JoeNYWF64
    Jun 21, 2020 at 10:46am

    Isn’t the roofline the same as with the std rear window?
    Looks like the factory dropped in a rear window “plug” assembly, like with the superbird.
    Could not have sold many of these – dumb IMO to restrict rear visibility even more.

    Like 6
    • WH
      Jun 21, 2020 at 12:25pm

      If memory serves me correctly that smaller rear window was part of the SE option package. I’ve seen Challenges that wore RT/SE badges and had the same rear window.

      Like 15
  5. Ken Jennings
    Jun 21, 2020 at 2:25pm

    Now let me get this straight, we are oogling a much small window than standard? Made no sense to me then, still doesn’t.

    Like 5
    • bone
      Jun 22, 2020 at 1:13pm

      67 Chevy trucks came with both small and large back glass and the small ones seem to be more in demand

      Like 1
  6. TimM
    Jun 21, 2020 at 8:49pm

    It’s a rear window that you really don’t see very much any more!!! Good idea???? Bad idea???? Well it is unique!!!

    Like 1
  7. Mike Wickern
    Jun 24, 2020 at 9:20pm

    It’s a Challenger SE- small back window, overhead console (low fuel, seat belts, forgot the 3rd one) and other “luxury” touches. Had a ’70 Challenger SE and ’70 Barracuda Gran Coupe (same stuff, no small back window). SE had a 318, Barracuda had a 383. Do some research, people.

    Like 1

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