Running 440 V8 Project: 1971 Dodge Charger SE
Chrysler redesigned its B-bodied intermediates in 1971 and gave the two-doors separate styling from sedans and station wagons. All the hardtops became Chargers, and the rest were badged as Coronets. The seller’s car appears to be the high-end SE (Special Edition) model rather than a “500”. That means it comes with all sorts of premium goodies and it also has a robust 440 cubic inch V8 under the hood. It can be found in Exeter, California, and is available here on eBay where no one has taken the plunge yet at $10,000.
Production numbers ticked up from 46,315 units in 1970 to 58,560 in 1971, but some of that can be attributed to the Charger/Coronet “merger”. More than 15,800 Chargers came equipped as SEs in ‘71 as the new styling of the B-bodies would take hold early in the decade. This Charger looks okay at 20 feet, but when you get closer, the paint doesn’t hold up and there is some visible corrosion here and there. Though it’s presented as “triple black,” we suspect the roof was a different color or had a vinyl top at one time. However, the interior looks nice overall.
The seller bought this car a couple of years ago and it seems to have been in storage during this time, though started occasionally. We’re told the previous owner was a big Mopar guy and focused his/her attention on performance. We can’t make out whether it’s numbers-matching, but the 440 in Chargers in 1971 were as beefier as they ever would be (remember, detuning ramped up started the following year).
This Dodge runs and drives, but we’re not sure how well. Upgrades have been made to the manifolds, camshaft, and carburetor, and a Dana rear end resides at the south part of the Charger. This Chrysler product once had factory air conditioning, but the hardware under the hood has been removed. Though the photos show the hood as being askew, the seller says it closes properly. Some extra sheet metal will come with the car to sweeten the deal.
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Comments
Best read the seller’s feedback on eBay.
I’d pass.
Lovely looking car. Given its original survivor condition, I’d be willing to pay around $10k for the car.
The 5th digit of the vin. is a L which is 383 for 1971. I believe it’s even a 2 bbl. If I’m not mistaken! The ad says it’s a factory 440 car which is wrong!
Based on the exposed headlights and the scalloped taillights, this is not a Charger SE. Those taillights mark it as an R/T or a Super Bee. Since it was originally built with a 383, that makes it a Super Bee.
WP I believe is a Charger 500 & if it was a Super Bee, it would have an N code 383
I doubt very much that the interior is “nice overall”. Those seat covers are probably covering up the tattered remnants of what was once upholstery, and the dash pad is doing the same for the dashboard!! I also believe CCFisher is correct. This is not an SE.
Certainly no anti lock brakes as in description. I don’t even see a booster for power brakes although maybe I just missed it. Plenty of potential at right price.
71 was a very cool look for the charger.
Wrong steering wheel, and non-power brakes in a heavy car with that engine. Still, it is neat that it’s buckets and console with power windows, and hey, it’s a 440. Be very careful, though.
This is a weird one. Nothing matches. I had a 72 SE with a 400-2 barrel. SE’s were not performance cars. You would have to special order a 440 and I doubt that was the case. I also doubt if its numbers state it was a 383 that it was a performance engine. SE’s had upgraded interiors and vinyl roofs and were looked on as more of a luxury Charger. Mine had hidden headlights. This guy is trying to sell nothing for something. When you add up the cost of replacing the interior, A/C etc and repairing rust $10k is insane.i do wish I still had mine because we de-tuned it an it could bark the tires at each shift Change, and pegged out over 140 mph.