Upgrading my 71CH to a 72-74

[71chmark]

I've always liked challengers because they have style such as the defined body lines.  When I wrecked my 70 I bought a 70 cuda in a hurry to throw the drivetrain in but realized I really didn't like how plain they were inside and out.  The grille on the 71 is over the top in the gaudiness direction.  So I went out to find another challenger to put my base 440 4 speed in and got rid of the barracuda. I ended up with a 71 because it was under 10 grand with no engine or trans and it was relatively clean (although who knows for sure what is under the paint).  I have since converted to a 4 speed and will be firing it up soon. Well to get back to my original topic it seems that 70 and 71 challengers are more popular than the 72-74 and am wondering if I the difference is enough where I could get much of a cleaner car with a better drivetrain via trade or sale or are the differences in values relatively small?  Personally, I believe all the Challengers are equal with the minor differences of the grille and tail lights which make up only a small portion of the car.  I don't want to pay more soley because one style is more popular than another.  Please ignore the "I wish I was a Chevy".

[Katfish]

70-71 are always more desirable.  I would keep what you have.  I would estimate the price difference between 70-71 to 72-74 could be as high as 25-30%  Later models have much more EPA type features (small block only, gaudy 5mph bumpers, etc.) that make them less popular. 

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Do you hate what you have, or what? There is NO way I would trade for a later year unless this is in real bad shape, which doesn't appear to be the case. 


  Mike

[JeffAARy]

I beleive the question asked is can he/she get a 72-74 in better condition than a 70-71 for equal or less money.  The answer is absolutely.

[Super Blue 72]

I wouldn't get rid of your '71 for a '72-'74 car.  Your car is so close to being fired up.

Even though on the outside it's just grill, taillights, and sidemarkers, the early year cars are more coveted than the later year cars, IMO, due too decreased power, less options in the later year cars.  Sort of stifled later on.  Even if you put a 440 in a later year car, it just doesn't have the same aura about the car, IMO.

The early year cars represented multiple options and high horsepower: wilder.  Tha later years represented EPA and safety regluations: ho-hum. 

It's sorta like before and after you got married....     

[71chmark]

Do you think the difference in value will continue to grow?

[Super Blue 72]

Do you think the difference in value will continue to grow?

The '70s and '71s will always be more valuable but I think that the value of the '72-'74 cars are increasing in value also as the supply of the '70-'71 cars are getting taken up.   The '72-'74 cars are worht more than they were 5 or more years ago.

It's like how the early and mid 60's corvettes are more valuable thanm the 70's ones but the the 70's ones are rising in value... 

[bb71challenger]

To most people trading a 71 for a 72-74 is a downgrade, not an upgrade. Should not be hard at all to find someone willing to trade a sadmouth Chally for your 71.

[Carlwalski]

Keep the 71 mate.

[71bigblock]

as u wont get a 72-74 for $0 or even $10 000

Not true, not true at all.  There are many deals out there. 

I would keep the '71 also, wouldnt even think about it.   

[mjb765]

Absolutely keep the 71---I turned down many deals on 72 and later ones before buying my 70 R/T. Get rid of it only if you like the 72-74 style better, but for investment value the 71 is the way to go.

[wally426ci]

  dont change this one, find a proper 72-4 and pass this one onto someone thats looking! you like what you like, our cars shouldn't be looked at as an investment. i got my '71 b/c it was my favorite year and i sold my 74 for it. but i didnt have resale in mind. i just wanted it!

  dont have these eyes, get excited about the CAR and wear these 

  good luck, you will definitely find a 72-4 car