What are the odds? 1971 426 Hemi Challenger Vert

[TinCuda]

I was at local event today.   It was a auto shop open house.   Not really a car show but a few nice cars showed up.

There was a 1971 convertible Challenger with a 426 Hemi emblem on the hood.

I wasn't able to talk to the owner, so I didn't see under the hood.

This was the first time that I have seen the car.   It doesn't come to local car shows.

The condition of the car was good.  It struck me like a 10-15 year old daily driver that was taken care of.

Bucket seats,  stick shift,  with no console.

Blue car with black top.   I will post pictures when I get home tomorrow.

How many 1971 426 Hemi Challengers where made and what are the odds that this one is real?


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[TorOrange]

I'm finding that there were no 71 Hemi verts.. You should have looked at the vin 

[TinCuda]

I'm finding that there were no 71 Hemi verts.. You should have looked at the vin 

I know but the problem with that is I live in Oklahoma.

If a car is just "on the street" and not on display at a show, people get real touchy about their cars.

I took a risk of upsetting the owner by just taking a couple of pictures.


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[TorOrange]

Ah, it sounded like the cars were on display in a parking lot or something.

[TinCuda]

Ah, it sounded like the cars were on display in a parking lot or something.

Yeah, I didn't word that well.

It wasn't a car show, but a lot of nice cars where driven to the open house.


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[YYZ]

Theoretically there were no '71 Challenger R/T convertibles offered or produced.  And theoretically, an N-code 383-4bbl was the largest engine available in a '71 Challenger ragtop.

However, it is not improbable that one or more got produced - either via a special order for a Chrysler executive or otherwise slipping through the cracks.  After all, everything required to build one would be on-hand at Hamtramck.

IIRC there was a JH23R1B VIN on file with the NHOA over 20 years ago, (yes, JH, not JS) though the status and/or location of said car is either not known or not widely known.

There is precedent for other theoretically non-available combinations that managed to get produced, including several known 1970 Barracuda 340 hardtops (BH23H0B).  The 340 was to be exclusively 'Cuda (BS23) according to all documentation.

[TinCuda]

Well, chances are slim then.

If I ever see it out and about again, I will try to find the owner and try to get the VIN.

Thanks for the replies.


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[TinCuda]

Here are the pictures...


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[TorOrange]

Clone or not it's nice.

[tommyg29]

In other words, if it really is a REAL 71 hemi vert, then be prepared to pay well into 7 figures for it...as in over $1 million plus. 
But...its a clone, so more like $50-60k tops, if its in good condition, IMO

[kissalien]

Wheel lip moldings are an indication that it's likely a clone.

[AARCUDADEN]

I'd take it clone or not  Nice Chally

[TinCuda]

Wheel lip moldings are an indication that it's likely a clone.

Ok, Please explain this to me.  How do the wheel lip moldings play into this?


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[Topcat]

Ok, Please explain this to me.  How do the wheel lip moldings play into this?


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Because of the additional weight Hemi engines. Factory opted not to put them on due to wheel lip edges biting into sidewalls on front tires.

Apparently rumoured, some Hemi cars did get them dealer installed on Pre Delivery Inspection.

[burdar]

I'm not sure how it was done in 1971 but in 1970, the Hemi cars could have come a few different ways.  I believe there was a post on Moparts about this.

In early 1970 the hemi cars came with the mouldings.  Later on, the mouldings were installed on the line but the hemi cars were shipped to another facility where the mouldings were notched for tire clearance.  Late in the year, the mouldings were removed all together.  I don't know if the 71 cars were shipped to another facility to have the trim removed or if they didn't even install them on the line.  I'm sure "kissalien" has the info and/or the link to the other thread.