The year 1970 saw many changes in the Dodge stable. The Daytona Charger - the specialized car that was created to amaze the racing crowd - was discontinued and a new sexy model was introduced: the Challenger. In 1971, word of the Challengers hot looks and impressive performance had spread and the public reacted, nearly 30,000 Challengers was built for that model year. Offered in four models which included the special R/T series, the Challenger came with either a six cylinder Slant Six or a 318 cubic inch V-8. Engine options ranged from a 225 Slant Six to a 340 cubic inch V-8 to a 383 cubic inch V-8. For the high-performance R/T series there was also a Hemi 426 available for an extra $790. It would be the last year that the legendary Hemi V-8 was offered to the public, thanks to high insurance premiums and Federal regulations. Only 6.7 percent of the 1971 Challengers were built with the six-cylinder engines, while 16.8 percent were equipped with optional V-8 engines. The most powerful and hottest looking of the Challengers, the R/T series included a bodyside tape stripe, air-scoop on the hood, Rally instrument cluster and suspension and - like all the Chargers - the new Federally mandated safety and pollution equipment. Sleek and sexy, the 1971 Dodge Challenger is re-created and in a magnificent 1:43 scale die-cast model. Authentically detailed and precision-engineered, the 1971 Dodge Challenger is produced by - and available only from - Matchbox Collecyibles, the greatest name in die-cast.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engines: 225 Slant Six; 318 cubic inch V-8; 340 cubic inch V-8; 383 cubic inch V-8; 440 cubic inch V-8; Hemi 426 cubic inch V-8
Horsepower: 230 @ 4400 rpm 318 V-8
Options: 145 @ 4400 rpm 225 Slant Six
290 @ 4400 rpm 340 cubic inch V-8
300 @ 4400 rpm 383 cubic inch V-8
425 @ 5600 rpm Hemi 426 cubic inch V-8
Production: 29,883 units
Original Price: $2,727 (2-door Coupe) to $3,273 (2-door Hardtop R/T series)
Current Value: $16,000 (2-door Coupe) to $21,000 (Convertible)

(1997)

Scale: 1:43