To fully understand the 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T one would need to first understand the history of the dodge challenger as a series. The dodge Challenger was conceived in the late 1960s as Dodge’s rather late response to the pony-car wave that was started by Ford with their Mustang. These First generation Dodge Challengers were built between 1970 and 1974.

The Challanger had a performance model the R/T which was an abbreviation for abbreviation for (Road/Track). These were built only until 1973 after which the name fell away. In 1970-1971 there were convertible and hardtop R/T models, although interestingly enough they were no 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T convertibles ever factory built during 1971 all 1971 model convertibles were built in 1970.

1971 Dodge Challenger R/T hardtops had the option of being ordered with the more luxurious SE specification. Choices included leather seats, vinyl roof, smaller rear window, also an overhead interior console containing three heads up warning lights (open door, fuel gauge, and seatbelt warning). The 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T also came with a Rally instrument panel that included the 150 mph (240 km/h) speedometer, and an 8,000 rpm tachometer.

As the performance model the 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T head four Engine options with a 383 CID Magnum V8, rated at 300 BHP (223.7 kW) this was a drop from 335 BHP (249.8 kW) in 1970, due to a drop in compression .The other Optional R/T engines included the 440 cu 375 BHP 79.6 kW in (7.2 L) Magnum, also the 440 CID Six-Pack 390 BHP (290.8 kW) and then finally the 426 cu 425 BHP (316.9 kW) in (7.0 L) Hemi. The 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T car came with a Standard transmission which consisted of a 3-speed manual.

Due to the drop off of production by nearly 2/3 in 1970 the performance model 1971 dodge challenger R/T or by far the hardest to come by .The Production numbers for the 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T were only 3,814 down almost 10,000 from the year before all of which contribute to the demand and value of this legendary muscle car.

The quarter-mile performance figures of the different engines listed in ascending order with firstly the 383 Magnum R/T doing it in 14.3 seconds going at 99 mph with the ultimate top speed of 59 km/h. The 440 Magnum R/T coming home in 13.8 seconds at 102 mph with its top speed 164 km/h. The next best performance was in the 440 Six-Pack, clocking in at 13.4 seconds at 107 mph with a top end speed of 172 km/h. Finally the top performer of them all was the 426 Hemi doing the quarter mile in 13.2 seconds at a 108 mph top speed of 174 km/h.

In conclusion the 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T has become a rare collector's item firstly due to production issues way back in 1971 and now and was time increasing demand and affecting the supply that is left are available in the market. This is a true American muscle car.