The 1971 Dodge Hemi Charger R/T stands as a heavy-hitting monument to the final days of unrestricted American horsepower. While the industry moved toward lower compression and rising insurance rates, Dodge delivered a redesigned “fuselage” body that looked as fast as it moved. This Bright Blue Metallic survivor represents a vanishingly rare breed of B-body performance. It combines the legendary 426 Hemi engine with a manual gearbox, making it one of the most desirable Mopars ever to reach the auction block.
A Museum-Grade Muscle Icon
This specific R/T carries an impressive pedigree, having previously resided in the world-renowned Wellborn Musclecar Museum collection. Tim Wellborn is famous for his obsession with 1971 Chargers, and this car reflects that standard of excellence. It underwent a meticulous rotisserie restoration to meet the exact specifications found on its original broadcast sheet. Because it retains its original fender tag and broadcast sheet, collectors can bid with absolute confidence in its heritage.
The Rarity of the 4-Speed Manual
Production numbers for the 1971 model year plummeted as the muscle car market contracted significantly. Only 63 Dodge Charger R/T units left the factory with the Hemi engine that year. Even more impressive is the transmission choice, as only 30 of those were equipped with the A833 4-speed manual. This gearbox features the iconic Hurst Pistol Grip shifter, providing the driver with a tactile connection to the massive power under the hood.
Super Track Pak and Performance Options
Performance was not limited to the engine bay, as this car features the aggressive A34 Super Track Pak. This option package equipped the Charger with a 4.10-geared Dana 60 rear end for maximum acceleration. It also includes the N96 Ramcharger vacuum-actuated hood scoop that draws fresh air directly into the carburetors. Painted G36 racing mirrors and V6X sport stripes complete the high-impact aesthetic that defined the R/T brand during its final year.
Exquisite Interior and Trim Details
The cabin of this Charger is finished in a striking “Blue on Blue” combination with Deluxe bucket seats. Every detail, from the pedal trim to the deluxe steering wheel, has been restored to factory-new condition. It also boasts the A54 colored bumper package, which integrates the front and rear bumpers seamlessly into the body lines. These premium options were often skipped by racers, making this highly-optioned example a standout for both style and speed.
Engine Specifications and Drivetrain Power
The heart of this 1971 Dodge Hemi Charger R/T is its original, matching-numbers 426/425 HP Hemi V-8 engine. This “Elephant” motor utilizes dual four-barrel carburetors to produce 490 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 RPM. Power is managed by the heavy-duty 4-speed transmission and sent to the ground via the massive Dana 60 rear axle. To handle this output, the car features power brakes with B41 front discs and S77 power steering for improved drivability. This setup allowed the 1971 Hemi cars to remain competitive on the street despite their increased size.
Summary of a Legend
The 1971 Dodge Hemi Charger R/T is a rare piece of automotive history that serves as a bookend for the golden era. With only 30 manual examples produced, its rarity is surpassed only by its legendary status among Mopar enthusiasts. The combination of its Wellborn Museum history and original drivetrain makes it a cornerstone investment for any high-level collection. As it crosses the block at Kissimmee 2026, it remains a powerful reminder of when the Hemi ruled the road.
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Source: mecum.com
