This 1971 Charger R/T looks like a clean, faithful restoration at first glance. A closer look at the front reveals only two headlights instead of four. Builder Dave Dudek dropped a supercharged Hellcat V8 under the hood. Nothing about this 1971 Dodge Charger R/T screams for attention at first glance. It looks absolutely pristine, yes, but plenty of restored and repaired classic Chargers wear that same clean sheetmetal, and on the surface this one slots right in with them. Read: This Gorgeous 1968 Dodge Charger Restomod Has Modern HEMI Power And Classic Good Looks But if you stare deep into its eyes, or more specifically the headlights, you’ll notice something’s off. While the car originally had four round headlights, it now only has two. The inner headlights have been replaced with air intakes because, just like a modern Challenger, this Dodge is rocking the company’s animalistic 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat engine. Talk about packing a surprise. Mecum Auctions The build is the work of Dave Dudek, who paired the Hellcat with a five-speed manual transmission and put extensive effort into freshening up both the exterior and interior. The result reads as a thorough overhaul rather than a quick cosmetic pass. Adorning the bodywork is a lovely, subtle shade of blue, contrasted with freshly chromed front and rear bumpers. The car also rocks new 17-inch wheels, has black pin stripes running down the sides, and includes a new hood with gills to help keep the Hellcat engine cool, or as cool as you could expect for a modern V8 in a vintage body. Mecum Auctions The cabin holds up its end too, with freshly trimmed seats wrapped in blue to match the exterior paint. A new pistol-grip shifter sits alongside a classic three-spoke, wooden-rimmed steering wheel. Among the other important upgrades are new suspension, upgraded rack-and-pinion steering, and new Wilwood brakes at the front and rear. The muscle car also includes new period-correct slotted tailpipes. Further adding to its desirability is that it is one of just 30 original Charger R/T models with a sunroof. A muscle car this clean, packing 700-odd horsepower behind two fake headlights, doesn’t come along often. Mecum Auctions is selling it during its Monterey auction in August. Go poke around the listing here before someone else beats you to it. Mecum Auctions
