Images: RM Auctions

Known for its classic “Coke-bottle” styling, the Challenger will forever be remembered as Dodge’s pony car of choice. Designed late in the game compared to its competitors like the Mustang and Camaro, the Challenger offered Mopar customers a variety of powerhouses with the car’s ability to fit just about any engine Chrysler threw at it.

Although the original model saw its demise in 1974, just four short years after it hit the market, the Challenger made a name for itself on and off the track, among the most notorious being the ‘71 HEMI Challenger R/T. As we found out from CarBuzz, one of these very rare models actually crossed the auction block earlier this year at the RM Arizona Auction and the price it got was fitting of its identity.

By 1971, the Challenger had already seen fame in the Sports Car Club of America Trans Am road-racing circuit, drag racing’s Pro Stock and Super Stock classes, and even on the big screen as Barry Newman’s car in “Vantage Point.”Adding to the model’s notoriety was the production of 71 HEMI Challenger R/Ts in 1971. These 71 cars are now highly sought after and worth their weight in gold.

The ‘71 that crossed the RM Auctions block in Arizona on January 20^th was of this rare variety but has an even more unique tale. In addition to being one of only 71 HEMI R/Ts built that year, the Challenger is only one of 12 R/Ts equipped with the Code E-74 426 HEMI V8 engine and a four-speed manual transmission, as well as a the Shaker hood Code A34 “Super Track Pack” options. The later option completed the car with a Sure-grip rear end and 4.10 gears. The car also received an independent front suspension with torrsion bars, a live rear axel, front disc brakes and drum hydraulic brakes in the rear.

After being produced, the Challenger was sent to the famous high-performance Chicago dealership known as Mr. Norm’s Grand-Spaulding Dodge. There it received more than factory performance upgrades, including exhaust headers, a Stage III dyno-tune, lightweight fiberglass “lift-off” hood, and aluminum wheels at the request of its owner, Charles Starr.

After terrorizing the streets of Madison, Wisconsin that summer, the Challenger was sold and put in storage after the new owner realized the rarity of the car. After 35 years in storage, an avid automotive collector obtained the highly-preserved car.

With a basic clean-up and tune-up, the car was returned to its original glory with only new wheels, tires and R/T stripes needed. In its 41 years, the Challenger only acquired 5,400 miles and remains one of the most well-preserved, low-mile, highly-optioned, documented HEMI cars in existence and the final bid of $308,000 reflected that nicely.

Although the Challenger could have gotten upwards of $475,000 according to RM Auctions, we’re glad that the new owner recognized it for what it is and bid accordingly. We hope to see this car out at shows and events this coming season rather than hidden away in a garage for many years yet again.