THE 1971 CHARGER
In 1971 Dodge unveiled the third body style in the Charger lineage. The 71 is easily spotted by its long hood – short trunk design. Options galore made these cars unique then and desirable today. An unbelievable five body styles were offered WH23 Hardtop, WP23 500, WP29 SE, WM23 Super Bee, and WS23 RT. With its further streamlined body the Super Speedways of NASCAR and the smoking quarters of NHRA both spelled trouble with a capital “C”HARGER for the brand x boys. Richard Petty would race this body style to 45 wins, back to back 73-74 Daytona 500 victories and 3 Winston Cup titles 72-74-75 in 6 years. This made the sweep complete, every generation of Charger raced had won a Winston Cup title. Sadly on the street DODGE BOYS found themselves in “a heap o trouble” as insurance regulations would signal the end for the RT package with a Hemi or 6pk engine after 1971.
Total unit production 1971: Unknown. Sales totals for 1971: WH23 - 46,183 (US), WM23 - 5,054 (US), WP23 - 11,948 (US), WP29 - 15,811 (US), WS23 - 3,118.
T.D.C. has registered 844 - 1971 total. Owners receive a more complete breakdown (includes code plate & broadcast sheet) when they join T.D.C. as a member.
