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1971 Dodge Super Bee - $89,900 - Charlotte, NC - When the Charger was redesigned in 1971 it took the Super Bee with it. The result is a one-year-only combination of modern ''fuselage'' styling and brute '60s-style horsepower. This 1971 Dodge Charger Super Bee is one of only 30 built with the V code 440 Six Pack and a 4-speed making it even more rare than a 1971 Hemi Charger. It has also been restored to a level seldom seen on these newer muscle cars and warrants a close examination by any serious Mopar collector.And just in case you're wondering here's the fender tag decode proving that this car is the real deal:
WM23:
Dodge Coronet Charger
Medium
2-Door Hardtop
V16: 440 cubic inch 385 horsepower 3x2-barrel 8 cylinder
1971
Newark DE USA
151691: Sequence number
E87: 440 cubic inch 3x2 barrel V8 (High Performance) 385 horsepower
D21: 4-Speed Manual Transmission
FY1: Top Banana Exterior Color
C6X9: Trim - Charger Vinyl Bucket Seats Black
TX9: Black / Formal Black Int. Door Frames
B27: Build Date: November 27
067223: Order number
FY1: Top Banana Top Color
U: USA Specifications
A09: Concealed Headlamp Package
B41: Front Disc Brakes w/Standard 10in RR Drum
B51: Power Brakes
G36: OS Dual Racing Mirrors
J25: 3 Speed Wipers
J45: Hood Tie Down Pins
J52: Inside Hood Release
L31: Hood/Fender Mounted Turn Signals
L37: Concealed Headlamps
M21: Roof drip rail moldings
N41: Dual Exhaust
N96: Fresh Air Hood
R11: Radio Solid State AM (2 Watts)
V21: Performance Hood Treatment
V6X: Longitudinal Stripes Black
END: End of Sales Codes
Top Banana was an unusual color in '71 but it is correct on this Super Bee. Applied over laser-straight bodywork and some of the most perfectly aligned panels I've ever seen this is a seriously good-looking car. The long nose/short deck styling made popular with the pony cars translated well to the new Charger and this one looks fast just sitting still. Loaded with all the eye-popping graphics available including the longitudinal tape stripes and Super Bee graphic on the fully functional fresh air hood there's no color combination more fitting for a car such as this. Add in the satin black deck lid mounted wing the matching chin spoiler and racy hood pins and this car looks plenty aggressive even if it didn't have a nasty 440 living underneath.
The trim and bright work have been expertly restored as well. Note that this car carries the L37 hidden headlamps which work as they should as well as the fender-mounted turn signal indicators. The emblems are bright and crisp including the 'Six Pack' callouts on the hood and Super Bee logos on the front fenders. As a link to the past the tail lights are housed in an argent silver panel and the two exhaust tips peek out of the rear valence in custom-fitted notches.
Horsepower was still in fashion in 1971 and Chrysler was more than willing to serve it up for anyone who asked. Unfortunately the same insurance premiums and gas price spikes that ultimately killed the big blocks limited customers. On the other hand that makes cars like this one with its 385 horsepower 440 Six Pack engine and 4-speed manual transmission incredibly rare and valuable today. The engine bay is immaculately finished and quite honestly it's worlds nicer than it was even when it was new. The block glistens with bright Hemi Orange paint the inner fenders have been finished to the same standards as the external bodywork and the plated parts are shiny and clean. Decals replicate the famous 'Six Pack' logo on the massive air cleaner and proper factory markings in places like the cylinder heads and firewall have been accurately duplicated. Little details like the painted ground cable the correct wiper motor on the firewall and the finish on the power brake booster all add credibility to the amazing restoration work.
The original 4-speed manual transmission remains behind the big block and in true Mopar fashion all the heavy duty gear was included. That means the transmission is a rugged 18-spline unit and out back there's a Dana 60 with 3.54 gears on a Sure Grip limited slip making this a car that cruises effortlessly at speeds that'll get you thrown in jail. The bottom of the car is as spotless as the top with exceptional detailing visible throughout. Just look at the floors which are finished so nicely you'll feel guilty if you don't wax them and the properly painted suspension components that will bring home the big trophies. A new dual exhaust system with factory style mufflers and tips was installed there's a new gas tank out back and the power disc brakes have been fully rebuilt. And like the engine bay you'll definitely be impressed by the details and how crisply executed they are including all the brackets fittings and hoses that show bright plating and an authentic finish. Proving that good looks never go out of style the Rallye wheels were carryover from the earlier cars and they wear reproduction F60-15 Goodyear Polyglas tires at all four corners.
The '71 Charger also received an all-new interior which in typical Mopar fashion was stylish and well-executed. With comfortable high-back bucket seats sporting fresh seat covers a comprehensive dashboard that includes a 7000 RPM tachometer and upscale woodgrain appliqus that actually look quite convincing it's a great place to spend a few hours listening to the music if the big block under the hood. Also note the leather-wrapped Tuff Wheel the pistol-grip shifter and the lack of a console-after all this was still intended to be a budget supercar. The original and unique Music Master AM radio still lives in the dash with both its knobs skewed to the left and the dial on the right and a matching yellow Super Bee emblem has been fitted on the passenger's side. New door panels a taut fitting headliner and matching black Super Bee logo floor mats complete the interior appointments making this a car that's ready to show or drive at almost any level. Even the trunk is beautifully finished with more near-flawless Top Banana paint a correct fitted mat and a space-saver spare with complete jack assembly.
Documentation includes the original owner's manual emissions booklet and warranty card.
The muscle car era wasn't quite over in 1971 and the guys at Dodge definitely didn't get the memo. With super-low production numbers that rival the rarest of the rare Hemis this V-code 440 Six Pack Super Bee rightfully belongs in a collection that includes vaunted machines like a Hemi 'Cuda and a Super Bird. Thanks to a no-expenses-spared restoration that shows just 7 miles since it was completed it's also a turn-key investment opportunity that can compete at the Mopar Nationals. If you've been looking for something fast rare and just plain cool you can scarcely do better than this Super Bee. Call today!
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