1971 Dodge Challenger

Do you love American muscle cars? Then look no further than the 1971 Dodge Challenger. With its bold design and powerful engine options, many collectors consider the Challenger a standout in automotive culture. As Berkley One Classics celebrates the big 5-0, we’re hosting an exciting virtual car show for collectors and enthusiasts alike. We’ll share our love of classic cars by spotlighting 50 cars for 50 years that have been chosen and beloved by our employees. Each will showcase the evolution of design and engineering and provide a nostalgic journey through auto and pop culture history. Read on as Alex Jaskula, Senior Underwriter at Berkley One, tells us why he loves the 1970 Dodge Challenger.

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The Car

The first-generation Dodge Challenger was designed to compete in the upper end of the pony car segment of the market. Compete it did. Buyers had a wide array of trim package options along with many engine configurations ranging from the base Straight-6 up to the ultra-high performance 426 cu in Hemi rated at 425hp. With hardtop and convertible options, the car had a unique sheet metal design, wrap-around bumpers, concealed windshield wipers, ventless door glass, floating caliper front disc brakes and bucket seats. Performance enhancing features included optional heavy-duty suspension, wider rear tires and front and rear spoilers.

The Collector

Popular with the baby boomers graduating from college, Dodge produced 84,037 Challengers representing 15.5% of the total Dodge production for 1970. Only 1,070 Challenger Road and Track convertibles were made, making the high performance, convertible version quite rare. With choices of eight engine options and 22 paint colors, owners were able to customize their Challenger. The collector today can find great variability among the Dodge Challengers in the market, with loaded models in excellent condition able to fetch values in excess of $175,000.

The Love

One of my friends in high school had a Dodge Challenger and I would frequently hitch a ride with him. This was the fastest car I had ever been in. Although some rate handling as average, my friend’s driving skills and luck kept us from ever getting into an accident.

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Contributed by Alex Jaskula

Photo: Garage Kept Motors

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This car feature is part of our 50 Cars for 50 Years campaign in honor of Berkley One Classics celebrating 50 year of insuring collectors and their vehicles. See the other cars we love here.

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Berkley One Classics is a Berkley Company who recognizes that classic cars are unique and require insurance that’s equally distinctive. Let us help you protect your beloved vehicle so you can enjoy it for years to come. Learn more here.