The year 1971 marked a significant turning point in Detroit’s automotive history. After a mere six-year reign as Chrysler’s ultimate street and track weapon, the legendary second-generation Hemi engine was bidding farewell.
In its final year, only a handful of 356 vehicles were graced with this monstrous 426 cubic-inch powerplant. The Plymouth division once again claimed the lion’s share, with 180 Hemi-equipped cars. The remaining units were distributed among Dodge’s Challenger, Charger, and Super Bee models.
The Challenger reigned supreme, with 71 Hemi-powered examples, followed by the Charger with 63. The Super Bee trailed behind with 22 units. While all Hemi-powered vehicles are highly coveted by Mopar enthusiasts and car collectors alike, certain examples stand out due to their unique features.
The debate surrounding the final Hemi car ever produced has been a topic of discussion among automotive aficionados for years. It was ultimately determined that the highest serial number belonged to a Dodge Charger R/T, built on July 30, 1971. This particular Charger was one of 63 units destined for the U.S. market. An additional dozen units were sold in Canada, bringing the total number of Hemi Chargers to 75.
The 1971 Dodge Charger R/T Hemi is a rare and sought-after muscle car. Only 33 automatics and 30 manuals were sold in the United States during the last year of production. These cars are not easy to find, and sightings at car shows are rare. However, one will be up for auction in Dallas on September 7th.
This particular car is a Butterscotch-colored example with a replacement engine. The original 426 Hemi V8 is no longer present, but the car still boasts impressive performance thanks to a four-speed manual transmission and a Hurst Pistol Grip shifter.
The car’s exterior is in good condition, and the interior features a black vinyl bench seat. While this Charger R/T Hemi is not a numbers-matching car, it is still a valuable and collectible piece of automotive history.
