Dodge Charger 3rd Gen

The third-generation Dodge Charger debuted for 1971 with a completely new 'fuselage' body style. This new semi-fastback design was a major shift from the iconic second-gen cars. It also marked the beginning of the end for Mopar's golden age of performance. Due to tightening emissions regulations and rising insurance costs, 1971 was the last year for both the 426 Hemi and the 440 Six Pack engines, making these single-year cars the most sought-after of the generation.

Collector focus is almost entirely on the 1971 models. The R/T with a 440 or the ultra-rare Hemi stands at the top of the hierarchy, as does the Super Bee, a package which moved from the Coronet to the Charger for this one year only. Cars from 1972 to 1974 featured less aggressive styling and significantly detuned engines, with the largest 440 V8 making just 280 net horsepower by 1973.

The market for these Chargers is extremely dependent on year, trim, and drivetrain. While top-spec 1971 models command six-figure prices, later 1972-1974 cars with small-block V8s are far more accessible. The average sale price of nearly $40,000 reflects a market for solid, driver-quality cars, but the vast range shows that project cars are cheap and premier examples are blue-chip collectibles.

Prices range from under $2,000 for project cars to over $300,000 for premier 1971 R/T and Hemi examples.