A beautifully restored 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T is heading to auction with the kind of specification that should get serious Mopar collectors paying attention. Finished in its original Hemi Orange and equipped with a four-speed manual, the car will cross the block at Mecum’s Kissimmee 2027 sale.
According to the Mecum auction listing, the Challenger retains its matching-numbers 383-cubic-inch V8 and comes with two original broadcast sheets. That documentation alone adds considerable appeal, particularly for collectors who place a premium on factory provenance and restoration accuracy.
The car has undergone a rotisserie restoration and presents in a striking combination of Hemi Orange paint, a black vinyl roof, and a contrasting interior with white bucket seats, a center console, Hurst Pistol Grip shifter, and Rallye gauges.
It is scheduled to cross the block on Friday, January 15, 2027, as part of the McColman Collection. No presale estimate is listed in the material provided, although its specification puts it among the more interesting first-generation Challengers headed to Kissimmee.
A Rare Combination Of Engine And Transmission
For 1971, the Challenger R/T could be ordered with several engines, including the 383, 340, 440 Six-Pack, and legendary 426 Hemi. The 383 was the most common R/T engine that year, with 2,450 cars built with the big-block V8.
Far fewer were paired with a four-speed manual. Records cited in the accompanying reporting indicate that just 465 buyers chose the four-speed, making this car’s drivetrain combination substantially less common than an automatic 383 R/T.
The matching numbers 383 was rated at 300 horsepower for 1971 and sends power through an A833 four-speed manual transmission. A Hurst Pistol Grip shifter completes the period-correct muscle-car experience.
Restored In Its Original Hemi Orange
Hemi Orange is one of the most recognizable colors from Chrysler’s high-impact paint era. This example was refinished in its original shade during the rotisserie restoration, helping preserve the factory character that makes these cars so appealing.
The exterior also features a black vinyl top, front and rear spoilers, and contrasting graphics. Power steering and power front disc brakes add some welcome usability to a car designed during the peak of Detroit’s muscle-car era.
Inside, the white bucket-seat interior provides a dramatic contrast against the orange bodywork. The console, Rallye gauge package, and pistol-grip shifter give the cabin the aggressive look enthusiasts expect from an R/T.
Two Broadcast Sheets Strengthen Its Provenance
Perhaps the most notable detail is the presence of two original broadcast sheets. These factory documents were used during assembly to specify how a particular car was to be built, making surviving examples valuable references for verifying equipment and configuration.
Mecum also notes that the Challenger is listed in The Chrysler Registry. Combined with its matching-numbers engine, restoration, and desirable four-speed transmission, the paperwork helps make this far more than a visually impressive showpiece.
For collectors seeking a first-generation Challenger without stepping into ultra-rare Hemi territory, this Hemi Orange 383 R/T offers a compelling mix of authenticity, color, documentation, and old-school Mopar character.