The 2nd gen Dodge Charger has been getting all the love from Hot Wheels, being put into numerous iteration with real riders for the premium series. However the younger sibling is quite a rarity, the 1971 Dodge Charger has only appeared as a basic car. And this light blue example is here for this week's MoPar Monday.
Everyone knows the Dodge Charger was designed to be a high performance, high profile muscle car. During Detroit's first golden era, manufacturers were constantly trying to find a way to get younger buyers into their showrooms. Not surprisingly, Chrysler eventually made both the Hemi and the Magnum available to Charger buyers. And that combination of big power and dramatic looks created a rare street brawler which topped the food chain in both performance and appeal.
Wearing lines that originated on Chrysler designer Carl Cameron's famous Charger Turbine Concept, this classic cruiser makes a bold and distinct styling statement from virtually every angle.
Interesting choice to go with chrome green wheels, I'm curious what influenced that decision. The tampos were what sold me the car, with stripes from the top of the hood to the side of the car looks period period-correct. Two "426 HEMI" emblems flank the sides of the hood scoop means this car packs the muscle to stomp the asphalt. Hood pins and side markers complete the decals on the car, pretty decent for a basic car.
Despite the well-sorted tampos from the factory, the iconic split chrome grille lacks the black details to form the menacing face we associate with the third gen Charger. Nothing a black Gundam marker can't fix.
Before I wrap up my commentary, I wonder if you LaLDers think the '71 Charger and later deserve to be in the adult collector premium series? I think the body and molding will look heaps better with Real Riders. Thank you and enjoy the pictures!
Of course, I'm not going to forget to request you to...