Car Model History

Third generation · Fuselage B-body · 1971–1974

1971Dodge Charger

Restyled for 1971 with a more rounded, semi-fastback 'fuselage' look, split grille, and revised body, adapting to tightening emissions and insurance pressures that were winding down the muscle era.

Third generation · Fuselage B-body

1971 Dodge Charger Super Bee in Plum Crazy — fuselage B-body, front left view

Photo: “1971 Dodge Charger Super Bee in Plum Crazy Iridescent, Front Left, 06-17-2022” by Elise240SX / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.

Quick facts

Engines
8offered225 cu in Slant Six, 1-barrel → 426 cu in Street Hemi V8, dual 4-barrel carburetors
Top output
425hp426 cu in Street Hemi V8, dual 4-barrel carburetors

Body styles2-door pillared coupe · 2-door hardtop

The 1971 model year

Overview

The Charger moved to a shorter 115-inch-wheelbase fuselage body for 1971 and expanded into six distinct models: the pillared Charger Coupe, Charger hardtop, Charger 500, luxury Charger SE, one-year Charger Super Bee, and final muscle-era Charger R/T. Dodge published both gross and installed net horsepower. The range ran from the 225 Slant Six through the 426 Street Hemi, but engine availability depended sharply on model.

Specifications

Engines
  • 225 cu in Slant Six, 1-barrel145 hp
  • 318 cu in LA V8, 2-barrel230 hp
  • 340 cu in V8, 4-barrel275 hp
  • 383 cu in B V8, 2-barrel275 hp
  • 383 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel300 hp
  • 440 cu in Magnum V8, 4-barrel370 hp
  • 440 cu in Six Pack V8, three 2-barrel carburetors385 hp
  • 426 cu in Street Hemi V8, dual 4-barrel carburetors425 hp
Transmissions
3-speed column-shift manual, 3-speed floor-shift manual, 4-speed manual, TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic
Body styles
2-door pillared coupe, 2-door hardtop
Dimensions
Wheelbase 115 in · Overall length 205.4 in · Overall width 79.1 in

Year over year

What changed

  • A complete fuselage-style redesign replaced the 1968–1970 body and shortened the wheelbase from 117 to 115 inches.
  • The range expanded to six body/trim models, including a pillared low-price Coupe and formal luxury SE.
  • The Super Bee moved from the Coronet family to the Charger for one model year only.
  • This was the final model year for both the Charger R/T and factory 426 Street Hemi in the original muscle-car era.
  • Dodge published gross and installed net horsepower side by side during the industry transition in rating methods.

Worth knowing

Notable

  • The 1971 Charger Super Bee was a one-year-only model, standard with a 300-gross-hp 383 four-barrel.
  • The 440 Six Pack and 426 Street Hemi were factory-listed for both the Super Bee and R/T.
  • Dodge's installed-net ratings ranged from 110 hp for the Slant Six to 350 hp for the Street Hemi.

Living with it

Reliability & ownership notes

  • The model and engine must be decoded together before ordering: the six-cylinder was limited to the Coupe and regular hardtop, the regular 440 four-barrel belonged to the R/T and SE, and the U.S. ordering book did not list it for the Super Bee.
  • Inspect the cowl, torsion-bar crossmember, rear rails, trunk floor, quarter panels, and hidden-headlamp hardware where fitted; the one-year trim and grille pieces can be difficult to replace.
  • High-value Super Bee, R/T, Six Pack, and Hemi claims require VIN, fender-tag, broadcast-sheet, and drivetrain-number verification.

Maintenance & service parts

Keep your 1971 Charger on the road

Start with the service interval, then match the engine or exact version you own. Order links appear only when a catalog-backed part number is available, and every listing still needs a fitment check.

Service desk

What this car needs & when

Use this as a service-planning checklist for 1971 Dodge Charger. Start with the interval, confirm which engine or configuration you have, then use an exact ordering reference when one is verified.

Service topics
11
Scheduled topics
10
Applicability stated
11
Exact references
1

Before ordering Identify your engine, options and build date. Part numbers and sizes can change within one model year. Shopping links appear only for catalog-backed references; still verify the listing against your vehicle before ordering.

  • Engine oilView intervals, applicability and sources

    Engine oil

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1971 · United States · Exact 1971 Dodge factory all-model normal-service schedule, including Charger. Trailer-towing, police/taxi, and severe-service work is kept separate.

    Published interval: 4,000 mi / 3 months · Normal service; whichever occurs first.

    Source: Dodge — 1971 all-model chassis service manual, lubrication and maintenance schedule (public archive) · Group 0, printed page 0-3 — normal-service schedule · checked

    Engine oil filter

    Applies to: 1971 · United States · Exact 1971 Dodge factory all-model normal-service schedule, including Charger. Trailer-towing, police/taxi, and severe-service work is kept separate.

    Published interval: 8,000 mi / 6 months · Replace at every second oil change under the published normal schedule.

    Source: Dodge — 1971 all-model chassis service manual, lubrication and maintenance schedule (public archive) · Group 0, printed page 0-3 — every-second-oil-change row · checked

  • Carburetor air-cleaner elementView intervals, applicability and sources

    Carburetor air-cleaner element

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1971 · United States · Exact 1971 Dodge factory all-model normal-service schedule, including Charger. Trailer-towing, police/taxi, and severe-service work is kept separate.

    Published interval: 24,000 mi / 24 months · Replace at the interval that occurs first; inspect the paper element at every oil change, and replace Fresh Air Induction elements annually.

    Source: Dodge — 1971 all-model chassis service manual, lubrication and maintenance schedule (public archive) · Group 0, printed page 0-3 — paper-element rows and Fresh Air Induction footnote · checked

  • Fuel filterView intervals, applicability and sources

    Fuel filter

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1971 · United States · Exact 1971 Dodge factory all-model normal-service schedule, including Charger. Trailer-towing, police/taxi, and severe-service work is kept separate.

    Published interval: 24,000 mi / 24 months · Whichever occurs first.

    Source: Dodge — 1971 all-model chassis service manual, lubrication and maintenance schedule (public archive) · Group 0, printed page 0-3 — fuel-filter row · checked

  • Cooling systemView intervals, applicability and sources

    Cooling system

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1971 · United States · Exact 1971 Dodge factory all-model normal-service schedule, including Charger. Trailer-towing, police/taxi, and severe-service work is kept separate.

    Published interval: 12 months · Service annually and check the coolant level monthly.

    Source: Dodge — 1971 all-model chassis service manual, lubrication and maintenance schedule (public archive) · Group 0, printed page 0-3 — monthly check and annual service rows · checked

  • Brakes and hydraulic systemView intervals, applicability and sources

    Brakes and hydraulic system

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1971 · United States · Exact 1971 Dodge factory all-model normal-service schedule, including Charger. Trailer-towing, police/taxi, and severe-service work is kept separate.

    Published interval: 12,000 mi / 12 months · Inspect the brakes at the interval that occurs first; check master-cylinder fluid and inspect brake hoses every six months.

    Source: Dodge — 1971 all-model chassis service manual, lubrication and maintenance schedule (public archive) · Group 0, printed page 0-3 — six-month hydraulic checks and annual brake row · checked

  • Front wheel-bearing lubricantView intervals, applicability and sources

    Front wheel-bearing lubricant

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1971 · United States · Exact 1971 Dodge factory all-model normal-service schedule, including Charger. Trailer-towing, police/taxi, and severe-service work is kept separate.

    Published interval: 12,000 mi / 12 months · Inspect and lubricate at the interval that occurs first.

    Source: Dodge — 1971 all-model chassis service manual, lubrication and maintenance schedule (public archive) · Group 0, printed page 0-3 — front-wheel-bearing row · checked

  • Steering, suspension, and body lubricationView intervals, applicability and sources

    Steering, suspension, and body lubrication

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1971 · United States · Exact 1971 Dodge factory all-model normal-service schedule, including Charger. Trailer-towing, police/taxi, and severe-service work is kept separate.

    Published interval: 36,000 mi / 36 months · Lubricate the printed suspension, steering, and body points at the interval that occurs first; inspect joints every six months.

    Source: Dodge — 1971 all-model chassis service manual, lubrication and maintenance schedule (public archive) · Group 0, printed page 0-3 — six-month inspections and 36-month/36,000-mile lubrication rows · checked

  • Transmission and rear-axle lubricant levelsView intervals, applicability and sources

    Transmission and rear-axle lubricant levels

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1971 · United States · Exact 1971 Dodge factory all-model normal-service schedule, including Charger. Trailer-towing, police/taxi, and severe-service work is kept separate.

    Published interval: 6 months · Check transmission and rear-axle lubricant levels every six months under normal service.

    Source: Dodge — 1971 all-model chassis service manual, lubrication and maintenance schedule (public archive) · Group 0, printed page 0-3 — six-month transmission and rear-axle rows · checked

  • Crankcase ventilator valveView intervals, applicability and sources

    Crankcase ventilator valve

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1971 · United States · Exact 1971 Dodge factory all-model normal-service schedule, including Charger. Trailer-towing, police/taxi, and severe-service work is kept separate.

    Published interval: 12 months · Replace annually and service the crankcase ventilation system every second oil change.

    Source: Dodge — 1971 all-model chassis service manual, lubrication and maintenance schedule (public archive) · Group 0, printed page 0-3 — annual valve and every-second-oil-change system rows · checked

  • Tire rotationView intervals, applicability and sources

    Tire rotation

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1971 · United States · Exact 1971 Dodge factory all-model normal-service schedule, including Charger. Trailer-towing, police/taxi, and severe-service work is kept separate.

    Published interval: 8,000 mi / 6 months · Rotate at every second oil change under the normal schedule.

    Source: Dodge — 1971 all-model chassis service manual, lubrication and maintenance schedule (public archive) · Group 0, printed page 0-3 — every-second-oil-change tire-rotation row · checked

  • Engine oil filterView intervals, applicability and sources

    Engine oil filter

    Exact reference available

    The order numbers below establish replacement-filter fitment only; they do not establish a service interval. Confirm the installed engine, VIN, build date, and filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1971 · United States

    225 cu in Slant Six, 1-barrel carburetor (145 gross hp / 110 installed net hp)

    K&N HP-3001

    K&N publishes HP-3001 for this exact year-and-engine application; confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1971 · 225 cu in Slant Six, 1-barrel carburetor (145 gross hp / 110 installed net hp) · United States · Exact 1971 Charger engine application. Confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Source: K&N Engineering — Dodge Charger replacement-oil-filter application catalog · 1971 Dodge Charger 225 cu in application row — HP-3001 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    318 cu in LA V8, 2-barrel carburetor (230 gross hp / 155 installed net hp)

    K&N HP-3001

    K&N publishes HP-3001 for this exact year-and-engine application; confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1971 · 318 cu in LA V8, 2-barrel carburetor (230 gross hp / 155 installed net hp) · United States · Exact 1971 Charger engine application. Confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Source: K&N Engineering — Dodge Charger replacement-oil-filter application catalog · 1971 Dodge Charger 318 cu in application row — HP-3001 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    383 cu in B-series V8, 2-barrel carburetor (275 gross hp / 190 installed net hp)

    K&N HP-3001

    K&N publishes HP-3001 for this exact year-and-engine application; confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1971 · 383 cu in B-series V8, 2-barrel carburetor (275 gross hp / 190 installed net hp) · United States · Exact 1971 Charger engine application. Confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Source: K&N Engineering — Dodge Charger replacement-oil-filter application catalog · 1971 Dodge Charger 383 cu in application row — HP-3001 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    383 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel carburetor (300 gross hp / 250 installed net hp)

    K&N HP-3001

    K&N publishes HP-3001 for this exact year-and-engine application; confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1971 · 383 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel carburetor (300 gross hp / 250 installed net hp) · United States · Exact 1971 Charger engine application. Confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Source: K&N Engineering — Dodge Charger replacement-oil-filter application catalog · 1971 Dodge Charger 383 cu in application row — HP-3001 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    440 cu in Magnum V8, 4-barrel carburetor (370 gross hp / 305 installed net hp)

    K&N HP-3001

    K&N publishes HP-3001 for this exact year-and-engine application; confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1971 · 440 cu in Magnum V8, 4-barrel carburetor (370 gross hp / 305 installed net hp) · United States · Exact 1971 Charger engine application. Confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Source: K&N Engineering — Dodge Charger replacement-oil-filter application catalog · 1971 Dodge Charger 440 cu in application row — HP-3001 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    340 cu in V8, 4-barrel carburetor (275 gross hp / 235 installed net hp)

    K&N HP-3001

    K&N publishes HP-3001 for this exact year-and-engine application; confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1971 · 340 cu in V8, 4-barrel carburetor (275 gross hp / 235 installed net hp) · United States · Exact 1971 Charger engine application. Confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Source: K&N Engineering — Dodge Charger replacement-oil-filter application catalog · 1971 Dodge Charger 340 cu in application row — HP-3001 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    440 cu in Six Pack V8, three 2-barrel carburetors (385 gross hp / 330 installed net hp)

    K&N HP-3001

    K&N publishes HP-3001 for this exact year-and-engine application; confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1971 · 440 cu in Six Pack V8, three 2-barrel carburetors (385 gross hp / 330 installed net hp) · United States · Exact 1971 Charger engine application. Confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Source: K&N Engineering — Dodge Charger replacement-oil-filter application catalog · 1971 Dodge Charger 440 cu in application row — HP-3001 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    426 cu in Street Hemi V8, dual 4-barrel carburetors (425 gross hp / 350 installed net hp)

    K&N HP-3001

    K&N publishes HP-3001 for this exact year-and-engine application; confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1971 · 426 cu in Street Hemi V8, dual 4-barrel carburetors (425 gross hp / 350 installed net hp) · United States · Exact 1971 Charger engine application. Confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Source: K&N Engineering — Dodge Charger replacement-oil-filter application catalog · 1971 Dodge Charger 426 cu in application row — HP-3001 · checked

    Verified ordering references

Collect

Bring this model year home

Find a scale model using the exact year, make, and model—not a generic generation search.

Famous variants this year

Sources

  1. Dodge — 1971 U.S. dealership data book, Charger section (preserved scans)
  2. Dodge — 1971 Charger/Coronet showroom brochure (catalog 81-205-1038)
  3. Dodge / Chrysler Canada — 1971 Charger/Coronet specifications and powertrain applicability
  4. 1971 Charger Super Bee — U.S. Dodge data/ordering-book engine option transcription
  5. Wikipedia — "Dodge Charger"

Other Third generation years

Explore the Fuselage B-body generation →All Third generation · Fuselage B-body years →

Documented lineup

Find your exact 1971 Charger

Start with a family, body style, or engine. Every card opens the facts and maintenance information for that factory version.

22factory configurations
Exact factory pairings documentedHow this lineup was verified

These source-backed records identify published body, engine, and transmission combinations. Exact pairings do not by themselves assert that every factory option or special edition is represented.

22versions shown
Browse 22 documented records — use the filters above to narrow the list
Two-door pillared coupe

Dodge Charger Coupe 225 Slant Six

Body
Two-door pillared coupe
Engine
225 cu in Slant Six, 1-barrel carburetor (145 gross hp / 110 installed net hp)
Gearbox
3-speed column-shift manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door pillared coupe

Dodge Charger Coupe 318 V8

Body
Two-door pillared coupe
Engine
318 cu in LA V8, 2-barrel carburetor (230 gross hp / 155 installed net hp)
Gearbox
3-speed column-shift manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door pillared coupe

Dodge Charger Coupe 383 2-barrel V8

Body
Two-door pillared coupe
Engine
383 cu in B-series V8, 2-barrel carburetor (275 gross hp / 190 installed net hp)
Gearbox
TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door pillared coupe

Dodge Charger Coupe 383 4-barrel V8

Body
Two-door pillared coupe
Engine
383 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel carburetor (300 gross hp / 250 installed net hp)
Gearbox
3-speed floor-shift manual, 4-speed manual, or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtop

Dodge Charger Hardtop 225 Slant Six

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
225 cu in Slant Six, 1-barrel carburetor (145 gross hp / 110 installed net hp)
Gearbox
3-speed column-shift manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtop

Dodge Charger Hardtop 318 V8

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
318 cu in LA V8, 2-barrel carburetor (230 gross hp / 155 installed net hp)
Gearbox
3-speed column-shift manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtop

Dodge Charger Hardtop 383 2-barrel V8

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
383 cu in B-series V8, 2-barrel carburetor (275 gross hp / 190 installed net hp)
Gearbox
TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtop

Dodge Charger Hardtop 383 4-barrel V8

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
383 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel carburetor (300 gross hp / 250 installed net hp)
Gearbox
3-speed floor-shift manual, 4-speed manual, or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtop

Dodge Charger 500 318 V8

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
318 cu in LA V8, 2-barrel carburetor (230 gross hp / 155 installed net hp)
Gearbox
3-speed column-shift manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtop

Dodge Charger 500 383 2-barrel V8

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
383 cu in B-series V8, 2-barrel carburetor (275 gross hp / 190 installed net hp)
Gearbox
TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtop

Dodge Charger 500 383 4-barrel V8

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
383 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel carburetor (300 gross hp / 250 installed net hp)
Gearbox
3-speed floor-shift manual, 4-speed manual, or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtop

Dodge Charger SE 318 V8

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
318 cu in LA V8, 2-barrel carburetor (230 gross hp / 155 installed net hp)
Gearbox
3-speed column-shift manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtop

Dodge Charger SE 383 2-barrel V8

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
383 cu in B-series V8, 2-barrel carburetor (275 gross hp / 190 installed net hp)
Gearbox
TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtop

Dodge Charger SE 383 4-barrel V8

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
383 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel carburetor (300 gross hp / 250 installed net hp)
Gearbox
3-speed floor-shift manual, 4-speed manual, or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtop

Dodge Charger SE 440 Magnum V8

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
440 cu in Magnum V8, 4-barrel carburetor (370 gross hp / 305 installed net hp)
Gearbox
4-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtop

Dodge Charger Super Bee 340 V8

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
340 cu in V8, 4-barrel carburetor (275 gross hp / 235 installed net hp)
Gearbox
3-speed floor-shift manual, 4-speed manual, or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtop

Dodge Charger Super Bee 383 V8

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
383 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel carburetor (300 gross hp / 250 installed net hp)
Gearbox
3-speed floor-shift manual, 4-speed manual, or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtop

Dodge Charger Super Bee 440 Six Pack V8

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
440 cu in Six Pack V8, three 2-barrel carburetors (385 gross hp / 330 installed net hp)
Gearbox
4-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtop

Dodge Charger Super Bee 426 Street Hemi V8

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
426 cu in Street Hemi V8, dual 4-barrel carburetors (425 gross hp / 350 installed net hp)
Gearbox
4-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtop

Dodge Charger R/T 440 Magnum V8

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
440 cu in Magnum V8, 4-barrel carburetor (370 gross hp / 305 installed net hp)
Gearbox
4-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtop

Dodge Charger R/T 440 Six Pack V8

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
440 cu in Six Pack V8, three 2-barrel carburetors (385 gross hp / 330 installed net hp)
Gearbox
4-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtop

Dodge Charger R/T 426 Street Hemi V8

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
426 cu in Street Hemi V8, dual 4-barrel carburetors (425 gross hp / 350 installed net hp)
Gearbox
4-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version

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