In the opening months of 1970, Chrysler’s team of aerodynamicists worked in secret on wind tunnel testing scale models of next- generation (1971) superspeedway wing cars. Soon after, the program was canceled, in part because the OEM body redesign already showed huge improvements over the previous 1968-1970 Chargers, plus upcoming NASCAR rules changes. A 400-plus page internal report was generated on this effort, recognized by the lead aerodynamicist as the culmination of their work over 50 years ago. The car here was built in accordance to that report, showcasing the possibilities of this little-known 1971 Charger Daytona study. With the project starting with a 1971 383 CI factory 4-speed Charger SE, the driveline selected was the big-displacement 472 CI Mopar Performance classic Hemi V-8 engine, topped with the Hemi Six Pack setup that was never offered from the factory. An American Powertrain 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive allows the 4.10 Dana 60 Sure Grip differential to cruise. Suspension upgrades include big .96 front torsion bars, Mopar Performance rear leaf springs and adjustable air shocks, and HD front and rear sway bars, plus power steering and 4-wheel power disc brakes. Of course, the most dramatic change is the unique nose cone, multilevel rear wing, electrically operated hideaway headlight doors, Ramcharger functional hood with J45 hood pins, aero-tested side exhaust exits, rear window louvers, R/T graphics and the black wing stripe with “DAYTONA” lettering, all accenting the bright white paint. The theme carries on inside with a “salt-and-pepper” cloth and vinyl interior, buddy bucket split-design front seat, Pistol Grip shifter, factory cassette unit refitted with AM/FM/CD capability, a factory sunroof, Rallye dash with tachometer, R/T trim components and chrome pedal edging. A final upgrade was aftermarket 15x8 road wheels wearing BF Goodrich radial tires. This car has been shown in Hot Rod, Mopar Collector’s Guide and Mopar Action magazines, has appeared at several race track demonstration events, and has not been offered at auction before. In many ways, the 1971 Chrysler B-bodies would prove themselves in speedway action, even without the added aero trim, but this one-of-one existent 1971 Charger Daytona is always going to be a surefire winner.
