How many 1971 HEMI Challengers were made?
Estimates place the total in the low thousands, typically around 2,000 units, but there is no single official tally. The exact number depends on counting criteria and registry sources.
Context: The 1971 Hemi Challenger
The Dodge Challenger line carried the 426 cubic inch Hemi V8 in 1971, a high-performance option that remains among the rarest variants of the E-body era. In 1971, the Hemi option was available primarily on the Challenger R/T trim, and production was limited by the broader shifts in the auto industry toward emissions controls in the early 1970s. The final year for the 426 Hemi in many Mopar models in that era ended soon after, making the 1971 Challenger a standout for collectors.
What factors complicate the count?
Chrysler did not publish a public, engine-specific production total for the Challenger, and registry data vary. Some counts include only hardtop coupes built with the Hemi motor; others count convertibles, or cars with certain option packages that some registries consider to be Hemi-equipped. VINs, build sheets, and restoration records are often used to verify status, but inconsistencies remain across sources.
Why the number matters to collectors
Because the 426 Hemi Challenger is one of the rarest Mopars of the era, even small differences in counting methodology can swing the published total by several dozen or more units. For buyers and historians, a car's authenticity—confirmed by its build sheet, fender tag, and matching numbers—matters as much as any published tally.
Summary
In sum, there is no definitive, universally accepted count for how many 1971 Dodge Challenger 426 Hemi cars were built. Most authorities place the total in the low thousands, with common estimates hovering around 1,800–2,400 units and a prevailing focus on the two-door hardtop R/T configurations. The lack of a single official tally reflects the era’s registry practices and the challenges of engine-versus-model-year counts for classic muscle cars.
