Not many of us have the luxury of buying a new car and owning it for 54 years, but Bill Dunlap is one of those folks. After coming home from the service, Bill visited Miller Motor Car Corp. in Binghamton, New York, and spec’d out a 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T. He picked “GB5” Bright Blue metallic with a matching blue interior and “V6W” white longitudinal stripes. Power came from the optional 340 Magnum engine, which was a $44.35 upgrade from the standard 383.
Other options for this Challenger included power brakes with front discs, a console, the TorqueFlite automatic, remote left-hand and manual right-hand mirrors, hood pins, an AM radio, fast-ratio power steering, Road Wheels with chrome trim rings, and F70 x 14 whitewalls.
Interestingly, Bill told the salesman he wanted the twin-scooped hood (the standard hood for the R/T), but the salesman inferred Bill wanted the Shaker, so that was added to the order. The $94.00 option may have been money he would have rather saved, but it was a mixed blessing because only 39 U.S.-spec 340 Challenger R/Ts came with a Shaker.
Join Muscle Car Campy as he and Bill take us for a ride in this special Challenger and share some stories from the past 54 years. If you enjoy this video, be sure to check out more automotive shorts from Muscle Car Campy.
