only call the challenger "2nd" best because i over-restored a '68 hemi coronet and added a bunch of suspension upgrades to make it ride/drive better than stock.  my 1971 challenger r/t was my first 'real car' back in the late 80s,  it was a 383 car with a transplanted 440, the original 4-speed, 8.75" axle with 3.91 sure-grip, front and rear sway bars (part of the hemi suspension and cooling package) and was a very capable car around corners and it was my daily driver for several years when i didnt even own another vehicle....i still beat on it mercilessly.  had to replace a few clutches and a timing chain...but otherwise it was a great car that stood up well to all the abuse a 21 year-old could throw at it.

A FRIEND OF MINE BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM AN AMC DEALER IN 1972. I USED TO RIDE TO HIGH SCHOOL WITH HIM IN IT! I KNOW ALL THREE PREVIOUS OWNERS. THE FIRST OWNER CAME HOME FROM VIETNAM, BOUGHT IT AND MODIFIED IT TO HAVE SOME FUN WITH, HE DID. FOR THE SECOND OWNER IT WAS A DAILY DRIVER TILL 1976 WHEN IT BECAME A BRACKET RACER, IT RAN MID 12'S WITH SLICKS AND OPEN HEADERS. THE THIRD OWNER BOUGHT IT IN 1980 AND IT SAT IN A GARAGE TILL I BOUGHT IT IN 1989. MY WIFE AND I HAD TWINS SHOW UP THE NEXT YEAR AND IT CONTINUED TO SIT WHILE I FOUND AND BOUGHT PARTS TO PUT IT BACK TO STOCK (CLOSE TO STOCK ANYWAY) HOPEFULLY IT SHOULD BE ON THE ROAD THIS FALL.

I would love another 1971 Challenger 383 buckets seats loaded. it was the fastest car I ever drove and solid as a rock took curves and road fast. Classy look. had a 3/4 vinly roof, cinnamon color metalic paint. Fantastic car.

bought this car in 1976 locally .beat for a few years and drove it as a work car for 2 years.almost sent it to the scrap yard.but liking the car so much i completly disasembled it and did a modified restore on it using all original parts from the dealer.my but parts were cheap back then compared to todays prices.example 1/4 panels 106.00 dollars original up to the roof seam from dealer.tail lights 8.00
exhaust tips 24.00.took two years to finish.garage keapt ever since.