This 1971 Gunmetal Charger R/T Was Rare Enough… But What’s Under the Hood Will Blow Your Mind

When collectors talk about rare Mopars from the muscle car era, the conversation usually centers on what's under the hood. Models equipped with the legendary 426 Hemi have always commanded the most attention, but some factory options are even harder to find. A factory-installed sunroof is one of the rarest.

Chrysler introduced its power-operated steel sunroof for the 1969 model year, first offering it on the Dodge Charger before expanding availability across several Dodge, Plymouth, and Chrysler models. Despite the novelty, relatively few buyers checked the option box.

Production numbers remained extremely low between 1970 and 1972. During the 1971 model year, only 1,777 Mopar vehicles left the factory with a sunroof. Of those, just 209 were Dodge Chargers, and only 30 were high-performance Charger R/T models, according to the Mopar Sunroof Registry.

The Gunmetal Gray example featured here belongs to that exclusive group. While it's impossible to know exactly how many have survived, this one ranks among the finest examples currently on the market.

The car is scheduled to cross the auction block at Mecum's Monterey 2026 sale this August, and it stands out for more than its rarity. It has undergone a meticulous, no-expense-spared restoration, with flawless Gunmetal Gray paint and an interior that looks virtually factory fresh. It's the type of build that would have no trouble earning trophies at national car shows.

At first glance, the Charger appears to be a faithful factory restoration. Underneath, however, it's an entirely different story. Renowned builder Dave Dudek transformed the classic muscle car into a modern performer by replacing the original engine with a supercharged Hellcat V8.

The high-output engine is paired with a Passon Performance five-speed manual transmission featuring the iconic pistol-grip shifter. Fresh air is routed through hidden intakes integrated into the inner headlamp openings, a design inspired by today's Dodge Challenger.

The upgrades continue beneath the sheet metal. The Charger rides on a modern suspension system, uses rack-and-pinion steering, and features Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes with Hydroboost power assist. Inside, six-way power-adjustable leather front seats add a level of comfort the original car never offered.

Not everyone in the Mopar community will embrace the transformation. Rare factory sunroof Charger R/Ts are typically restored to original specifications, making this restomod something of an outlier. On the other hand, the extensive modernization makes the car far more enjoyable to drive while improving reliability and everyday usability.

Originally, this Charger left the factory with a 440-cubic-inch V8 backed by a TorqueFlite automatic transmission. Those components remain relatively easy to source, meaning a future owner could return the car to factory specifications if desired.

The Charger is scheduled to cross the block during Mecum's Monterey auction, running August 13–15. Given its combination of documented rarity, exceptional restoration quality, and modern Hellcat power, it wouldn't be surprising to see bidding climb well past $100,000.