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1971 Dodge Monaco

The 1971 Dodge Monaco: a big, boxy beauty! Famous for its role in The Blues Brothers, this muscle car oozed 70s cool. A hefty, powerful ride, it represented American automotive excess at its peak. Its distinctive long hood and squared-off lines are instantly recognizable – a true classic.

The Iconic 1971 Dodge Monaco – A Journey Through Time

The 1971 Dodge Monaco stands out as a classic that has truly earned its place in the halls of automotive fame. Known for its robust performance, sleek design, and, surprisingly, its connection to a number of celebrities, this car is as much a pop culture icon as it is a collector's dream. Can you imagine cruising down memory lane in one of these? Let's delve a little deeper into what makes the Monaco special.

Photo of a 1971 Dodge Monaco

1971 Dodge Monaco Models:

Select the vehicle's model to see the correct data for it.

How Much is Dodge Monaco Worth?

Original MSRP :$3,943.00

Outstanding

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$12,400

Clean

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$8,700

Average

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$6,200*

Rough

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$4,000

1971 Dodge Monaco Specs

Body Maker: Dodge
No. Of Doors: 4
Model Number: DH43
Length: 220.2 inches
Width: 79.2 inches
Height: 54.9 inches
Wheelbase: 121.5 inches
Weight: 4,080lbs
Type: V8, OHV, Dual downdraft, Fully synchronized
Displacement: 383 cu. in.
Cylinders: 8
Bore And Stroke: 4 1/4 & 3 3/8 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 8.7 to 1
Horsepower Brake: 275@4400
Horsepower Rated: 57.8
Torque: 375@2800
Main Bearings: 5
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic
Engine Number Location: Stamped on the block pan rail at left rear corner below the starter opening.
Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Carburetor Make: Carter
Type:
4.75 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Single plate dry disc
Gear Ratios:
3
Gear Ratios First:
2.55 to 1
Gear Ratios Second:
1.49
Gear Ratios Third:
1 to 1
Gear Ratios Fourth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
3.34
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 3.23 to 1
Front: Independent torsion bar
Rear: Semi-elliptic leaf springs
Service Type: Front disc, rear self-adjusting drum
Service Rear Size: 11 inches
Emergency Type: Rear service brakes
Emergency Size: 11 inches
Type: Regular
Tire Size: L84 x 15
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 24 Gallons
Oil: 4 Quarts
Rear Differential: 4 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:Starting DH43N1a100001
Total Digits:13
Digits 1-2:Series
Digits 3-4:Body style
Digits 5:Engine
Digits 6:Model year
Digits 7:Assembly plant
Digits 8-13:Production number
Light GunMetallical Metallic, Brite Blue Metallic, Dark Blue Metallic, Plum Crazy Metallic, Indigo Metallic, Bright Red, Burgandy Metallic, Medium Green Metallic, Dark Green Metallic, Moss Green Metallic, Green Go, Dark Bronze Metallic, Butterscotch, Turquoise Metallic, Tan Metallic, Dark Tan Metallic, Hemi-Orange, White, Brite White, Black, Citron Yella, Gold, Gold Metallic, Dark Gold Metallic, All colors may not be available in all models.
Hardtop: Opt
Conventional Manual Transmission: Opt
440 Cu. In. V8 Engine: Opt
Power Windows: Opt
Air Conditioning: Opt
Power Steering: Opt
Power Seats: Opt
Radio: Opt
Speed Control Device: Opt
Front Disc Rear Drum Brakes: Opt

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A Glimpse into the Car's History

The 1971 Dodge Monaco is part of the first generation that rolled out between 1965 and 1973. This era saw significant modifications and special features that catered to the enthusiasts who favored both comfort and power in their rides. Not to mention, that 440 cubic inch V8 engine under the hood was a beast – a real game-changer whether you were all about a leisurely cruise or needed a speedy getaway.

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Celebrity Ownership

The Blues Brothers

One of the most famous associations with the Dodge Monaco is its role in the cult classic movie "The Blues Brothers." Used as their 'Bluesmobile', the car was a character in itself, bouncing off curbs and taking on wild police chases that made it legendary.

Nicholas Cage

Nicholas Cage is another notable figure who has had ties to classic cars. While there isn't clear documentation on whether he owned a Monaco specifically, his penchant for high-octane classics makes him an honorary nod in this lineup.

Exciting Others

Other figures known for their classic automotive loves include Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld, although their garages may not list a Monaco, these icons have helped keep the intrigue alive for such cars. Their collections are a testament to the ongoing allure of vintage powerhouses.

Pop Culture Phenomenon

The 1971 Dodge Monaco has deeply embedded itself in American culture. Thanks to its numerous appearances in films and television – beyond just "The Blues Brothers" – the car has a rich legacy. Episode after episode in shows like "Chips" featuring it as the iconic police car helped cement its status. And let's be honest, who didn't want to be the cool cop driving that cruiser?

Technical Specs – What's Under the Hood?

The heart of the 1971 Monaco was its engine lineup. Starting from a standard 360 cubic inch V8 and going up a notch with the mighty 440 cubic inch V8. These engines were like Batista-era Cuba – full of life, vigor, and plenty of historical richness. This robust setup made it possible to achieve impressive speeds for its time.

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Whether it's the siren call of history or the allure of celebrity ownership, diving into the world of classic cars can be an exciting journey. When you're ready to buy or sell, understanding a vehicle's backstory is just as crucial as its paint job or engine sound. That's where a vehicle history report comes in handy. I mean, who doesn't want all the juicy details?

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The 1973 Oil Crisis and Its Impact

The '70s was a decade of change and not all of it was easy for our road-rulers. Remember the oil crisis? It changed the automotive landscape forever. Suddenly, these beauties were seen as gas-guzzlers, which dampened their roaring success for a while. The crisis forced a shift in consumer preference towards more fuel-efficient cars as seen with the competitive rise of Japanese automakers.

Fun Facts – Did You Know?

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    The Dodge Monaco marked its debut in 1965 and quickly rose to popularity thanks to its powerful engines.

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    By 1970, improvements like the "Torsion-Quiet" system were introduced to better ride comfort.

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    Vintage collector? You need that to really understand your Monaco's heritage.

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Explore Dodge Monaco from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

Well, let's see. The '71 Monaco is pretty unmistakable, even for a non-car person; it's a big, boxy car, you know? Think of it like a land yacht! Its defining features include a long hood, a relatively short deck, and that distinctive rectangular grille. You'll also notice the squared-off headlights and generally upright stance. It's really a statement piece. Oh, and the taillights are kinda unique, too—they're like, really horizontal and stretch across the back, almost the full width, see? It's a solid, classic design that's really stood the test of time, if you ask me.

The '71 Monaco offered a pretty decent range of engine choices, although, honestly, the biggest one is what most people remember. You had your standard stuff, of course, but the real head-turner was the big 440 cubic inch V8; that thing was a beast! It was seriously powerful. Then you had some smaller options available too, but let's be real, the 440 is what everyone wants. It's like choosing between a comfy sedan and a muscle car—the muscle car wins every time, right?

Most Monaco's came with a three-speed automatic transmission; it was pretty standard for the time. Now, some models, particularly those with the smaller engines, might have offered a three-speed manual, but those are rarer. Think of it like this: the automatic was the popular choice; most people opted for convenience and ease of use, especially in a car that size. A manual might’ve been available for those who liked to really feel connected to their vehicle.

Compared to other full-size cars of its era? It’s a bit of a heavyweight, let's face it. The handling isn't going to win any awards, it’s not a sports car. But that big engine gives it some serious get-up-and-go; it could really move. So think of it as a comfy cruiser that can also surprise you when you floor it. It's a whole different animal compared to something sleek and sporty. It's like comparing an aircraft carrier to a speedboat; they both travel on water, but the experience is entirely different.

Well, being almost 50 years old now, you know it's going to need some TLC! Common issues are rust, especially in areas prone to snow and salt. The electrical systems can sometimes be temperamental, and parts can be a bit tricky to find, sometimes needing to go through specialists. Plus, you’ve got the usual suspects—things like brakes and suspension. It's like owning an old house; it requires more attention than a newer vehicle, but the rewards are awesome.

This depends heavily on the condition, mileage, and options of the specific car. Generally, a well-maintained example could fetch a pretty decent price – we’re talking five figures; but a rusty heap might be worth just parts. It's all about that condition, really! It's kinda like real estate: location, location, location, but in this case, condition, condition, condition.