Tig
Fucktangular
Pilot cars are crucial to the introduction of a new model. They are the first cars to come off the assembly line, in service to establishing proper assembly procedures, part fitment and other details prior to commencing full assembly line production. This is achieved by building several versions incorporating various combinations of options and powertrains. In the case of the all-new 1971 Dodge Charger R/T and Super Bee, the process typically involved highly optioned pilot vehicles to test for functionality and materials and to ensure the efficiency of their specialized build procedures. Because they often revealed production deficiencies – their raison d'être, after all – pilot cars were typically destroyed to avoid liability claims. This 1971 Charger Hemi R/T, however, escaped that fate and wound up on the lot at Mr. Norm’s Grand Spaulding Dodge. Documented as the first 1971 Hemi Charger built, it bears serial number 00023, signifying its history as Chrysler Job 29. Among its unique features are left- and right-side specific wheel lug nuts (an item Chrysler dropped in 1971), the lack of X-braces inside the door panels and missing spoiler mounting locations on the underside of the early production trunk lid. After collector Tim Wellborn purchased this well-known car he delivered it to Mopar expert Roger Gibson, who performed a two-year restoration to truly exceptional condition. Joining the original 426/425 HP Hemi engine on the equipment list are an A833 4-speed with Hurst Pistol Grip shifter, Dana 60 rear end with Sure Grip differential and power steering and brakes. The Air Grabber scoop was standard on 1971 Hemi cars; this pilot Hemi Charger was also fitted with a Black vinyl roof, hide-away headlights, power windows, color-keyed racing mirrors, bumper guards, deluxe light group, rear speaker, rear defogger and very rare wide door and window bright moldings. Other features unique to this pilot car are the door hinges that differ from the final 1971 production design; 1970 rear leaf springs and exhaust hangers and February 1970 date codes on all the window glass. Finished in Bright Red with Black R/T graphics and a Black houndstooth interior, this extraordinary pilot Hemi Charger is accompanied by the original Mr. Norm’s Grand Spaulding Dodge bill of sale and car record envelope from 1973, paint quality control inspection report, the original owner’s Michigan registration and insurance certificates, factory punch cards, G-series pilot tag, inner door panels cards with written inspection codes and the original fender tag.
Gibson noted, “The fact that Tim acquired the car and brought it back to its original state is significant. It’s a special piece of Mopar history as the first Hemi Charger in a new body style and the last year for Hemi. It’s been well known in the Mopar community for many years. Someone early on in the car’s life realized it was a piece of history and set it aside to restore. It features a hand-built body with original body panels, bumper and grille with early 1970 dates throughout. It has a special dash that is not functional and was never available to the public. It has the original engine and transmission, and is finished in the factory color. Typical for a pilot car, it had a blank fender tag, so we had to pay close attention as we disassembled it. We were meticulous; we kept detailed records of all the special features in order to preserve everything as it was. For instance, we found ‘job #29’ hand-written on many components. The doors are total prototype pieces, and the dash is one-of-a-kind – a combination of the standard dash and the Strato-vent dash with custom handmade vents and incomplete ductwork.“
Gibson noted, “The fact that Tim acquired the car and brought it back to its original state is significant. It’s a special piece of Mopar history as the first Hemi Charger in a new body style and the last year for Hemi. It’s been well known in the Mopar community for many years. Someone early on in the car’s life realized it was a piece of history and set it aside to restore. It features a hand-built body with original body panels, bumper and grille with early 1970 dates throughout. It has a special dash that is not functional and was never available to the public. It has the original engine and transmission, and is finished in the factory color. Typical for a pilot car, it had a blank fender tag, so we had to pay close attention as we disassembled it. We were meticulous; we kept detailed records of all the special features in order to preserve everything as it was. For instance, we found ‘job #29’ hand-written on many components. The doors are total prototype pieces, and the dash is one-of-a-kind – a combination of the standard dash and the Strato-vent dash with custom handmade vents and incomplete ductwork.“
