When one looks at the Dodge Charger, the golden era of muscle cars comes to mind and evokes a sentiment of long-gone days. Indeed, the automobile market in the '60s looked quite different than today for a plethora of reasons. Big names were competing in producing the best-selling muscle cars, and the public was ecstatic. Who wouldn't enjoy having the Chevelle, GTO, and 442 all in one place to choose from?
The Dodge Charger joined the party a little later, but it didn't disappoint, especially in developing the initial models over the next 20 years. In 1981, Dodge Charger came to the door as the more modern and appealing car of the already well-known lineup. Muscle car enthusiasts were thrilled to see the era was not dead yet – it was an excitement that lasts even today, although now more among the vintage vehicle lovers.
Luckily for those who prefer classic muscle cars over the most modern adaptations in 2021, the Dodge Charger is among the vehicles still visiting auctions. How much does it cost today? What can you expect from it, 40 years after the launch? Find the answers to these and other questions in the following review.
Where To Find The 1981 Dodge Charger Today And At What Price?
Considering 1981 Dodge Charger was produced in around 7,000 copies, one can easily believe there must be a model on sale at any given moment. In reality, however, 7,000 is not a very high number. Add to the equation the fact most Dodge Charger owners watch over their gems with the uttermost care, and you get an unfortunately low number of available models.
Now to the good news, the 1981 Dodge Charger shouldn't break your bank. We've spotted a few models that have gone in the last five years for incredible amounts of under $1,000. Sadly we can't say whether the low price tag will remain the same for whatever Dodge Charger comes to auction next. A couple of more people may be standing in line for it.
If you can't wait for the 1981 Dodge Charger to become available, you can always opt for earlier models. While wondering around the classic car market, we noticed quite some Dodge Chargers from 1966 at prices that go anywhere at $10,000 and beyond. The only remaining consideration here is the design, as Dodge Charger models differ a lot depending on the production year.
A Brief History Of The Dodge Charger
Do you remember the Omni, a subcompact car Dodge made in 1978? The American brand used it as a base for producing Omni 024, a hatchback coupe much more sporty than its predecessor. In 1981, the Charger nameplate was added to the Omni 024 for a special package that included quite a few style updates. The Charger 2.2 was finally born, a little star that resembled the glorious muscle cars but was very different from them.
Unlike its predecessors that featured big V8 engines, the Charger 2.2 from 1981 had a four-cylinder one mounted in front and combined with a front-wheel-drive system. As you can see from the photo above, the 1981 Dodge Charger was marketed as a powerful and stylish car with unique bodywork. The carmaker even bragged about the vehicle being able to produce 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds or up to around ten depending on the specific model and having a better price than most of the competition.
The 1981 Dodge Charger was indeed less expensive than some other models but not as well-performing. One had to settle with lower power and maybe a little limited comfort. However, we have to admit the Dodge Charger 2.2 provided quiet and smooth rides and a nice minimalist interior. It wasn't a sports car but looked a lot like one and did the job perfectly for daily commuting.
Should You Opt For The 1981 Dodge Charger?
Do you wish to own a classic Dodge Charger that looks like a muscle car but has the fuel efficiency and performance of a commuter? If yes, the 1981 model can be a perfect fit for you. You may need to wait for it a while to get it, but who knows? Maybe the next 1981 Dodge Charger will become available soon at a hard-to-resist price.
It's worth noting that Dodge preserved some muscle-car design features even today. We have seen models come and go, following the modern demand, but they remained recognizably Dodge's. For instance, the 2021 Dodge Charger offers top-notch contemporary specs and features, yet it resembles the first models.
If you desire to improve your collection with a new Charger, you can do so at about $31,000. We can't answer the question of which model to choose as well as you, but hopefully, our analysis will help you make up your mind.