On-air between 1968 and 1973, TV’s Mod Squad series featured Pete, Linc and Julie; three hip, streetwise young people who worked as undercover cops. A gritty, highly acclaimed series, the Mod Squad remains one of very few TV dramas of the 1960s to accurately portray those turbulent and rapidly changing times. During the five-season run of the series, the American car landscape also underwent massive changes as the “youth” car market went from a late-1960s peak to the fuel and insurance-constrained environment of the early 1970s.
The 1971 Dodge Challenger Convertible offered here is one of two cars built and used on-screen during the 1972 Mod Squad season. Since Chrysler discontinued Challenger Convertible production after 1971, this car was updated with 1972-specific front and rear components, resulting in a highly unusual and desirable hybrid. The Challenger is finished in Gold Metallic with matching interior and black soft-top. It is highly optioned with high-back bucket seats, Rallye instrument cluster with tachometer, power windows and power convertible top. It also features an automatic transmission, air conditioning, power disc brakes, power steering, six-way manual driver’s side seat adjuster, AM/FM radio, rim blow steering wheel, hood pins, variable speed wipers with electric washer, chrome exhaust tips and sport stripes; as well as the original style wheels and tires that were used during the filming of the Mod Squad.
This 340-cid, 275-hp V-8 Challenger was also used as a PR/show car in period and was featured in the highly respected Mopar Collector Guide as designated by Chrysler for ‘special handling’ and destined for Universal Studios and is positively identified by its VIN as such. Today, it features a high quality restoration to original ‘as seen on TV’ specification. Documentation for the Challenger includes the factory build sheets and Bill of Sale.
This offering represents a rare and unique opportunity to acquire a documented piece of automotive and television history with tremendous investment potential.
