A few days ago we covered this first-gen 1967 Dodge Charger. Today, we’re going to skip over the always mega-popular second-gen (’68-’70) and take a gander at a 1972 third-gen example. This sharp-looking Dodge, located in Big Bend, Wisconsin, is a base model but it has a trick or two up its sleeve so let’s check it out. It’s available, here on eBay for a current bid of $17,600 with the reserve not yet met. Larry D gets credit for this find!

The second-gen Charger was a tough act to follow. In its final year of 1970, it put up a production volume of 46K units. So, what kind of numbers would the redesigned “fuselage” model (’71-’74) generate? Pretty good actually, 67K in the initial ’71 model year and then 75K copies in ’72, popular indeed! The trim levels, however, changed and were consolidated in ’72 with a base model, such as our subject car, a Rally performance version in place of the recently departed R/T, and finally a more luxury-oriented Special Edition at the top of the heap.

No doubt about it, this Charger looks great! The seller mentions that the vinyl roof covering is new and I have to say that I’m on the fence about that approach to roof coverings. I think I’d prefer no vinyl as the partial roof covering just looks unfinished – a completely subjective call of course. The finish isn’t referenced as original or a repaint but there’s enough overspray on the underside to suggest a redo. Considered a mid-size, this edition of the Charger is a big car. It looks long because it is, seventeen feet to be exact.

Standard V8 power in ’72 meant a 150 net HP, 318 CI “LA” V8 engine – exactly what’s under the domed hood of this. While not stated specifically, the hood is the version used on the Rally model – a very subtle upgrade. What’s not so subtle is the appearance of the engine. Besides the air cleaner, valve covers, aluminum radiator, and serpentine pulley system, this 318 has been bored .030″ over and includes a mild performance cam and freer breathing heads. It’s not too often, if ever, that I have encountered a hopped-up 318, enthusiasts seem to go for a dressed-up 360. A TorqueFlite automatic transmission? Of course and the seller claims, “Car runs and drives great“.

The black vinyl interior, in spite of 110K miles of use and a half-century of father time going on, still shows quite well. It’s a bit unusual as bucket seats are in place, but there’s no center console and the gear selector is steering column mounted. The seller mentions that he has installed a Rally cluster instrument panel which I would think is no mean feat considering the wiring harness needs.

I’d say this Charger is a hot rod in the truest sense of the designation. It’s a standard model that has been upgraded with engine, suspension, and appearance improvements while giving little indication of what’s going on under its skin. No idea where the reserve is, but my thought is that someone is going to pick up a really cool Dodge without having to pay through the nose ala Mopar Mania, wouldn’t you agree?