The third generation of the Dodge Charger had just debuted for 1971, so the 1972 models were minimally changed. The second-year would see the introduction of the Charger Rallye, which replaced the R/T, Super Bee, and 500 all in one fell swoop. These cars could still be had with some performance engines, but the muscle car neutering process had already begun. This Charger Rallye 340 is one of just 1,527 made for 1972, so the seller’s car is in somewhat rare company, especially since it appears to have survived so well. The car is located in Manassas, Virginia and available here on craigslist for a stout $35,000. Thanks, Jay L, for tipping us off on this numbers-matching car.

Muscle car buyers from the 1960s were now getting older and found themselves knee-deep in marriage, family life, and mortgages, so their tastes in performance cars were evolving. The muscle car of the 1970s became more civilized so that Dad could now justify the purchase to Mom. Dodge was not oblivious to this trend and introduced the Rallye package on the Charger in 1972, killing off three nameplates in the process. Dodge saw this change in their line-up as a way to attract former buyers and yet still appeal to the “kids” of the ‘70s. With all this shifting around going on, the Charger was still good for 75,600 copies that year, with 4,350 having the Rallye package (and about a third of those were fitted with the 340, like the seller’s car).

For 1972, the 340 was the middle-of-the-road engine you could get in a Rallye. Downstream was the basic 318 V-8, while upstream there were two 400s and the 440 to choose from. The 426 Hemi was now a thing of the past. Even with the detuning of cars after 1971, the 340 was still good for 240 hp. We’re told the seller’s car has its original 340 still in place along with a brand new TorqueFlite automatic. There is no reference as to the mileage that the motor or the rest of the automobile have put forth. 1972 was the first year that an electronic ignition system was used instead of those pesky points.

One of the most distinctive features on the seller’s car is the Air Grabber Hood that came with the A57 Rallye package. The car is finished in TB3 Super Blue, which was about as close to Petty Blue as you could get (the official color of NASCAR driver Richard Petty). The paint and exterior trim on this car look exceptional, including the 1972-only louvers in the doors. The seller doesn’t say if this is all original, so we assume a professional paint job was reapplied. There is no appearance of rust anywhere even though these Chargers have a reputation for corroding quickly under less-than-ideal circumstances.

The interior looks to be in exceptional condition and the quality of the materials that Dodge used reflected its goal of moving the standards for the Charger up a notch. However, the Rallye interior was really the same as any regular Charger, with the exception of the Rallye gauge cluster being applied to the dashboard. For whatever reason, the original buyer did the radio-delete thing when they ordered this car. It comes with power front disc brakes and steering, but no factory A/C. The Charger has been treated to a new set of tires.

Hagerty estimates a show-quality 1972 Dodge Charger to be worth $26,000. Add a 25% premium for the 340 and another 10% for the Grabber hood and you come up with about $35,000, coincidentally the seller’s asking price for this beautiful car. Chargers from the second generation (1968-70) regularly show up in this price range, but not so much for the 1971-74 editions. Is the seller being too optimistic or will he get his asking price?