Finding a non-muscle car variant of a model known for its performance prowess is always a nice find, simply because so many were not saved and have long since been converted into Haier refrigerators. I think that’s what we have here but the description throws me off a bit, and it’s not too telling anyway. Let’s try to unravel the mystery of this 1972 Dodge Challenger which is located in Buckeye, Arizona and is available here on craigslist for $12,900. Thanks to Rex M for this discovery!

What we do know is that Dodge offered only two Challenger models for ’72, a standard coupe and a sportier-looking Rallye version – the convertible body style had flown the coupe. This subject car is a standard model which was available with a 225 CI in-line six, and a pair of V8’s, neither displacing 383 Cubic inches – that motor went out of production, along with the aforementioned convertible, in the ’71 model year. So what’s really under the hood? Well, there’s no image, and if it’s a 383, it’s a transplant – a 150 net HP, 318 CI V8 would be the usual suspect but who knows with certainty. And if it were a 383, wouldn’t it be the normal inclination to show it off with at least a single image? One would think so. Regardless, as the seller states, “Has Been Sitting For Many Years Currently doesn’t run“. The mystery engine is lashed up to an automatic transmission.

It is stated that this Challenger has always been an Arizona car – it looks it! The Hemi Orange finish has turned to chalk and the roof is showing some blistered rust patches, ostensibly where the southwestern sun has burned through the paint, exposing the underlying steel surface. Rust or rot-through is not apparent but there is a dent or two marring the sheet metal and side beltline. The rear valance plastic panels are delaminating, no surprise there, and the plastic has more than likely become quite brittle. The full wheel covers/white letter tires are not an everyday observed combination. Usually, Dodge Rallye Wheels, Road Wheels, or aftermarket hoops are involved.

As for the interior, it looks as if someone took a string trimmer to it. It was white, or parchment, at one time but there’s not much left now. It’s hard to decide what’s more amazing, the amount of what looks like mud on top of the dash, or the Grand Canyon cracks in the dash pad that are so evident. One interesting item to note is the aluminum intake manifold sitting perched on the passenger seat – I wonder what it fits, a 383 maybe…

So, here you go, uncertain engine reference, dilapidated interior but a fair body – or so it seems from what can be gleaned from only five listing images. And it’s only $12,900! I say Mopar Derangement Syndrome, how about you?