Some classics are triumphs of style over substance, failing to deliver the performance their appearance suggests. That criticism can’t be leveled against this 1972 Dodge Charger, courtesy of the upgraded 440ci V8 under the hood. It isn’t perfect, but the Charger could be ideal for enthusiasts seeking a driver-grade classic with plenty of Mopar muscle. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this Dodge listed here on eBay in Denver, Colorado. The seller set their price at $27,900 with the option to make an offer.

Dodge introduced its Third Generation Charger in 1971, making only minor changes for the following year when our feature car rolled off the line. I am still not a fan of this generation’s “fuselage” styling, although that is personal preference, and you may disagree. The seller is sparing with their information about this Charger’s history, and the paint shade is a mystery. They describe it as “Blue,” which appears correct from some angles. However, from others, it is close to Plum Crazy, and only an in-person inspection would reveal the truth. The close-up shots reveal minor scratches and other imperfections, but the overall appearance is comfortably acceptable for a driver-grade classic. I can’t spot any rust issues, the headlight doors appear to operate as they should, and the Magnum 500 wheels hint that this Charger is more than just a pretty face.

Decoding this Charger’s VIN confirms that the first owner ordered the car with a 318ci V8, producing 150hp and 260 ft/lbs of torque. One glance at the engine bay confirms that those figures are now irrelevant. Someone has replaced the 318 with a 440ci V8. Its specifications are unclear, but it sends what will undoubtedly be significantly more power and torque to the rear end via a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission. Power steering will improve maneuverability in tight areas, while the upgraded power front disc brakes should provide excellent stopping power. The seller doesn’t specifically state how well this classic runs or drives, but the Inspection Report in the image gallery suggests there are no problems on that front.

Okay, I’m sticking my neck out by saying that I’m not a fan of this Charger’s interior. It is tidy, and the condition is acceptable for a driver-grade classic. It’s just that there are way too many colors for my liking. The White vinyl seatcovers are in good condition, with no significant stains, yellowing, or other physical imperfections. From there, we find Black door trims with Red inserts, painted surfaces wearing the same shade gracing the exterior, and Blue carpet. For my money, it just doesn’t tie together as nicely as it could. My instincts tell me that with plain Black door trims and matching Black carpet, the interior would have a more “complete” appearance. There appear to be holes in the door trims where speakers once were, and the seller indicates that the air conditioning is inoperative.

This 1972 Dodge Charger presents acceptably for a driver-grade classic, leaving scope for the buyer to improve its appearance while adding their mark to this beauty. However, there appear to be no urgent shortcomings. Therefore, the new owner can enjoy this Charger immediately while they contemplate whether to make changes or to address any perceived flaws. The listing statistics are surprisingly modest, and it would be fascinating to monitor this Charger for a few days to see if the interest intensifies. Do you think that it will?