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44k-Mile Project: 1972 Dodge Challenger

The original Dodge Challengers from 1970-74 remain popular some 50 years later. They were never built in the same numbers as the Ford Mustang or Chevy Camaro but helped keep Chrysler relevant throughout the decade. This 1972 Challenger is the perennial “secretary’s car”, with a 318 cubic inch V8 and TorqueFlite automatic. Monster powerplants were gone after 1971, so the Challenger lost some of its teeth, and (perhaps as a result) sales would be on the decline. Located in Lake Zurich, Illinois, this Challenger is an original car with just 44,000 miles and awaiting installation of new torsion bars. It’s available here on eBay for the Buy It Now price of $28,495, although the Make Offer button is activated.

Challenger sales dropped by two-thirds from 1970-72. 22,919 of the pony cars were built in ’72, of which 15,175 were 318 V8s like the seller’s car. This was previously a one-owner automobile and – as she got older – that owner lost her confidence as a driver, so it has been dormant the past few years. The paint looks to be Top Banana and while it’s the original color, it may not be the original application. The vinyl top may be the best part on the exterior, not showing any wear or apparent rust bubbling up from below. There’s plenty of rust in the exterior sheet metal, but we’re told most of the undercarriage has held up, perhaps thanks to factory undercoating.

The Dodge is currently at the seller’s mechanic, awaiting the installation of new torsion bars, which may explain why seems to sag in the front. The seller goes as far as saying that the mechanic will be happy to speak to any interested parties to get his take on the physical and mechanical condition of the Challenger. The motor is not frozen and will spin freely, but the entire fuel system is going to need thorough flushing at a minimum to get it to run again.

In sync with the popularity of these cars, a routine ’72 Challenger can be worth upwards of $40,000 in stellar condition. Which doesn’t allow a lot of room for someone to buy the car and fund cosmetic and mechanical improvements. Fixing rust always costs more than you thought it would. Fortunately, the interior looks practically perfect, and a good cleaning may be all that is needed there. Since he’s willing to take offers, what would you propose to seal the deal?

Comments

  1. Avatar Moparman Member

    A base 318, manual brake car with severe body cancer (IMO) is NOT worth $28.5K. No info on how long car has been inactive. The rust that can be seen is a precursor to that which has yet to be discovered; two quarter panels, possibly patch panels for the fenders for sure. Because of the interior condition, I’d offer 15-18K max. If this goes over $20K in present condition, I will have to seriously rethink the valuation on my ’74, 69K actual mile Challenger! GLWTA!! :-)

    Like 24
    • Avatar Steve R

      Last month, while it was still on a trailer, he had it listed for $11,495. For whatever reason, after the deal fell through he decided to create a new ad, with a different description and pictures, plus more than double the price for good measure. You can see his original ad if you check his completed listings.

      Steve R

      Like 16
      • Avatar Crazyhawk

        Values on these have been rising, so all the owners of beaters like this have their fishing poles out.

        Like 2
      • Avatar Bob

        Originally listed for $11,495 then more than doubled it, no way in hell. If anything he should have reduced the price to about $4000. It’s a rust bucket and no telling what rust is hiding just waiting to be revealed.

        Like 3
  2. Avatar Chris M.

    Absolutely insane. This car is toast! Great parts car, nothing more.

    Like 9
  3. Avatar SDJames

    If the guy in the picture crawls under cars suspended like that, he’s gonna end up on the news eventually… at least throw a couple spares under the frame next to the jack! smh

    Like 8
  4. Avatar Joe Sewell

    Waiting for the rocket scientists to chime in about all of the people who don’t have a clue about anything. This ad is almost funny in that a 44k mile(?) car in awful, filthy condition isn’t being sold for parts….

    Like 0
    • Avatar Lou Tripper

      Is this post a riddle?

      Like 4
      • Avatar Joe Sewell

        Not at all. In recent ads, commenters have been ridiculed for making remarks as to what they and others were thinking-ridiculed for thinking the obvious. With the OP car posted here, I stated the obvious. Further comment?

        Like 0
  5. Avatar PaulG

    Sure it’s worth 28K
    Restored….

    Like 4
  6. Avatar David G

    I guess people in Illinois have a different definition of solid than we do here in California. His price is totally insane. Can find cleaner ones here on craigslist for 12-15K that do not and never have had any rust.

    Like 4
  7. Avatar Raymond

    While the original nose treatment was totally gorgeous, the sad mouth cars are smfh bad looking, front and rear, and with lost big blocks were pointless,..what were they thinking?…or smoking?…weed musta really sucked back then….

    Like 2
    • Avatar Skorzeny

      I agree with you 100% on the ‘sad mouth cars’ comment. They were just ugly. 1970 was the only good year.

      Like 1
  8. Avatar Bob

    That car looks more like a two door Fury from that angle.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Charles Sawka

    How much ? Now I have to get the coffee off my iPad screen.

    Like 0
  10. Avatar Ckortan

    44k miles and both torsion bars broke? Not likely. I’ll bet they’re spun in rusted out sockets.

    Like 1
  11. Avatar Steven Brown

    In that shape its below fair 12k is all its worth 318 150 hp junk

    Like 1
  12. Avatar Gary Rhodes

    The 70-71’s were definitely the nice looking ones, the sad mouths just look terrible. This turd will need a floorpan and torsion bar crossmember replacement I believe. Torsion bars don’t normally break, the cross member sockets break loose due to cross member rust and down they go. 2k parts car at most.

    Like 3
  13. Avatar Crazyhawk

    I believe the ’72-’74 Challengers are the most hated, despised cars on BF and one of the most reviled autos , period. I’ve never seen so much shade thrown on a car. I know. I own one.

    Like 3
    • Avatar Joe Sewell

      Breaks my heart to read this, as the E body has always been a favorite of mine.

      Fellow high school student had an immaculate early ’70s Challenger, white with blue top and blue interior. AT-PS-PB-AC, am-fm radio, all dressed up but it had the slant six! He kept the car spotless and he never related any problems with it.

      My taste ran in the opposite end of the spectrum but I still find his car memorable. He was a jock with plenty of attractive girls hanging around, while I ran with the ‘toads’, girls avoided us like the plague. A few of us still managed to come up with some interesting cars (and women) otherwise.

      We are now coming up upon retirement age, although I fully retired on disability nearly 4 years ago, after adopting a limited work schedule 2 years prior. Eldest granddaughter turns 14 next week – I’ll be there.

      Rumors are Stellantis is renaming E body SRT cars ‘Barracuda’ later this year….

      Like 1

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