In 1972, the Charger’s image hung in the balance. In one scale was Charger’s performance heritage: you know, Richard Petty’s #43, the bad guys in Bullitt…that kind of thing. In the other scale was the burgeoning concept of the intermediate as an affordable personal luxury coupe, which was gaining traction at Chevy stores with the Monte Carlo. This Dark Tan Metallic Charger Special Edition straddles those blurring lines by combining Dodge’s beefy third-generation styling with a vinyl roof that was beginning to show the profile one would expect from later Chargers. This mixed metaphor makes for an attractive coupe, one that is being presented here on eBay in Louisville, Kentucky, as a 44,000-mile survivor. Active bidding has driven the price up to $16,225, but there is also a $22,000 “Buy It Now” option.
One nice thing about this brown SE is its documentation; the seller has included pictures of the VIN, the fender tag, and the window sticker. The latter shows a car that wore almost a thousand dollars worth of options, but still wasn’t what one would call “fully loaded.” It has power front discs, a 904 TorqueFlite, a console, power steering, a vinyl roof, Rallye Road wheels (a bargain at $30.95), electronic ignition, and more.
The engine is Chrysler’s reliable 318-cubic-inch small-block, which disappears under the Charger’s long hood. Look at all that space between the grille and radiator support, the unintended consequence of making a car look dramatic. Since 1972 was the first year that automakers adopted net horsepower ratings across the board, the 318 was rated at 150 horsepower; in reality, a 1972 model was nearly as brisk as a similar 1971, which was rated at 230 gross horsepower (although compression did drop from 9:1 to 8.6:1 for ’72).
The Charger’s interior still spoke of sportiness rather than overt luxury, with high-backed bucket seats, “rallye” gauges, and the aforementioned optional console, although the woodgrained dashboard and door panels are vaguely highbrow. The interior is “excellent,” and “everything works as it should.” The Special Edition was the posh Charger of the bunch, with that standard vinyl roof, giant C-pillar, and concealed headlamps. The seller says that the expansive vinyl roof is showing its age and needs replacement; however, the paint is “great.”
Obviously, everybody wants a second-generation Charger, but that same popularity has made the 1968-70 models unattainable for many (if not most) of us. In my opinion, the 1971-72 Chargers are the next best thing, and a solid low-mileage SE with a reasonable price tag is something we can all get behind, and it doesn’t even matter which side of the scales you’re on.
Nice car, love seeing the window stickers. Got the Torq-flite and 318 together for just over $250 👍
This is a very nice Charger, although it took a while for me to warm up to the change from a ’70. I never did and still don’t care for the “formal” looking roofline. This one has the ultra cool console mounted cassette player/recorder. I like that it has dual exhausts, although personally I’d source some OEM tips and an OEM valance to accent the look. The next owner should really enjoy this one!! GLWTA!! :-)
I believe Chrysler was the first automaker to offer a cassette deck. GM didn’t “officially” have one until 1979, although I have seen one-off special orders as far back as 1976.
This is a nice Charger. I happen to like the styling of the ’71-’74s (not a majority opinion, I know). The wife had a ’73. I keep thinking about surprising her with one.
I am surprised this didnt have AC! Most 318 Chargers from 72 and up that i have seen had AC. Fully loaded to me would have AC and power windows. I notice when these cassette show up there always missing the microphone. Otherwise its a very nice Charger. I think a fair price would be $19,500.00. I hope this Charger goes to a good home and not get hot rodded! 🇺🇸🐻
Strip the vinyl & paint the roof in the same shade as the cover. Sharp accent without the maintenance.
Having a vinyl top instead of a painted roof requires only a minimum amount of added care. Spray some 303 on it, work in / wipe off and you’re good to go. And being that most of these cars, at least cars like this, in good condition, stay parked in a garage and rarely, if ever, see inclement weather and accumulating moisture, a vinyl top can last many, many years.
Now, if one just prefers the look of a car not having a vinyl top. I get that. I don’t mind them on some cars, while others I absolutely dislike them. As a matter of personal taste though, I generally prefer my cars to have a painted roof, whether solid or uber-cool two tone paint.
I had a ’72 with this engine and transmission combo way back in high school. 2.73 gears. All stock. It was pretty quick for what it was. It was about 2 seconds faster to 60 than my 350 2 bbl 74 Century i was driving just before I bought it – 9.5 v. 11.5 (very unprofessionally timed with a stopwatch). It also beat my friend’s ’69 Delta 88 with a 455 2-bbl.
Obviously these are more fun with the 340 or 440, but the 318 is not a bad little motor. The car always felt pretty lively.
They can be souped up without breaking the bank and still keep their stock appearance, too.
One reason it was so much faster than my Buick was because despite its large dimensions, it only weighed about 3,400 pounds, which was about 600 pounds less than the Buick. So a little bit more power would go a long way here.
For as nice as it looks it looks like there is some rust under that vinyl top
Probably so as old as it is, but it won’t cost a fortune to fix. This one was well taken care of. If I had a place to keep it, I’d be sorely tempted.
With such originality, I hope the new owner preserves that.
Those cassette/recorders are rare.
I agree that an SE should have at least A/C, and power windows would be nice.
But the odometer looks like it’s been tampered with.
Love to see a car that someone truly cared for!! I bet that everything this owner owns is in the same excellent condition with original paperwork and manuals!! Hope it goes to a new owner who will give the same care!! The interior looks beautiful!!
Beautiful car in a really cool color. That dark Tan looks like chocolate 🍫 almost looks good enough to eat! Seriously though, the price seems great considering the documentation provided. Great memories of riding to high school in a silver 72 Charger, my buddy had one. We drank adult beverage and watched the movie PHANTASM in that car at a drive in lol. These cars are incredible how they stir fond memories
Amen to that! I had a ’73 with the same drivetrain back in my high school days, and the stories it could tell if it was still around (and could talk), just might make me blush! 😂
Beautiful car in a really cool color. That dark Tan looks like chocolate 🍫 almost looks good enough to eat! Seriously though, the price seems great considering the documentation provided. Great memories of riding to high school in a silver 72 Charger, my buddy had one. We drank adult beverage and watched the movie PHANTASM in that car at a drive in lol. These cars are incredible how they stir fond memories
Never driven one but it must take practice with the long front end and the huge sail panel. Love the salt and pepper fabric. Nice looking car.
nice looking survivor for sure. i would paint the roof white. no vinal. white would highlight the interior and reflect the sun and stand out on the brown.
my brother owned a 72 and a half RT/SE. It had the 72 front hideaways and the 73 taillights. Beautiful car! same color with the landau vinyl roof and dark green interior. He had the 440 6 pak with the shaker vacuum hood scoop, black hood decal, 4sp Saginaw, pistol grip shifter and the cassette recorder/player with the mic. That car was an animal!!!
Not a huge fan of the post 70′ Chargers but at least the 72’s were before the opera windows and Charger/Cordoba arrived. It is a really nice shade and love the black & white hounds tooth seat inserts. Had the same thing on my 68′ Camaro RS. Always loved the looks of it. The 318ci while not a pavement pounder is a great little, very reliable engine. The window sticker is a repro but it’s always nice to have one with the car.
The vinyl top has some issues in the lower right rear window area. Seam split between the window and trunk lid, and looks like some pulled away from the window molding.
SOLD for 21K.
48 bids, but someone hit the BIN button on this one.
Very well bought!