As the automotive industry closed the book on the muscle car era, Dodge chose to focus on luxury with its iconic Charger. The result was vehicles like this 1972 Charger SE Brougham, a genuine survivor with 45,000 miles on the clock. It presents exceptionally well, and with a healthy V8 under the hood, it ticks the boxes for those seeking a luxurious classic from the early 1970s. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Charger listed here on eBay in Beverly Hills, California. The seller set their prices at $23,900 OBO.
The world was a different place in 1972. Dodge’s Third Generation Charger range had lost its iconic R/T badge, and cars like this SE Brougham hit the market, appealing to a different buyer type. The first owner ordered this beauty in Bright Blue Metallic with a Black vinyl top. The seller has been its custodian for approximately five years after purchasing it from the original owner. They have subjected the Charger to a fairly meticulous refresh in the intervening years, including a repaint to a higher standard than the factory finish. It shines beautifully as a result, with no cosmetic issues. Returning the car to its current state lightened their bank account by around $20,000, while the process included replacing the seals and body moldings. The vinyl is in as-new condition, the trim is excellent, and there are no glass imperfections.
The seller is candid about this Charger’s interior, confirming the presence of dash cracks. These aren’t visible in the supplied images, and may not detract unduly from the appearance. The Brougham package brought trim in cloth and vinyl, with padded door trims and a center armrest in cars without the no-cost bucket seats. This interior features Blue upholstery that matches the exterior paint shade. Its condition tells the story of a classic treated respectfully, with no wear or abuse on the upholstery or carpet. I question whether the back seat has ever seen use, because it looks perfect. Factory air conditioning and a pushbutton radio make life aboard this Brougham pretty comfortable.
Lifting the Charger’s hood reveals the 318ci V8. The first owner also selected the three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, power steering, and power brakes. With the V8 generating 150hp and 260 ft/lbs of torque, it is a clear indication that the muscle car era was effectively over by the time this classic rolled off the line. The seller didn’t restrict their cash splash to the Charger’s cosmetic needs; they invested significant money below the surface. They rebuilt the transmission and carburetor, replaced the front-end bushings, replaced the brakes, and fitted new tires. The sale will include receipts for work performed during their time with the Brougham, plus the original Owner’s Manual, Sales Contract, Window Sticker, Build Sheet, and Service Records. The new owner could fly in and drive this turnkey classic home.
Some readers will look at this 1972 Dodge Charger SE Brougham and remember the days when owning a Charger opened a world of high-performance motoring. Cars of that caliber remain readily available, but this Brougham will appeal to those wishing to live life at a more sedate pace. The seller’s price is consistent with market expectations, matching recent successful sales. Do you find this SE Brougham appealing, or have you set your sights on an R/T and the thrill it would provide?
What a cherry, nice find and informative writeup Curvette and Adam! It is amazing that these time capsules continue coming out of the woodwork. I hope whoever this goes to doesn’t butcher it up and cram a 440 under the hood. That little 318 is fine for cruising and will move it down the highway just fine. Personally, the only things I would do is add duals and a set of Dodge rally wheels, it totally changes the look, Keep the originals so it can be put back as is later.
Cooter, the Dodge Ralley rims and white letter tires do make a big difference. That looks nice!!!
-Dave
Beautiful car! Nice
As a young man, I never liked the body style of the 3rd Gen, but over the years, it has grown on me. I agree with Cooter, some cars should be left alone and enjoyed as they are. Lately I’ve seen so many cars offered for sale that I wouldn’t mind owning. I think I need to build a bigger garage.
I’m with Cooter and KHayes, this needs to be left as is. I went to High School with a guy who had a ’72 equipped like this 318, automatic, it was banana yellow, had the same wheel covers too. Something went wrong with the motor and him and his dad dropped a freshly rebuilt 318, kept the 2 barrel carb and everything, back then, it would have been a chance for an upgrade. But he was happy with it the way it was. This one is in such clean original condition, Chargers like this were very popular back when it was new. Not every one that was manufactured left the assembly line with a big block and a 4 speed. Adam, as always, great write up, and Curvette, great find too. Thank you.
Nice ride Cooter 👌 👍
Very nice car! I hope the new owner doesn’t change anything. It’s awesome just the way it is. I too had a buddy in high school who had one identical but silver. I can think back to 79 and still remember how it sounded and rode. These cars left a life long impression on many of us.
It’s nice, but does a 45,000 mile car from California need, as described in the ad a nearly full restoration? Why is it that nearly every car with claimed low mileage and a 5 digit speedometer lack documentation to support the dealer/sellers claim. This is more realistically priced than most cars featured on this site lately, but is there enough of a following for a 1972 blue on blue 318 Charger to find a buyer at a $23,900 asking price.
Steve R
🎶🎸”Blue on blue, heartache on heartache! Blue on blue, a 318 won’t do! 🎸🎶