The second generation of the Dodge Charger was hot from 1968 to 1970, selling nearly 225,000 automobiles. The redesign of 1971 drew less interest, even though the Coronet hardtops had been discontinued, moving buyers to the Charger. This 1972 edition is something more than a roller, with a transplanted engine and transmission “sitting” in the engine compartment (aka not installed). Located in the wide-open spaces of Oreana, Idaho, this Mopar project is available here on craigslist for $3,500. Our appreciation goes to Barn Finder Barney for the tip!
For 1971 to 1974, the B-bodied Dodges took on a “fuselage” look resulting in a hood length that was one of the longest in the industry (or so it appeared). 1971 was the last year for the super powerful engines, so the 383, 440 6-Pack, and 426 Hemi were gone in 1972. And the remaining engines began to be detuned to run on unleaded fuel with reduced compression ratios. We don’t know if this Charger left the factory, but the brake pedal indicates an automatic transmission was involved.
Resting in the engine bay (no photos) is said to be a 360 cubic inch V8 from the 1990s, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The duo’s condition is unknown. But no such shifter arrangement is in the passenger compartment, which has been stripped clean of seats, door panels, and floor coverings. In addition, a 440 V8 with a TorqueFlite comes with the car, but its status is also in question.
Besides all of this, a spare front clip is part of the deal, but it won’t help with the sheet metal repairs needed in the trunk and rear quarter panels. Sales of the Charger improved in ’72 over ’71, so maybe the fuselage look had begun to catch on. This Charger is one of 75,000 produced that year. Would you attempt to restore this Mopar to your liking (since numbers matching isn’t possible) or talk the seller into parting with it for less coin as a donor?
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