I suppose we could parse adjectives when discussing the condition of this 1972 Dodge Charger. Specifically the claim of “No Major Rot“. That leaves one to believe there is at least some rot, but that’s not unusual for a Mopar B-body of this generation. This particular car appears to be a standard Charger, not an SE or a Rallye trim level, but it’s still worth a gander, so let’s look it over and see if we can rate its rot level. Mitchell G. gets the nod for this discovery. It’s located in Bayville, New Jersey and is available here on craigslist for $8,500.

First up, let’s examine the prime mover. The seller makes no mention as to what’s under the hood, but the trim tag tells us that this car’s born-with engine was a 190 net HP, 400 CI V8 – a new powerplant for ’72, having replaced the venerable 383. It has been modified with a four-barrel carburetor and some go-fast valve covers, but it’s a safe bet that it’s a non-runner. Note the master cylinder, I’ve never seen one mounted sideways…The tag also tells us that the transmission, code D34, is a TorqueFlite three-speed automatic. The listing mentions “lots of parts” are included in the sale and one of these parts appears to be an Edelbrock carburetor.

As for the interior, well, it’s hard to give an accurate assessment with all of the detritus that’s piled everywhere. It’s a bucket seat/center console affair, but the upholstery looks like weasels got a hold of it and had a feast. Other noticeables include a replacement steering wheel and a severely cracked dashpad.

The exterior body panels don’t appear to have major rot – I agree with that observation. But there’s enough mismatched paint and primer that it’s hard to tell what’s really going on. There are some obvious dents, and the driver’s side grille component is missing, but beyond that, a close physical inspection is warranted. In particular, the few images of the underside, which aren’t terribly telling, do show signs of heavy scale, so if I were interested in this car, I’d want to know a bit more about the underside’s integrity. The not-inexpensive BFG Radial T/A tires appear to be favorable, but those throw-back chrome-plated steel wheels are showing typical rust and deterioration.

The seller describes this car as a barn find, and maybe it is, and maybe it isn’t – it doesn’t really matter, especially considering how that term is loosely bandied about these days. Considering that this is an early seventies, big-block-equipped Dodge, the asking price doesn’t surprise me. Still, whoever bellys up to the bar and decides to take this project on is going to have their work cut out for them. So, what’s your thought? Do you think this Dodge Charger is worth the challenge?