There certainly aren’t very many E-Bodies that Dodge fans would consider not worth saving, and I’m in no way suggesting that this 1972 Challenger shouldn’t be. At some point, the supply chain of projects is likely to begin drying up, so it’s possible that prices for even the lesser-condition examples could increase more in the future. The market also remains strong for these cars, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this ’72 Challenger here on Craigslist ends up selling for at or close to its $8,900 asking price. In addition to some not-so-good points, there are also a couple of positives to consider here, so head on over to M&M Inc. Auto Sales in York, Pennsylvania, to see if this one’s right for you.
Mitchell G., thanks for finding this Challenger and sending us the tip! If the front fenders are original, some good news is that this is a Rallye model, which replaced the R/T package in ’72. Even though the vents on the fenders were non-functional, they did provide a sporty cosmetic touch, and would have had stripes following them along the sides when this car was new. Unfortunately, the newness wore off here decades ago, and a significant amount of bodywork and rust repairs await the next owner.
Another encouraging factor is the engine, as it’s the best that could be had here in 1972. All of the previously available big blocks had disappeared, with the 340 now reigning as king and producing 240 net horsepower. That’s what can be found in the bay, with another plus being that the seller claims it’s the numbers-matching component. However, there’s some bad news to follow, as the small block isn’t running, and no clues are offered as to why. There’s also no word on whether or not the automatic transmission is still functioning.
We only get one peek inside, which shows that the buckets and console are present, along with the Rallye dash and that cool Slap Stik shifter. The instrument cluster appears to be in nice shape, and it’s even possible that the pad above may be free from cracks. However, the driver’s section of the floor pan reveals corrosion, so there’s a good possibility that more is present on the platform. A 1972 Challenger Rallye with a 340 is a desirable Mopar for the period, and I hope this one ends up in the hands of someone with the time, skills, and funds necessary to save it. For an initial investment of under $9,000, are you envisioning promising project material here?
Overpriced for what it is. At some point, even popular cars will feel the effects of aging hobbyists, it won’t lead to collapse of the market for cars that have had a strong following for decades, but will effect marginal cars in rough condition like this one. Cars in this condition will eventually revert into parts car, while nicer versions will hold their value and thrive.
This dealer only included 6 pictures in their ad, yet the expensive cars he has listed generally show 20+ pictures, often with the car on a lift. That suggests the undercarriage is ugly looking and will turn off potential buyers or they can’t be bothered to put in the effort.
There are better cars out there for the money, it may not be an early-1970’s Challenger, but in the 50+ years since this was built there have been countless enthusiast oriented cars produced that will put a smile on any drivers face. When me and my friends were younger in the early-1980’s we couldn’t afford the cars we really wanted instead of pouting we searched out the best, most interesting cars we could afford and never looked back. That’s a strategy that seems to have been lost over the years.
Steve R
A friend of mine in school had the same car, 340 engine, color included, and the stripe down the side that turned to broken bars as it proceeded down the side to the rear. Really clean Challenger with 60’s on rear and 70’s up front with Cragar rims.
I was beating him in my first car, a 66 Impala Super Sport, 327/300 with PG. He was getting frustrated as other guys were doing the same. He took it to a well-known Mopar guy in Bowling Green, who found several issues and tuned it up. Long story short, he found his redemption!
It is gonna take a ton of dough to get this back up and you will be upside down doing so. Wouldn’t advise tearing into this project with the prices dropping like they are.
That roof and floor rust yikes!
The ’72 wasn’t as popular as the ’70, and it’s a small-motor car and an automatic. The cost to restore that car would be around 100K to do it properly and you’d have a car with a market value of 40-50K. I’ve been collecting and restoring cars for 35-years and people just don’t realize what it costs to do a correct restoration and usually pay too much or the seller is asking too much. And I hate to admit it, but the following / buyers of these old muscle cars (including me) “boomers” are thinning in numbers. IMO this car is too far gone to save but would make a decent donor.
Yes… the 70 had the sharpest design…because as with all cars, it was closest to what the designer drew… before mild retrims changed it to distinguish the year. Plus the fact that it was the first one that people saw and reacted to.
My comment below mentions my 70 Barracuda… which I consider the best looking year of that generation… for the reason above.
this dealer is always selling clapped out rot buckets for top dollar and if you do buy there are a bunch of fees you have to pay. i did see a couple real nice cars awhile back they were selling but they were too much money
Here’s another one that makes buying a used late model one make sense as you’ll soon pass that dollar amount while the ratchet is still on ”loosen”.
The comments above have an undercurrent that gives meaning to my comment. I say this as one who bought a creampuff 70 Barracuda Gran Coupe in 71 after the Army. Red with white vinyl top, 318 column auto, A/C, 5 spoke rallye wheels, deluxe houndstooth upholstery… an unusual build. Drove it 120 k miles in Ohio and Michigan winters…. sold it for 800 bux in 79 after a decent amateur repaint. I have no desire to go backwards after doing alot of work…. not even if it could make me 22 again…!
Looks like a really nice $9k dollar rot box.