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Petty Blue Project: 1972 Dodge Charger SE

Third-generation Dodge Chargers (1971-74) took on “fuselage” styling like other cars in the Chrysler fold. They also began to feel the woes of detuning to run on unleaded fuel and other emissions-savings initiatives. By 1972, all the really big motors were gone, but it doesn’t matter here as the seller’s Charger was built more for comfort than speed with a 318 cubic-inch V8. It runs well and the seller wouldn’t hesitate to take it on long trips. Located in Summerville, South Carolina, the car is going to need some TLC in the sheet metal and interior. It’s available here on eBay where the bidding has reached $4,962 but the reserve is still looming.

Charger production was steady in 1972 at more than 75,000 units, of which 33,000 were 318s with automatic transmission. The seller’s car added SE trim, which means it was more comfortably equipped and had a vinyl top. The seller refers to the car wearing “Petty Blue” paint made famous by NASCAR legend Richard Petty. Supposedly the mixing codes for this shade of blue are as carefully guarded as the recipe for Coca-Cola, but Dodge offered something called Super Blue which is similar. The cowl tag verifies this color with the designation TB3.

We get the impression the seller has owned this Charger for a while as he references several road trips of 200 miles that produced no issues in the running condition of the vehicle. We’re not sure if the mileage is 58,000 as indicated or if it’s been around the block once. Many of the suspension components are said to be fairly new as are the Magnum wheels and BF Goodrich tires. The car came with factory air conditioning, but the compressor recently gave up the ghost.

The paint doesn’t look bad but there is rust in several places that need to be addressed. Specifically, a hole around the rear window which probably allows water into the trunk and it has ruined the vinyl top. But there is more corrosion along the quarter and rocker panels and fenders. The front seats will need attention and the dashboard has a couple of cracks. But the headliner and carpeting are fine, although you will have to hunt for a console lid as the original is missing.

This looks like a “driver’s” car, one that you could use while you’re fixing it up. But the rust is going to need to be dealt with sooner rather than later with a new coat of “Petty Blue” and vinyl on the roof. According to Hagerty, this might be a $9,000 car in its current state (Fair Condition) but shouldn’t top out past $26,000 when restored. A 340 V8 would add a bit more to the value.

Comments

  1. Avatar Thomas H Piercy

    My Blue fire 69′ Road Runner was the color I saw on Richard Petty’s racecar. This is not it. Blue Fire was also used by Sox & Martin the drag race team of that era.

    Like 1
  2. Avatar Howie Mueler

    $9,300 now but reserve still not met.

    Like 0
  3. Avatar Ck

    If only it had a big block. I had almost the same car once upon a time, but with white interior. Good luck finding a blue console.

    Like 1
  4. Avatar PRA4SNW

    Made it to $10,200 but ended with Reserve Not Met.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar bone

    I dont know why everyone assumes this is Petty Blue ; anyone who has seen a Petty car could tell its not . Grabber blue is closer to Petty’s blue, but even that is different

    Like 0
  6. Avatar gary malinski

    its B-3 Blue streak name of color, Factory color for 72 charger, i have one, all original. Couldn,t be called Petty blue because of copyright infringment on Petty enterprises

    Like 0

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