This ’72 Dodge Charger is currently for sale, listed here on Craigslist The car is located in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, and is being sold with a clean title and a firm $3,750 asking price. There is no engine or transmission with it, but it still might turn out to be an astute buy. Our thanks go out to Barn Finds Reader Jeepster in Nashville for bringing this one to our attention.
What I will say is that this has the potential to be a great basis for a project for all of those Mopar fans out there. The rust that you can see in this shot, which is in the bottom corner of the passenger’s door appears to be as bad as the dreaded tin-worm gets in this example. The new owner won’t even need to tackle this as the seller is including a replacement door in the sale. The deck lid also has a couple of spots, but they are no deal-breaker. The seller has included 24 clear and detailed photos in the ad, and these really do indicate a car that is remarkably solid and tend to back the sellers claim that there is no rot in the floor or trunk. Just to allay some fears out there that some of you may have as you look at these photos, the owner states that he has owned this car for a number of years and that it has been kept in dry storage, so he doesn’t appear to be a flipper.
Under the hood is….well not much really. The seller states that at some stage in the past somebody cut the radiator support, but a replacement part is supplied with the car. the rear end is an 8 1/2 non-Posi rear. The car originally ran a 318ci engine and automatic transmission, but these are long gone. The benefit of this is that you don’t have to tie yourself in knots worrying about restoring a numbers matching car. This is a blank canvas to build the car of your dreams.
The interior is complete and is the original black trim. It appears that a hole has been cut in the dash for an after-market stereo but you may be able to work around that given that this is probably not going to be restored to 100% original. The big one is the condition of the pad. I know that there are companies that can restore these, but it will be a question of whether that is economically viable as a replacement may prove cheaper. The bucket seats will require re-trimming, but the door cards appear to be in the sort of state that suggests that a good clean will bring them back to life. What is visible of the remaining trim appears to be pretty good, although there is no shot of the rear seat. The car comes with a Rallye dash and a console as well.
Okay, all you Mopar fans out there, here’s your chance. This car is a blank canvas just waiting for someone to build the car of their dreams. The supplied photos indicate that this a strong, clean roller whose potential is only limited by your imagination. Go get it, boys and girls!
i honestly mean no disrespect toward anyone that loves these cars, but GD they are fugly….and their Satellite cousins too.
imho, this is where Chrysler Co started downhill, steep & fast. not sure they ever recovered. the 2005 300 & Charger are definitely sharp designs but dang they were a long time comin’
I’m with you poseur. Fuselage design was not my cup of tea.
My 73 Charger SE was one of the cars of my dreams in High School, and I did end up owning one with a 440. Beauty continues to be in the eye of the beholder.
So I take it that is you had a choice between the American 1972 Dodge Charger and the Australian 1972 Valiant Charger (pictured) then the Aussies would win on that one then? Just asking is all.
the proportions seem a lot less awkward to me, that’s for sure.
i’ve always liked how the Aussie versions of Fords & Chryslers are different than the North American models. we wracked our brains trying to uncover what the heck Max was driving when we saw him the first time about 1981…it was clearly a Ford but what in the name of Starsky & Hutch had he done to that Torino?!
Never would I take an Aussie design over any American car. Granted this era of Chrysler design isn’t their finest work. Considering this Charger is looking pretty lousy in its current state but with a 440 / Hemi conversion and approriate ralley wheels and sprayed in one of the many great mopar hues they stand up pretty well. Certainly way beyond anything like the vehicle pictured. American muscle wins everytime in that debate. Just my opinion.
Another 318, the K Frame is built for it, or even a 225 with a 2bbl, both good choices, economical to buy and own.
I have two complete engine/transmission choices sitting in a barn that would be perfect for this one. 1. 318 2v with a 904 or 2. 383 2v with a 727. Both of them are complete from air cleaner to oil pan – fan blade to tail stock. Both were in good running condition when removed not too long ago. Now the question becomes, do I want another project sitting around waiting on me.
I believe this might be a Topper – a rare spring special package that was only offered in 1972. I had one in the 1980s, though mine was green. I think that’s how you would have gotten the concealed headlights on the regular Charger. Otherwise you would have to upgrade to the SE.
I did not realize how big the trunk lids were on these cars cars…almost as huge as the hood!
I still remeber sitting in my ’72 SE, the window sill up to eye level! Absolutely NO outside view, and about 1.5 feet of empty space between the radiator support and the bumper. It took a while to learn to park it without bumping the car behind…or in front. Loved it and hated it! My friends used to hate riding on the back seat. They called it “The Coffin” seat. I’m not sure I’d like to have it, but it sure brings back fond memories!
How about using the drive package and suspension from a donor SRT8 Charger or Challenger? This would get you modern brakes and handling with fuel efficiency. I think it came with the 8 3/4 rear. Sounds like fun to drive! Keep it down all the way around. Good luck to the new owner.
My good friend in Florida bought one brand new! It was equipped with the 383 he put it in my care while he was busy with his girlfriend! Heck yeah I tried it out, but was very disappointed! The thing was gutless!
Not a bad price….