Thanks to higher insurance premiums and the detuning of engines, muscle cars (including “ponies” like the Dodge Challenger) saw dwindling sales numbers. From its introduction in 1970, Challenger demand dropped from 77,000 units to 23,000 in just two years. The seller’s ’72 edition is said to have a numbers-matching 340 but not in a Rallye package where it was usually found. We’re told it runs and drives great but has been bitten by the rust bug in a few places. Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this Mopar is available here on craigslist for $25,000. Our thanks go to Rocco B. for this tip!

When the Challenger debuted in 1970, it shared a new E-body platform with the Plymouth Barracuda, though no sheet metal was common between them. This was five years after the Mustang created such a stir, so production numbers never came close to those of the Ford because of all of the competition that had cropped up. No mention is made of this car being a Rallye and it doesn’t have the simulated vents on the fenders that gave that model away. The Rallye was limited to a 340 V8 that developed 240 hp SAE net. The 383, 440, and Hemi engines were all history by that point.

We’re told that the seller was going to restore this ’72 Challenger but ran out of money working on other projects. The original engine and 727 automatic transmission have just been rebuilt while the overall automobile has 98,000 miles. The issues related to the body include rust in the rear quarter panels and a dent in the passenger door. The hood and trunk lid with wing don’t match the rest of the car, so they may have been replaced. Everything else is said to be 95% original, but some things have been removed like the headliner. We’re told that things operated from the dashboard work as they should.

Mechanically, the gas tank has been replaced, the braking system redone, plus the radiator, carburetor, valve covers, tires, shocks, and more all being new. Whatever parts were replaced have their originals in tow if the buyer wants them. The car’s build sheet was found under the rear seat and preserved. This could be a nice project for someone who is a fan of Mopar muscle cars built during changes of times in the car business. Remember, the OPEC oil embargo was only a year away.