Sitting in this shed is a classic that might have a story to tell. It is a 1972 Dodge Charger SE that recently emerged after thirty-eight years in storage. It is a surprisingly solid vehicle that would make an ideal restoration candidate. It is unmolested, and its lack of significant rust could make it a perfect first project. The Charger is listed here on eBay in Hempstead, Texas. Bidding sits at $5,300, which is below the reserve. Thanks go to T.J. for the tip!
The backstory of this Charger is unclear, with no information on why its previous owner stored it for nearly four decades. It wears a coating of dust that you might expect from a vehicle with that history and requires a total restoration to recapture its lost youth. The Dark Green Metallic paint is tired but must have looked stunning when combined with the White vinyl top. The panels sport a few bumps and bruises, but the best news for potential buyers is its lack of significant rust. The panels are clean, and there are no bubbles under the vinyl suggesting hidden problems. The prone areas, like the rear rails, are sound, with the only issue being rust in the driver’s side front floor pan. If the seller’s description is accurate, it should make whipping the panels and paint into shape reasonably straightforward. The Charger retains its grille with the hidden headlamps, with the remaining trim appearing complete and restorable. The windshield and back window require replacement, but the remaining glass is acceptable for a driver-grade build.
The original owner ordered this Charger with the 318ci V8, a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, power steering, and power brakes. That V8 would have produced 150hp in its prime, allowing the Charger to cover the ¼-mile in 17.9 seconds. That isn’t fast by modern standards but would have satisfied most buyers with a focus on comfort over speed. It is unclear when this engine last fired a shot in anger, but it was probably when the previous owner placed it in storage. The engine turns, but the seller hasn’t attempted a revival. That is positive news for the winning bidder because people can sometimes cause further damage if they don’t follow the process carefully. Therefore, the new owner can do things their way to see if they can coax this classic back to life.
The lack of front and rear glass left this Charger prone to rodent infestation, with Stuart Little and his friends taking up residence during the car’s hibernation. They took a toll on the seats because while the remaining upholstered surfaces look surprisingly good, they require new foam and covers. The dash pad is cracked, and the Rally gauge cluster is swinging in the breeze, but there appear to be no missing parts. Cleaning everything before compiling a shopping list would be wise, but the list may not be long. The original owner ordered the Charger with air conditioning and a rear defogger, which are intact.
We see plenty of promising potential restoration projects at Barn Finds, and this 1972 Charger SE looks like a beauty. Its relatively minor rust issues and unmolested state makes a faithful restoration viable and seemingly straightforward. The existing engine doesn’t promise stunning performance, but slotting something more potent under the hood is possible if the winning bidder is unconcerned about originality. There is a world of choices for the new owner to make, but what would be your approach?
Anything above the present bid is too high for this one. Parts costs are going to be high, labor even higher for what is going to be a square inch by square inch rebuild. Even if the buyer does the work it’s still a money pit for an average type of car.
Someone added electronic ignition (box visible on passenger firewall) because only big-block four barrel engines had that in ’72. A lot of work to bring it back and 318 engines will last forever if taken care of properly.
One word. Sled.
Thank you
It was standard on 340 cars in 1972 , optional on all other engines . The ignition box is located in the right spot , so I’d say this had the Electronic ignition option .
These looked like this after only 10 years on the road.
Like every other 10 year old car
This should have been cleaned , scrubbed and washed multiple times to try to appeal to buyers.
I see a mouse infested and can imagine the smell.
I had bought a five year old relatives Cameray that sat in a metal building with 10k on clock.
Yep it had critters and i pulled the dash, vents and filters out along with literally submerging the rear seats in cleaner mixed water to get 99% of the smell out.
The car from setting had everything that could go out from sensors to emissions .
I can see worse here.
Good luck on sale . If not sold first go round then clean it and power wash the engine too.
Change fluids and get a start video attached to help sell.
5300 imo is to much for a base 318 automatic car that needs everything. I never cared for this body style Charger but that’s just me. Money pit.Glwts.
I would hide it too with that color
Ended at $5,300, Reserve Not Met.
Yeah, I’m sure the original owner ordered it with a 318 and an auto – when there were hundreds of these already on the dealership lots .
One word. Sled.
Thank you