1972 was a difficult year for the Challenger (and the rest of the muscle car industry), and Dodge had no option but to adjust the lineup to align with the “new” trends.
The Challenger lineup now included only two models, while the engine offering was dropped from seven choices to only three. The 383 and the 426 Hemi were both removed from the Challenger so that customers could order the base six, the 318 V8 with 150 horsepower, or the 340 with 240 horsepower.
Dodge also eliminated many options from the Challenger lineup, keeping only the essentials, such as the air conditioning (now cheaper and available for $365). Power steering could be installed on any Challenger in the lineup for $92, while power disc brakes were more affordable at $62.
This 1972 Challenger Rallye that landed on eBay earlier this week ticks many boxes for what many could consider a collectible.
First, the car has always been part of only one family, having been purchased from Freeway Dodge Bloomington, MN. It has never been restored, and the only times it went to a mechanic was for regular maintenance. It received such a refresh recently after being pulled from long-term storage.
The Hemi Orange paint on its body (or two-thirds of it) is still original, and the car also comes with many factory goodies, including the original black vinyl interior, the AM radio, and documents like the purchase receipt, the broadcast sheet, and the owner’s manual. You also get the original jack and spare tire.
The metal still looks good, and the rust won’t be a major concern. It’ll still require some attention, but the metal damage is only minimal, with a small amount of rust on the right rear fender.
The engine under the hood is a replacement block. The 340 with 240 horsepower was replaced under factory warranty, but the owner says that the heads and the intake “are believed to be original.” It starts, runs, and drives, with the odometer indicating only 36K original miles.
This Challenger looks great, and it probably looks even better in person, and your best option is to inspect the car in person or order a third-party verification before making an offer. Unsurprisingly, a Challenger Rallye won’t sell cheaply despite the 1972 model year not being the most successful in the history of this iconic nameplate.
eBay seller tjm1-86 will let it go for $39,500, and eBay’s statistics indicate that 36 people have added the Challenger to their watchlists. The car is parked in Elk River, Minnesota, and if you want to purchase it but have another deal in mind, you can use the Make Offer button that is available on the auction site to submit your offer to the owner.