Vehicle Description
Some classic cars arrive a little late to the collector car party.
They may have sexier or more powerful siblings, or they're just a
year or two off from cultural significance. But, like the girl next
door you didn't notice that much in high school, given time they
simply blossom into fine pieces of American art. Such is the appeal
of the car here: A dialed-in 1972 Dodge Charger SE, complete with a
numbers-matching, high-performance big block 400 V8, a slick
fuselage design, hide-away headlights built into the wide grille,
and 43,132 believed-original miles all wrapped-up in a beautifully
preserved survivor package.
While many American cars in the post-muscle car era '70s were
beaten with an ugly stick, Detroit's offerings in the early part of
the decade were still great looking cars, with the '72 Charger as a
great example of pure style from a dying era. The Feds were doing
their best to choke the muscle car era out completely in '72-'73,
but Mopar didn't give up without a fight. Sure, they had to be
compliant in many ways, but that didn't mean that they had to
abandon great style and sporty function. With the elimination of
the Charger 500, R/T, and Super Bee packages the year prior, the
Charger SE was the top-of-the-line luxury model you could get in
1972. Among them, Code 29 2-door 'Sports Hardtops' like this Light
Green Metallic were the most desirable selections on the lot,
complete with concealed headlights, pins on the long hood,
segmented taillights, and a vinyl Landau roof. The paint is nice,
shiny and even, laid down on original body panels since it was new,
and even though it shows signs of use from almost 50 years of
service, it still presents very well. Panel gaps are nice and even,
the body lines are straight and show no signs of any accidents or
mishaps through the years, and the black vinyl pad on the roof
provides a nice contrast to the light green finish. All the bright
work is in great shape too, including the ample shine around the
bookend bumpers, window surrounds, and bright Cragar rims. This is
a car you can definitely be proud of.
Inside, the SE models were nicely appointed through Chrysler's
definition of top luxury, with the roomy cabin anchored by a pair
of high split-back vinyl pleated seats with a fold down armrest
between them. It's a great setup for cruising as the armrest really
helps on long trips, and the durable Green upholstery found on all
of the soft parts is all-original and in very good shape
considering the age. Sure, there are some comfort marks and even a
minor tear or two in the higher-traffic areas, but it's all very
solid and matches the plush carpets below and original door panels
at the flanks. The SE edition also came with Rallye gauges
featuring a 150 MPH speedometer, which are in great shape inside
their hooded pods, along with woodgrain applique trim found in the
dash, door panels, and original 3-spoke steering wheel. This car
still has its original rare AM radio (yes, it still works!), an
internal hood latch, a full set of auxiliary interior lighting, and
factory A/C that's still blowing cold R12-treated air. A quick
check of the trunk shows a proper full-size spare, the jack set,
and the original trunk mat.
Under that long hood is a number-matching, 400 V8, dressed in its
proper bright blue hue on the block and topped with an original
4-barrel carburetor. The 400 was the replacement for the 383, with
a few more cubes to make up for the loss of compression in '72 the
government mandated. It's a very docile motor that makes great
torque and doesn't complain a bit, with signs of maintenance
throughout that help it run smooth as silk. The original air
cleaner is properly Hemi Orange, and it's a correct '72 unit with
all the right decals. Electronic ignition is on the firewall while
a Carter 4-barrel carb mixes the fuel and air. You'll find
maintained hoses and belts, a proper alternator and power steering
and power front disc brake systems that help with the big coupe's
road manners. Underneath, clean floors and frames are just what you
want to find in a survivor, along with a dual exhaust system with
glasspack-style mufflers is in place. Factory disc brakes are up
front, a Torqueflight 727 automatic is in the middle and a stout
factory rear end is out back. Handling is augmented by factory
front and rear sway bars, while a set of Cragar S/S wheels wrapped
in 235/60/14 Cooper Cobra white-letter radials finish off the
look.
About as clean and survivor-grade as they come, this 1972 Charger
SE is a terrific example of one of Mopar's final contributions to
the muscle car era. With matching numbers and believed low miles,
this is the one you want if you're in the market for an affordable
vintage Charger. Call today!