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1972 Dodge Charger

The '72 Dodge Charger: a muscle car legend! Think sleek lines, a long hood, and that iconic fastback. It marked a shift in the muscle car era, but still retained its cool factor. Featured in movies & TV, it cemented its place in pop culture history. A true American classic!

The 1972 Dodge Charger: A Legendary Classic

The 1972 Dodge Charger remains an emblem of the lustrous muscle car era. Known for its aggressive yet sleek design and potent V8 engines, this iconic car encapsulates a pivotal time in American automotive history. But how did it capture the hearts of car enthusiasts, and why does it maintain its allure even today? Well, it's all down to a mix of performance, pop culture influence, and a pinch of nostalgia.

Photo of a 1972 Dodge Charger

1972 Dodge Charger Models:

Select the vehicle's model to see the correct data for it.

How Much is Dodge Charger Worth?

Original MSRP :$3,005.00

Outstanding

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$35,800

Clean

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$27,000

Average

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$18,100*

Rough

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$12,800

1972 Dodge Charger Specs

Body Maker: Dodge
No. Of Doors: 2
Model Number: WL23
Length: 207 inches
Width: 77.7 inches
Height: 54 inches
Wheelbase: 115 inches
Weight: 3,325lbs
Type: Own, V8, OHV, Dual downdraft, Fully synchronized
Displacement: 317.58 cu. in.
Cylinders: 8
Bore And Stroke: 3 29/32 & 3 5/16 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 8.6 to 1
Horsepower Brake: 150@4000
Horsepower Rated: 48.83
Torque: 260@1600
Main Bearings: 5
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic
Block Material: Cast Iron
Engine Number Location: Stamped on front of block just below left cylinder head.
Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Carburetor Make: Carter
Type:
4.75 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Single plate dry disc
Clutch Size:
10.5 inches
Gear Ratios:
3
Gear Ratios First:
3.08
Gear Ratios Second:
1.7
Gear Ratios Third:
1 to 1
Gear Ratios Fourth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
2.9
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 2.34 to 1
Front: Independent torsion bar
Rear: Semi-elliptic leaf springs
Service Type: Hydraulic, self-adjusting drums
Service Front Size: 10 inches
Service Rear Size: 10 inches
Emergency Type: Rear service brakes
Emergency Size: 10 inches
Type: Regular grade - 91 octane
Tire Size: E78 x 14
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 21 Gallons
Oil: 4 Quarts
Rear Differential: 4 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:Starting WL23G2a100001
Total Digits:13
Digits 1-2:Series
Digits 3-4:Body style
Digits 5:Engine
Digits 6:Model year
Digits 7:Assembly plant
Digits 8-13:Production number
All colors may not be available in all models., Light GunMetallical Metallic, Brite Blue Metallic, Dark Blue Metallic, Bright Red, Dark Green Metallic, Dark Tan Metallic, Hemi-Orange, Black, Dark Gray Metallic, Light Blue, Super Blue, Light Green Metallic, Parchment, Medium Tan Metallic, Eggshell White, Top Banana, Yellow, Light Gold, Gold Metallic, Dark Gold Metallic
Hardtop: Opt
Torque Flite Automatic Transmission: Opt
440 Cu. In. V8 Engine: Opt
400 Cu. In. V8 Engine: Opt
Power Windows: Opt
Air Conditioning: Opt
Power Steering: Opt
Radio: Opt
Front Disc Rear Drum Brakes: Opt

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History of the 1972 Dodge Charger

The Charger wasn't just another fast car rolling off the assembly line; it was a beacon of a bygone era where power and style ruled the roads. During the early '70s, the Charger emerged as a symbol of the American muscle car movement, adored for its high-speed cruising capabilities and robust aesthetics. Despite its roaring popularity, the 1970s brought about stringent emission controls due to environmental regulations, influencing performance metrics and design choices across the automotive industry. Yet, even as manufacturers adapted to these changes, the Charger retained its classic appeal, securing its status as a cherished symbol in the world of classic cars.

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Detailed Specifications

Let's geek out a little on its specs. The 1972 Dodge Charger came with a gamut of engine options, ranging from the tame 318 cubic inch V8 to the ferocious 440 cubic inch "Magnum" V8. And, you know, achieving 0 to 60 mph in under 7 seconds was no small feat back then. Sure, it wasn't the fastest car meant to break speed records, but it was plenty fast enough to thrill its owners while maintaining a smooth, stylish ride. The model's reduced compression ratios met emission standards but didn't slow it down—at least not much.

Famous Figures Who Own a 1972 Charger

Okay, I'm naming this section after the usual suspects: many well-known personalities couldn't resist the Charger's charm. From musicians to actors, the Charger found a place among the elite, weaving itself into pop culture and rolling across our screens and streets.

John Doe

Steve McQueen

Who could forget Steve McQueen's legendary chase scenes? He made the Charger (alongside his Mustang) famous in the film Bullitt. His connection with the car wasn't just cinematic; it became an integral part of his cool, rugged persona.

Vin Diesel

Fast forward to the early 2000s, Vin Diesel and the Charger paired up in The Fast and the Furious series, reintroducing this classic beauty to a whole new generation of car lovers. The fusion of Hollywood action and Dodge's engineering prowess was nothing short of magic on screen.

George Barris

Known for creating iconic Hollywood cars, George Barris' modifications for Hollywood have always fascinated car enthusiasts. His influence in car culture cemented the Charger's status as an icon.

Photo of a 1972 Dodge Charger

Fun Facts About the 1972 Charger

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    The Charger made its mark not just on the road but also on the screen as "General Lee" in The Dukes of Hazzard, embedding itself in American pop culture.

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    It's a car that balances between rebellion and freedom—ideal themes for a muscle car era.

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Explore Dodge Charger from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

Well, the '72 Charger? It's a real head-turner, let me tell you. You'll spot it instantly thanks to its distinctive, long hood and short deck styling—it's kinda like a sleek, muscular cat ready to pounce. Plus, the rear styling is really unique; those iconic, wrap-around taillights are unmistakable. They’re practically a signature element—you won't see anything quite like them on other cars. Keep an eye out for the subtle body lines and chrome accents; those really add to its overall classy look. And of course, the overall shape is simply iconic. You know, it's one of those cars that just screams '70s cool!' It's hard to miss.

Okay, so the engine choices in a '72 Charger? They were pretty impressive for their time! You had a wide selection, ranging from relatively tame small-block V8s to absolutely monstrous big-block powerhouses. Some of the popular options included the 318 cubic inch, a reliable workhorse; but if you were feeling adventurous (or you just needed more grunt!), the 440 Magnum was a seriously popular choice. Man, that thing could really move. I mean seriously, it would move you! There were even more powerful options, like the legendary 426 Hemi, although those are rarer than hen's teeth these days. Finding a '72 Charger with an original Hemi is like finding a four-leaf clover—extremely lucky. So, it really depended on what kind of performance you were after, you know what I mean?

Generally speaking, most '72 Chargers came equipped with either a three-speed automatic transmission—that was kinda the standard back then—or a four-speed manual, if you were a bit more hands-on. Some models even had a three-speed manual, though these are far less common. The automatics were generally pretty smooth, perfectly suited for cruising around town or on long drives. The manual transmissions, on the other hand, were built for driving enthusiasts; they gave you more control, a more engaging experience. The choice really came down to personal preference. It's always a toss-up when it comes to classic cars, right? Automatic for comfort, manual for excitement. Which sounds better to you?

Pricing a classic car like this is always tricky, it depends so much on condition, originality, and options. But generally speaking, a well-maintained '72 Charger can fetch a pretty nice price these days. You're looking at a range from around—well, this is just a ballpark estimate; it could fluctuate wildly—$20,000 up to several hundred thousand dollars for a truly pristine, numbers-matching example with all the right options. (And let's be honest, those Hemi-powered cars are the real prize here). Things like the rarity of its specific options, its documented history, and any restoration work done will also affect price a lot. It's kind of like buying a really unique piece of art, you know? The condition and history are part of the overall value.

Classic cars, even awesome ones like the '72 Charger, can come with their fair share of maintenance headaches. Rust is a big one, especially in areas with harsh winters; it's like a slow-acting cancer for these beauties. Electrical systems can also be temperamental after all these years, just things wearing out from age, you know? Engine components might require rebuilding or replacement eventually; it depends on how well the car was maintained by previous owners. Brake systems need attention; same as with a lot of older cars, it's usually more maintenance intensive. The good news is, there’s a huge community of enthusiasts and parts suppliers out there for these cars; you won’t have any problems finding the help you need, if you need a little guidance! So, it's a labor of love, really. But oh so worth it.