Clean Survivor w/ Orig 440 V8 & 43k Believed Orig Miles, Auto, Factory A/C, Nice

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!