1972 Dodge Challenger | |
![]() 1972 Challenger Hardtop | |
Description1972 was the third year of production for the first generation Dodge Challengers (1970 - 1974). The convertible Challenger was no longer offered this year. The R/T was also no longer available, but was replaced with the Rallye model. The Rallye came with the power bulge hood, and non-functioning air vents on the lower front fenders in front of the doors. Four parallel strobe style stripes originated from the vents and ran to the rear of the doors. Many options were deleted this year. The body-colored bumpers of 1971 were no longer available, and neither was the optional pop-open gas cap. The front end was redesigned and included a new egg crate grill that extended below the front bumper. It was silver for the regular Challenger, and black for the Charger Rallye. A new rear panel with redesigned tail lights completed the major changes. The tail lights now consisted of two smaller rectangular units on each side, with a back-up light in the center of the inboard light. The side marker lights also changed for 1972. This would be the last year for the bumpers to be mounted close to the body. It was also the last year for the optional, small chrome bumper guards. The "Challenger" nameplate was moved from the front fenders to the rear fenders above the side marker light. Engines were now rated in SAE Net horsepower instead of the old gross horsepower ratings, and so all horsepower figures were lower this year. The 383, 440, and Hemi engines were no longer options. Available engines were the 225 slant-six with 110 hp and 185 ft-lbs of torque, the 318 cid V8 with 150 horsepower and 265 ft-lbs of torque, and the 340 cid with 240 hp and 295 ft-lbs of torque. Only two optional High-impact paint colors were offered in 1972, Hemi Orange, and Top Banana. Total production of 1972 Challengers: 22,919 or 26,658 depending on the source. 1972 Challenger Key Differences1972 Dodge Challengers can be identified by having the new grill and tail lights along with the old style flush-fitting bumpers (and optional small chrome bumper guards). Owners of 1973 and 1974 Challengers often remove the large bumper guards and move the bumpers in closer to the car, however. '73 and '74 bumpers have small vertical slots in them for the newer bumper jack. Similar Years1970-74 Challengers share the same body. For most years there were minor changes to the grill, bumper, and tail lights, but ‘73 and ‘74 Challengers are almost the same except for the optional 360 engine which was available only in 1974. | |
How to Identify a 1972 Dodge Challenger![]() |
Overview
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1972 Challenger Grill
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1972 Challenger Front Bumper
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1972 Challenger Rear Bumper
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1972 Challenger Rear Bumper Guard
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1972 Challenger Fender Vents
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1972 Challenger Front Side Marker Light
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1972 Challenger Rear Side Marker Light
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1972 Challenger Tail Lights
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1972 Challenger Dash
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1972 Challenger Fuel Cap
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1972 Challenger Fuel Cap
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1972 Challenger Hood
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1972 Challenger 340 Four Barrel Badge
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1972 Challenger Rear Emblem
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1972 Challenger Wheel
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More 1972 Challenger PicturesFor more photos of vintage 1972 Challengers, visit the Dodge Challenger Gallery at the Muscle Car Jungle. If you have any comments, or would like to report any errors or omissions, contact us at feedback@oldcarsguide.com | |