Dodge Charger 1972

This 1972 Dodge Charger has a pretty mean look. But it earns it with an upgrade to a mean 440 V8 and four-on-the-floor to control all that power. So if you love muscle Mopar machines, you're already hooked before you read the rest of the details on this well-done coupe.

This one has a bold red that gets it noticed. And there's also a dark side to this performance car with well-coordinated black on the power bulge of the hood, rear panel, and side slats. Plus, the dark grille within the deeply recessed front end really makes those headlights look like glowing eyes. There are more great sporty details, like the hood pins, 440 callouts, large exhaust tips, and well-integrated rear spoiler. But we also love these third-gen Chargers for the style within the sportiness. Both the front and rear chrome bumpers are a well-done integral part of the design. And this car's black vinyl roof may coordinate with the aggressive darkness, but it also symbolizes vintage elegance.

Black is beautiful, and that's what this highly original-style interior offers. You always find interesting components in a Mopar, and it starts here with the front seats. The button-top design is one of the most distinct and plushest you'll find in a coupe from this era. And speaking of luxury, the black interior is tastefully broken up by wood paneling on the door panels, center console, and all across the dashboard. The Mopar Tuff three-spoke steering wheel gives you a great view of the dash, which is important, because everything is focused on the driver. And while it all looks quite period-correct, right down to the AM/FM radio, you'll also pick up on a few nice upgrades. For example, the auxiliary gauge trio under the dash is quite handy. And the column-mounted Mopar tach goes nicely with the iconic Hurst pistol grip shifter.

Under the hood is Mopar's 440 cubic-inch V8. The U-code in the VIN tells us this was born with the mighty displacement, but the one you see here is an updated unit for performance and flair. You can tell they wanted this one on display with its very tidy look, right down to the ribbed Mopar Performance valve covers. It also has been built with the right go-fast goodies, like a four-barrel carburetor, MSD ignition, and an Edelbrock intake. The long tube headers add power while contributing to the rumble of the dual exhaust. And best of all, you're in full control over this big power and its thunderous soundtrack thanks to the four-speed manual transmission. This is made to be enjoyed, and so you have nice driving features like a rear sway bar, power steering, and power brakes with discs up front.