Car Model History

Third generation · Fuselage B-body · 1971–1974

1972Dodge Charger

Restyled for 1971 with a more rounded, semi-fastback 'fuselage' look, split grille, and revised body, adapting to tightening emissions and insurance pressures that were winding down the muscle era.

Third generation · Fuselage B-body

1972 Dodge Charger Rallye — fuselage B-body, front three-quarter view

Photo: “1972 Dodge Charger Rallye” by dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Cropped to 16:9.

Quick facts

Engines
7offered225 cu in Slant Six, 1-barrel → 440 cu in Six Pack V8, three 2-barrel carburetors (withdrawn factory exception)
Top output
330hp440 cu in Six Pack V8, three 2-barrel carburetors (withdrawn factory exception)

Body styles2-door pillared coupe · 2-door hardtop · 2-door formal hardtop (SE)

The 1972 model year

Overview

For 1972 Dodge retired the Charger R/T and Super Bee names and introduced the A57 Rallye package on both the pillared Coupe and hardtop. The regular Coupe and hardtop, formal-roof SE, and Rallye variants shared a revised engine family led by the new 400. Horsepower was now quoted only under the SAE net method. The 340 was Rallye-only, while the 440 four-barrel was restricted to Rallye and SE applications.

Specifications

Engines
  • 225 cu in Slant Six, 1-barrel110 hp
  • 318 cu in LA V8, 2-barrel150 hp
  • 340 cu in V8, 4-barrel240 hp
  • 400 cu in B V8, 2-barrel190 hp
  • 400 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel255 hp
  • 440 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel280 hp
  • 440 cu in Six Pack V8, three 2-barrel carburetors (withdrawn factory exception)330 hp
Transmissions
3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic
Body styles
2-door pillared coupe, 2-door hardtop, 2-door formal hardtop (SE)

Year over year

What changed

  • The R/T and Super Bee were replaced by the insurance-friendlier A57 Rallye package.
  • The 400-cubic-inch B-series V8 replaced the discontinued 383 in two- and four-barrel forms.
  • The 340 four-barrel was available only with the Rallye package; the 440 four-barrel was limited to Rallye and SE applications.
  • SAE net horsepower became the sole advertised rating method.
  • Early literature listed a 440 Six Pack Rallye, but it was withdrawn after emissions testing and only a tiny number of factory exceptions were built.

Worth knowing

Notable

  • The A57 Rallye package could be ordered on either the pillared Coupe or hardtop and did not require a high-output engine.
  • The Rallye-only 340 produced 240 net horsepower, while the regular-production 440 four-barrel produced 280 net horsepower.
  • At least two Charger hardtops are documented with the withdrawn 440 Six Pack powertrain.

Living with it

Reliability & ownership notes

  • Do not identify an engine from appearance alone: decode the VIN, fender tag, broadcast sheet, carburetor, exhaust, and transmission because 318, 340, two 400s, and two 440 induction systems have different service and ordering requirements.
  • A claimed 1972 Six Pack requires exceptional documentation; the brochure listing alone does not prove that a car received the withdrawn engine at the factory.
  • Rallye-specific louvered doors, grille, taillamp treatment, and power-bulge hood are one-year restoration items. Inspect the cowl, torsion-bar crossmember, rear rails, trunk floor, and quarter panels before valuing trim completeness.

Maintenance & service parts

Keep your 1972 Charger on the road

Start with the service interval, then match the engine or exact version you own. Order links appear only when a catalog-backed part number is available, and every listing still needs a fitment check.

Service desk

What this car needs & when

Use this as a service-planning checklist for 1972 Dodge Charger. Start with the interval, confirm which engine or configuration you have, then use an exact ordering reference when one is verified.

Service topics
8
Scheduled topics
7
Applicability stated
8
Exact references
1

Before ordering Identify your engine, options and build date. Part numbers and sizes can change within one model year. Shopping links appear only for catalog-backed references; still verify the listing against your vehicle before ordering.

  • Engine oilView intervals, applicability and sources

    Engine oil

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1972 · United States · Dodge bulletin 10-02-72D names Charger in its model footer. It supplements rather than replaces the normal schedule, and explicitly publishes both normal-use and severe-use boundaries for the duties shown here.

    Published interval: 4,000 mi / 3 months · Normal operation; whichever occurs first. Use 2,000 miles or two months for frequent short trips, prolonged idling, very dusty operation, or heavy-duty trailer towing.

    Source: Dodge — 1972 technical service bulletin 10-02-72D, all-model maintenance intervals (preserved by the 1970 Hamtramck Registry) · Bulletin 10-02-72D, pp. 2–3 — oil-change frequencies by operating condition · checked

    Engine oil filter

    Applies to: 1972 · United States · Dodge bulletin 10-02-72D names Charger in its model footer. It supplements rather than replaces the normal schedule, and explicitly publishes both normal-use and severe-use boundaries for the duties shown here.

    Published interval: 8,000 mi / 6 months · Normal operation: replace every second oil change. Replace at every oil change for the bulletin's specified severe private-vehicle use.

    Source: Dodge — 1972 technical service bulletin 10-02-72D, all-model maintenance intervals (preserved by the 1970 Hamtramck Registry) · Bulletin 10-02-72D, pp. 2–3 — oil-filter frequencies by operating condition · checked

  • Carburetor air-cleaner elementView intervals, applicability and sources

    Carburetor air-cleaner element

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1972 · United States · Dodge bulletin 10-02-72D names Charger in its model footer. It supplements rather than replaces the normal schedule, and explicitly publishes both normal-use and severe-use boundaries for the duties shown here.

    Published interval: 24 months · Normal operation: clean every 12 months and replace every 24 months. Police, taxi, limousine, and extremely dusty use: clean at every oil change and replace every 12 months.

    Source: Dodge — 1972 technical service bulletin 10-02-72D, all-model maintenance intervals (preserved by the 1970 Hamtramck Registry) · Bulletin 10-02-72D, p. 3 — carburetor air-cleaner schedule · checked

  • Fuel filterView intervals, applicability and sources

    Fuel filter

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1972 · United States · Dodge bulletin 10-02-72D names Charger in its model footer. It supplements rather than replaces the normal schedule, and explicitly publishes both normal-use and severe-use boundaries for the duties shown here.

    Published interval: 24,000 mi / 24 months · Average operating conditions; whichever occurs first. The bulletin calls for more frequent service when excessive tank dirt accumulates.

    Source: Dodge — 1972 technical service bulletin 10-02-72D, all-model maintenance intervals (preserved by the 1970 Hamtramck Registry) · Bulletin 10-02-72D, p. 3 — fuel-filter replacement interval · checked

  • Crankcase ventilation systemView intervals, applicability and sources

    Crankcase ventilation system

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1972 · United States · Dodge bulletin 10-02-72D names Charger in its model footer. It supplements rather than replaces the normal schedule, and explicitly publishes both normal-use and severe-use boundaries for the duties shown here.

    Published interval: 12 months · Check the system at every oil change; replace the ventilator valve yearly or whenever its operation is faulty.

    Source: Dodge — 1972 technical service bulletin 10-02-72D, all-model maintenance intervals (preserved by the 1970 Hamtramck Registry) · Bulletin 10-02-72D, p. 3 — crankcase inlet cleaner and ventilator-valve instructions · checked

  • Fuel-vapor canister filterView intervals, applicability and sources

    Fuel-vapor canister filter

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1972 · United States · Dodge bulletin 10-02-72D names Charger in its model footer. It supplements rather than replaces the normal schedule, and explicitly publishes both normal-use and severe-use boundaries for the duties shown here.

    Published interval: 12,000 mi / 12 months · Inspect the canister and replace its base filter element; whichever occurs first. Replace more often in dusty operation.

    Source: Dodge — 1972 technical service bulletin 10-02-72D, all-model maintenance intervals (preserved by the 1970 Hamtramck Registry) · Bulletin 10-02-72D, p. 4 — fuel-vapor storage canister · checked

  • Automatic-transmission fluid, filter, and bandsView intervals, applicability and sources

    Automatic-transmission fluid, filter, and bands

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1972 · United States · Dodge bulletin 10-02-72D names Charger in its model footer. It supplements rather than replaces the normal schedule, and explicitly publishes both normal-use and severe-use boundaries for the duties shown here.

    Published interval: 24,000 mi · Severe operation only: change fluid and filter and adjust bands every 24,000 miles. The bulletin says no scheduled fluid/filter service is required for normal passenger-car use; check fluid level twice yearly.

    Source: Dodge — 1972 technical service bulletin 10-02-72D, all-model maintenance intervals (preserved by the 1970 Hamtramck Registry) · Bulletin 10-02-72D, pp. 4–5 — automatic-transmission service table and level check · checked

    Manual-transmission fluid

    Applies to: 1972 · United States · Dodge bulletin 10-02-72D names Charger in its model footer. It supplements rather than replaces the normal schedule, and explicitly publishes both normal-use and severe-use boundaries for the duties shown here.

    Published interval: 36,000 mi · Severe operation only: change every 36,000 miles. The bulletin says no scheduled change is required under normal passenger-car use; check the level twice yearly.

    Source: Dodge — 1972 technical service bulletin 10-02-72D, all-model maintenance intervals (preserved by the 1970 Hamtramck Registry) · Bulletin 10-02-72D, p. 6 — manual-transmission oil-change and level-check boundaries · checked

  • Propeller-shaft universal jointsView intervals, applicability and sources

    Propeller-shaft universal joints

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1972 · United States · Dodge bulletin 10-02-72D names Charger in its model footer. It supplements rather than replaces the normal schedule, and explicitly publishes both normal-use and severe-use boundaries for the duties shown here.

    Published interval: 4,000 mi / 3 months · Inspect for damage or seal leakage at every normal-service oil change; replace a damaged or leaking joint. The bulletin says relubrication is not recommended.

    Source: Dodge — 1972 technical service bulletin 10-02-72D, all-model maintenance intervals (preserved by the 1970 Hamtramck Registry) · Bulletin 10-02-72D, p. 7 — propeller shafts and universal joints · checked

  • Engine oil filterView intervals, applicability and sources

    Engine oil filter

    Exact reference available

    The order numbers below establish replacement-filter fitment only; they do not establish a service interval. Confirm the installed engine, VIN, build date, and filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1972 · United States

    225 cu in Slant Six, 1-barrel carburetor (110 net hp)

    K&N HP-3001

    K&N publishes HP-3001 for this exact year-and-engine application; confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1972 · 225 cu in Slant Six, 1-barrel carburetor (110 net hp) · United States · Exact 1972 Charger engine application. Confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Source: K&N Engineering — Dodge Charger replacement-oil-filter application catalog · 1972 Dodge Charger 225 cu in application row — HP-3001 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    318 cu in LA V8, 2-barrel carburetor (150 net hp / 260 lb-ft)

    K&N HP-3001

    K&N publishes HP-3001 for this exact year-and-engine application; confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1972 · 318 cu in LA V8, 2-barrel carburetor (150 net hp / 260 lb-ft) · United States · Exact 1972 Charger engine application. Confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Source: K&N Engineering — Dodge Charger replacement-oil-filter application catalog · 1972 Dodge Charger 318 cu in application row — HP-3001 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    400 cu in B-series V8, 2-barrel carburetor (190 net hp / 310 lb-ft)

    K&N HP-3001

    K&N publishes HP-3001 for this exact year-and-engine application; confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1972 · 400 cu in B-series V8, 2-barrel carburetor (190 net hp / 310 lb-ft) · United States · Exact 1972 Charger engine application. Confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Source: K&N Engineering — Dodge Charger replacement-oil-filter application catalog · 1972 Dodge Charger 400 cu in application row — HP-3001 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    400 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel carburetor (255 net hp / 340 lb-ft)

    K&N HP-3001

    K&N publishes HP-3001 for this exact year-and-engine application; confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1972 · 400 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel carburetor (255 net hp / 340 lb-ft) · United States · Exact 1972 Charger engine application. Confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Source: K&N Engineering — Dodge Charger replacement-oil-filter application catalog · 1972 Dodge Charger 400 cu in application row — HP-3001 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    340 cu in V8, 4-barrel carburetor (240 net hp / 290 lb-ft)

    K&N HP-3001

    K&N publishes HP-3001 for this exact year-and-engine application; confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1972 · 340 cu in V8, 4-barrel carburetor (240 net hp / 290 lb-ft) · United States · Exact 1972 Charger engine application. Confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Source: K&N Engineering — Dodge Charger replacement-oil-filter application catalog · 1972 Dodge Charger 340 cu in application row — HP-3001 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    440 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel carburetor (280 net hp / 375 lb-ft)

    K&N HP-3001

    K&N publishes HP-3001 for this exact year-and-engine application; confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1972 · 440 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel carburetor (280 net hp / 375 lb-ft) · United States · Exact 1972 Charger engine application. Confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Source: K&N Engineering — Dodge Charger replacement-oil-filter application catalog · 1972 Dodge Charger 440 cu in application row — HP-3001 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    440 cu in Six Pack V8, three 2-barrel carburetors (330 net hp / 410 lb-ft)

    K&N HP-3001

    K&N publishes HP-3001 for this exact year-and-engine application; confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1972 · 440 cu in Six Pack V8, three 2-barrel carburetors (330 net hp / 410 lb-ft) · United States · Exact 1972 Charger engine application. Confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Source: K&N Engineering — Dodge Charger replacement-oil-filter application catalog · 1972 Dodge Charger 440 cu in application row — HP-3001 · checked

    Verified ordering references

Collect

Bring this model year home

Find a scale model using the exact year, make, and model—not a generic generation search.

Sources

  1. Dodge — 1972 Charger Coupe, hardtop, SE, and Rallye sales brochure (81-205-2037)
  2. 1972 Charger Rallye — Dodge brochure, data-book, and service-manual engine transcription
  3. Hemmings — 1972 Charger Rallye A57 package and factory powertrain boundaries
  4. Hot Rod — documented 1972 Charger Rallye 440 Six Pack factory exceptions
  5. Wikipedia — "Dodge Charger"

Other Third generation years

Explore the Fuselage B-body generation →All Third generation · Fuselage B-body years →

Documented lineup

Find your exact 1972 Charger

Start with a family, body style, or engine. Every card opens the facts and maintenance information for that factory version.

23factory configurations
Exact factory pairings documentedHow this lineup was verified

These source-backed records identify published body, engine, and transmission combinations. Exact pairings do not by themselves assert that every factory option or special edition is represented.

23versions shown
Browse 23 documented records — use the filters above to narrow the list
Two-door pillared coupe

Dodge Charger Coupe 225 Slant Six

Body
Two-door pillared coupe
Engine
225 cu in Slant Six, 1-barrel carburetor (110 net hp)
Gearbox
3-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door pillared coupe

Dodge Charger Coupe 318 V8

Body
Two-door pillared coupe
Engine
318 cu in LA V8, 2-barrel carburetor (150 net hp / 260 lb-ft)
Gearbox
3-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door pillared coupe

Dodge Charger Coupe 400 2-barrel V8

Body
Two-door pillared coupe
Engine
400 cu in B-series V8, 2-barrel carburetor (190 net hp / 310 lb-ft)
Gearbox
TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door pillared coupe

Dodge Charger Coupe 400 4-barrel V8

Body
Two-door pillared coupe
Engine
400 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel carburetor (255 net hp / 340 lb-ft)
Gearbox
4-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtop

Dodge Charger Hardtop 225 Slant Six

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
225 cu in Slant Six, 1-barrel carburetor (110 net hp)
Gearbox
3-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtop

Dodge Charger Hardtop 318 V8

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
318 cu in LA V8, 2-barrel carburetor (150 net hp / 260 lb-ft)
Gearbox
3-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtop

Dodge Charger Hardtop 400 2-barrel V8

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
400 cu in B-series V8, 2-barrel carburetor (190 net hp / 310 lb-ft)
Gearbox
TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtop

Dodge Charger Hardtop 400 4-barrel V8

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
400 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel carburetor (255 net hp / 340 lb-ft)
Gearbox
4-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door pillared coupeA57 Rallye package

Dodge Charger Rallye Coupe 318 V8

Body
Two-door pillared coupe
Engine
318 cu in LA V8, 2-barrel carburetor (150 net hp / 260 lb-ft)
Gearbox
3-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door pillared coupeA57 Rallye package

Dodge Charger Rallye Coupe 340 V8

Body
Two-door pillared coupe
Engine
340 cu in V8, 4-barrel carburetor (240 net hp / 290 lb-ft)
Gearbox
4-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door pillared coupeA57 Rallye package

Dodge Charger Rallye Coupe 400 2-barrel V8

Body
Two-door pillared coupe
Engine
400 cu in B-series V8, 2-barrel carburetor (190 net hp / 310 lb-ft)
Gearbox
TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door pillared coupeA57 Rallye package

Dodge Charger Rallye Coupe 400 4-barrel V8

Body
Two-door pillared coupe
Engine
400 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel carburetor (255 net hp / 340 lb-ft)
Gearbox
4-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door pillared coupeA57 Rallye package

Dodge Charger Rallye Coupe 440 V8

Body
Two-door pillared coupe
Engine
440 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel carburetor (280 net hp / 375 lb-ft)
Gearbox
4-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtopA57 Rallye package

Dodge Charger Rallye Hardtop 318 V8

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
318 cu in LA V8, 2-barrel carburetor (150 net hp / 260 lb-ft)
Gearbox
3-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtopA57 Rallye package

Dodge Charger Rallye Hardtop 340 V8

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
340 cu in V8, 4-barrel carburetor (240 net hp / 290 lb-ft)
Gearbox
4-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtopA57 Rallye package

Dodge Charger Rallye Hardtop 400 2-barrel V8

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
400 cu in B-series V8, 2-barrel carburetor (190 net hp / 310 lb-ft)
Gearbox
TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtopA57 Rallye package

Dodge Charger Rallye Hardtop 400 4-barrel V8

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
400 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel carburetor (255 net hp / 340 lb-ft)
Gearbox
4-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtopA57 Rallye package

Dodge Charger Rallye Hardtop 440 V8

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
440 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel carburetor (280 net hp / 375 lb-ft)
Gearbox
4-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door formal hardtop

Dodge Charger SE 318 V8

Body
Two-door formal hardtop
Engine
318 cu in LA V8, 2-barrel carburetor (150 net hp / 260 lb-ft)
Gearbox
3-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door formal hardtop

Dodge Charger SE 400 2-barrel V8

Body
Two-door formal hardtop
Engine
400 cu in B-series V8, 2-barrel carburetor (190 net hp / 310 lb-ft)
Gearbox
TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door formal hardtop

Dodge Charger SE 400 4-barrel V8

Body
Two-door formal hardtop
Engine
400 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel carburetor (255 net hp / 340 lb-ft)
Gearbox
4-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door formal hardtop

Dodge Charger SE 440 V8

Body
Two-door formal hardtop
Engine
440 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel carburetor (280 net hp / 375 lb-ft)
Gearbox
4-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtopWithdrawn early-production powertrain

Dodge Charger Rallye 440 Six Pack Factory Exception

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
440 cu in Six Pack V8, three 2-barrel carburetors (330 net hp / 410 lb-ft)
Gearbox
727 TorqueFlite automatic
Built
At least two documented Charger hardtops
Open exact version

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