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7offered225 cu in Slant Six, 1-barrel → 440 cu in Six Pack V8, three 2-barrel carburetors (withdrawn factory exception)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330hp440 cu in Six Pack V8, three 2-barrel carburetors (withdrawn factory exception)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

Start here

What do you need to know?

This page covers the whole 1972 Dodge Charger model year. Choose your task first; exact trims and engines are separated where the factory offered different versions.

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
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

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
Factory intervals
7
Fitment-scoped
8
Exact references
1

Before orderingIdentify 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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"

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