Rare 1972 Dodge Challenger Rallye 340 Lived With Its Owner for 51 Years, Looks To Flourish

As far as car enthusiasts are concerned, there are only two true Challengers – the first-generation car and the current third-gen model, which has proven so popular, it’s been in production since 2008.

Still, the first-gen cars are iconic, especially early models (70 through 71MY), which had a more aggressive-looking front fascia. Later cars were forced to adopt these protruding bumper guards as part of mandatory safety requirements, and they pretty much ruined the look.

Today, we’ll be focusing on the 1972 model year, which was significant for mainly one reason, the fact that R/T series specs were replaced by the Rallye series. The one you’d want would have been the 340 ci V8-powered variant, and it’s exactly one such car that we’ve found getting auctioned off to the highest bidder - with merely a few hours left in the auction process (best hurry).

This 1972 Dodge Challenger Rallye 340 was factory-finished in Dover White, with the original buyer choosing not to opt for the Rallye-specific side stripes.

Exterior details also include the simulated hood scoops, a white vinyl roof, chrome side mirrors, black taillight panel, quad exhaust outlets and a set of Magnum 500-style 15” wheels with 235/60 BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires. The car also has power steering and power-assisted front disc brakes for good measure.

Inside this American classic, you get white vinyl front bucket seats and a similarly trimmed rear bench, plus matching door panels. Meanwhile, amenities include the power-activated sunroof, a center console, air conditioning, woodgrain trim, a two-spoke steering wheel and a Kenwood CD stereo with Bluetooth.

As for the power unit, we’re dealing with a 340 ci V8, featuring a single carburetor and finned Mickey Thompson valve covers. The engine works alongside a TorqueFlite 727 three-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the rear wheels exclusively.

How much power, you ask? Unfortunately, the seller didn’t say, and a dyno chart wasn’t provided in the gallery. However, we can tell you that originally, a 1972 Challenger Rallye equipped with the 340 ci (5.6L) V8 engine would produce 240 horsepower, so it would be fair to expect somewhat similar figures from this car as well.

What’s better than a Rallye 340?

That depends. You can always consider its sister model from Plymouth, the Barracuda. Just recently we showed you two great samples in this tuned HEMI V8-powered one, and this rare 1970 Hemi ‘Cuda, which sold for $175,000.

Ideally though, if you’re itching for a first-gen Dodge Challenger in flagship spec, you’ll probably want to aim for an R/T model, strictly from 1970. As for the engine, some of those had optional 426 ci (7.0L) V8 units, rated at 425 horsepower. How can you go wrong?