What body style is a 1972 Dodge Charger?
It’s a two-door coupe with a fastback roof—specifically a 2-door, B-body Charger from the early 1970s.
In 1972, the Charger was part of Dodge’s third generation (1971–1974). Built on the Chrysler B-body platform, it was offered primarily as a two-door coupe. The most recognizable feature of the line was the sloping fastback roof, which connected the windshield to the rear deck to create a sporty silhouette common to Mopar performance cars of the era. The Charger line included several trims, with the base model and the higher-end Charger SE, but the fundamental body style remained a two-door coupe.
Key body-style characteristics
Here are the defining attributes of the 1972 Charger’s body style.
- Two-door coupe body built on Dodge’s Chrysler B-body platform
- Fastback roofline with a sloping rear window
- Rear-wheel-drive layout typical of early 1970s Mopar muscle cars
- Available in multiple trim levels, notably the base Charger and Charger SE
The combination of a compact two-door silhouette and the fastback roof is the key identifier for the 1972 Charger’s body style.
Historical context
In the early 1970s, American muscle cars like the Charger navigated a balance of performance with rising insurance costs and shifting consumer tastes. The 1972 Charger retained the sporty two-door coupé configuration while offering modern features and engine options that appealed to enthusiasts and daily drivers alike.
Design notes
The Charger’s roofline and sheet metal were designed to evoke speed and presence, with clean lines and a bold front fascia that helped it stand out among mid-size, two-door coupes of the era.
Summary
In summary, the 1972 Dodge Charger is a two-door, fastback-styled coupe built on the Chrysler B-body platform, part of the third generation (1971–1974). Its distinctive roofline and trim variants define its body style for that year.
What is the body style of a Dodge Charger?
The Dodge Charger's body type has changed throughout its history, evolving from a two-door muscle car and subcompact hatchback to a modern four-door "four-door coupe" or muscle sedan, and most recently, a two-door and four-door liftback. While the recent models are often called sedans due to their four-door configuration, their liftback design makes them distinct from traditional sedans.
Body types by generation
- 1966–1978: Two-door, two-door hardtop, and fastback muscle car.
- 1983–1987: Subcompact, three-door hatchback.
- 2006–2023: Four-door sedan.
- 2024–Present: Two-door and four-door liftback.
What year is a-body mopar?
The Chrysler A platform was the basis for smaller rear wheel drive cars in the 1960s. These cars are sometimes referred to as A-body cars. Cars using the A platform in various markets around the world include: 1960–1976 Plymouth Valiant.
What is a mopar B-Body?
A Mopar B-body was a car platform used by Chrysler from 1962 to 1979 for its midsize and full-size vehicles, most notably the foundation for classic muscle cars like the Dodge Charger, Plymouth Road Runner, and Dodge Super Bee. These cars were larger than the A-body platform and offered more powerful engine options, such as the 426 Hemi. The B-body platform was known for being adaptable and served as the basis for a wide range of models, from performance-focused cars to more common sedans.
Key characteristics of the B-body
- Size and wheelbase: The B-body was Chrysler's midsize platform with wheelbases ranging from 115 to 118 inches. This was larger than the compact A-body platform.
- Performance: It was a highly popular platform for Mopar muscle cars due to its ability to accommodate large, high-horsepower V8 engines, such as the famous 426 cubic-inch Hemi.
- Versatility: The platform was versatile and used for a wide variety of vehicles, including performance models and more standard sedans and coupes.
- Notable models: The platform was the foundation for many iconic cars, including:
- Dodge: Charger, Coronet, Super Bee, and the Daytona
- Plymouth: Road Runner, GTX, Satellite, and Belvedere
- Production timeline: The B-body was produced in various forms from 1962 through 1979.
Why it's famous
The B-body platform is famous for its connection to the Mopar muscle car era of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The combination of a midsize platform and potent engines made B-body cars some of the fastest and most dominant vehicles of the time.
Is a 72 Charger ab body?
The B-Body Dodge Charger was offered from 1966-1978, when it was replaced by the Dodge Magnum.
