Image: eBay Motors

Wait a minute! This odd duck is just a ’71 Challenger with ’72 grille and tail lights! Maybe so, but according to this seller from St. Louis, Chrysler did make two factory built ’72 Challengers convertibles, even though the cars were technically modified 1971’s. The whereabouts of the other car is unknown, but this convertible was built as a product placement car for the early ’70’s cop drama,”The Mod Squad.”

E-Body convertibles were slow sellers back in the day, so after the 1971 model year, Chrysler pulled the plug. When ABC Television requested a E-Body convertible for the “The Mod Squad’s,” ’72 season, Chrysler was faced with submitting a year old model. Not an option in those days and this is where the “1972” Challenger convertible came into existence.

There is ample data to back up this story as well. Featured in the Mopar Collection Guide, seller claims matching numbers as well as the original build sheet and bill of sale. The car is finished in Watergate era “Gold Metallic” paint and a black top and features a 340 4-barrel V-8 backed up with a 3-speed, heavy duty Torqueflite transmission.

Inside, it sports a “Light Gold” interior with air conditioning, power windows and top. Aside from the column mounted shifter and no console, the car is absolutely loaded with most available options, including the rare, luxury version of the “Tuf” steering wheel. Some sleuthing would be in order to confirm authenticity and if truly the real deal, a rare bird indeed.