How do I tell if a 73 Challenger is a Ralley?

[jeryst]

I'm a newbie to this forum and I have a question. What makes a 73 Challenger a Ralley? Is it in the VIN#, or  an option on the fender tag. Probably a stupid question, but this is my first Challenger. Thanks.

[Alaskan_TA]

Welcome to the site. 

Look for code A57 on your fender tag or broadcast sheet, it is the code for the Rallye package.

T/Ake care,
Barry

[nakita7]

That is correct, code A57 for 73-74.

FYI, the 72 has it in the VIN, it will start with JS. For all you guys with those 'ultra-rare' 72 "R/T" Challengers....that REALLY bugs those of us who are Mopar lovers.

[moparnut]

Here's my fender tag decoded so you know what to look for

[challenger72rt]

That is correct, code A57 for 73-74.

FYI, the 72 has it in the VIN, it will start with JS. For all you guys with those 'ultra-rare' 72 "R/T" Challengers....that REALLY bugs those of us who are Mopar lovers.

well EXCUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUSSEEEEE me!!   

[moparnut]

I never paid much attention to a 72 R/T,cool.SO could you get more than a 340 on one of those cars?Does the fender tag indicate an r/t and not a rallye?What sets is apart from the rallye?

[nakita7]

There is no such thing as a 72 RT Challenger. The RT was stopped in 71. The confusion always lies in the VIN. Because 72 Rallye's start with JS, most people think it's an RT because 70/71 RT's started with JS. It's real simple, the Rallye was a 'model' in 72 (therefore part of the VIN) and an 'option' in 73 and 74 (listed on the fender tag). Car lots and flippers, etc usually list them as "RT" cars, but Mopar guys like myself, who actually care about these cars, know the difference.

Similar confusion with the 72 Rallye Chargers. No RT's after 71, but because the Rallye is similar to the 71 RT, people get mixed up. The 71 RT is a WS code in the VIN, and Rallyes are WH or WL.

Another pet peeve...72-74 GTX. 71 VIN is RS. Last year, period. The confusion is the 440. GTX only had 426 and 440. Roadrunners with 440 engines are sometimes 'coined' as GTX cars, because in 74 (not sure about 73) the GTX will appear on the hood of 440 RR's. Sometimes called the 'GTX option'. It's still an RM code Roadrunner.

Basically, all 'S' code cars (GTX and RT) are stopped after 71, EXCEPT the 72 Challenger Rallye. Not sure why Chrysler did this, it sure creates confusion! (maybe they thought the Rallye would take over where the RT left off???).

I just truly like and appreciate Mopars....

[Street_Challenged73]

If you have a broadcast sheet to the car (found tucked behind the springs on the backseat bottom or underneath the dash assembly) you should also be able to verify it by an "S13" option at the bottom of the page. (as well as the already stated A57 Option)  If you do have a broadcast sheet, it'd be worthwhile to purchase Jake Hare's Mopar Broadcast Sheet: Dodge, Plymouth, Chrysler and Imperial Decoder Manual 1969-1974.   You'll be able to figure out every single option your car ever came with, including part numbers and other very cool stuff.

[hemi71]

Basically, all 'S' code cars (GTX and RT) are stopped after 71, EXCEPT the 72 Challenger Rallye. Not sure why Chrysler did this, it sure creates confusion! (maybe they thought the Rallye would take over where the RT left off???).

I just truly like and appreciate Mopars....

The Cudas carried the BS23 VIN all the way thru end of production in 74.

        

I do believe the dusters and dart sports did like wise, but not sure.

[Super Blue 72]

There is no such thing as a 72 RT Challenger. The RT was stopped in 71. The confusion always lies in the VIN. Because 72 Rallye's start with JS, most people think it's an RT because 70/71 RT's started with JS. It's real simple, the Rallye was a 'model' in 72 (therefore part of the VIN) and an 'option' in 73 and 74 (listed on the fender tag). Car lots and flippers, etc usually list them as "RT" cars, but Mopar guys like myself, who actually care about these cars, know the difference.

Basically, all 'S' code cars (GTX and RT) are stopped after 71, EXCEPT the 72 Challenger Rallye. Not sure why Chrysler did this, it sure creates confusion! (maybe they thought the Rallye would take over where the RT left off???).

I just truly like and appreciate Mopars....

Good info, nakita7!

Very true, the '72s should be called "Rallye" Challengers and not "R/T"s as they were sold as Rallyes, not R/Ts.

Not sure why either why Chrysler changed the Rallye from a separate model with the "S" designation in the VIN for '72 to an option in '73 and '74.

Just a point of interest:  My Consumer Information Sheet from the factory for my '72 Rallye (prod. date 8/17/71) does NOT say my car is a Rallye but states Challenger R/T.  Did other '72s have this?  Maybe early ones?   I made a post but no responses as to whether or not other '72s or even the '73 and '74s had this on there CIS.  Maybe not as Rallye became an option rather than a model.  OK, I'm done rambling on.....

[nakita7]

The Cudas carried the BS23 VIN all the way thru end of production in 74.

        

I do believe the dusters and dart sports did like wise, but not sure.

I stand corrected, that is true, I honestly never thought about the Cudas when I wrote this!! The only Cuda I ever owned was a BS23V0, and it is true that the BS code carried on, but at least they did keep the 'Cuda as a seperate model, and not an 'option'.

I honestly do not know about the A-bodies. Anyone care to elaborate on the Duster/Darts at all?

[tttaziz]

The Plymouth Duster 340/360 was VS29 from 1970 through 1974.  The Dodge Demon 340 (1971-1972) and Sport 340/360 (1973-1974) were LM29. 

[challenger72rt]

the way I have looked at it, is in 'the Real World', I have never refered to my Chally as an R/T, nor have I put any badges to indicate it as such, BUT...the ONLY thing that differs between my '72 Rallye and a true R/T is the grill and tail lights!  (as pointed out, this INCLUDES the JS codes) It has a complete 440 drivetrain, suspension and interior of a '70 R/T...so it's as close as I can get (read: afford) to a true R/T.  Again, in The Real World, I don't call it an R/T...but lighten up, dude! (or dudette?) You seem to be really offended about something quite trivial.  At least I didn't put R/T badges on a base model '74 318 car (like Ricers do with their 'Type R' decals)

[xblade]

I've never called my 72 js challenger an R/T but if we're gonna get picky there are a hell of a lot more 70-71 jh R/T's running around than 72's.

[nakita7]

I'm not upset, I just want to set the record straight, that's all. I sold a 69 Charger RTSE to a guy once. He already owned a 69 Charger which he thought was an R/T. He paid way too much for it. When I went to his place, I looked at his car in the garage, peered at the VIN and said to him "I really hate to burst your bubble, but this car is not an R/T!" I told him about the "S" code and he was livid. I honestly HATE seeing people get ripped off.

Seeing cars on car lots, on Ebay or privately mis-represented, bugs me. Always has, always will. But heh, it's a free country right?.....