Around this time of the year in 1972, John Urquhart was in the market for a new car. It had to be sporty and it had to fit his two kids in the back.

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What he ended up with would become one of the most iconic Australian muscle cars ever built.

Now, 40 years later, Mr Urquhart is finally looking to sell his beloved 1971 Valiant Charger R/T.

The Charger, still in its original factory colour that Chrysler called Blond Olive, has at some stage been Mr Urquhart's daily driver, his family car and his transport to the golf course. For 20 years it was also his competition car.

Mr Urquhart began using the Charger in historic competition events in 1991. He said that from then up to his retirement from racing in 2011, his was the only R/T Charger regularly competing in events in WA. In the 20 years since he started racing, Mr Urquhart has made some modifications to the car but it's also obvious that he's been careful to maintain its originality.

That shows right down to the refurbished original steel wheels, original interior and, in some sections, even the original paint.

Mechanical improvements include exhaust extractors, a stiffer rear sway bar, Holley 500 carburettor, performance clutch, new shock absorbers and electronic ignition.

He said that prices had stabilised following the Australian muscle car boom of four years ago, and now seemed to be the right time to sell.

"I think 2007 and 2008 was just a bit crazy," Mr Urquhart said.

"They just went a bit silly.

"I wasn't interested in selling at that stage and I think prices have dropped back to probably what might be reasonable for an iconic car.

"There are exceptions - the Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III, some Monaros and, of course, our own E49 Charger."

As a standard R/T, Mr Urquhart's Charger is behind the E49 and the E38 in the desirability stakes. That said, R/Ts of any sort are now rare. This one, with just one owner, a known history and a WA-registration all its life, is very special.

One great piece of originality is the Hemi sticker on the right rear quarter panel, which is the original one from the factory.

The one on the left side is a reproduction following repairs that were needed after the car was involved in a minor rear-end accident.

Mr Urquhart does have the car's original 265 cubic inch engine block, but it's out of the car and a replacement is currently under the bonnet.

He said that while he's had a fantastic innings of 20 years racing in the Charger, he has now retired from competition driving and is ready to say goodbye to it.

Mr Urquhart has had interest from buyers from interstate, but he said he would much rather sell it to a WA-based owner.

He is asking $47,500 for his Charger and can be reached on 9733 5533.

You'll be able to see Valiant Chargers and a wide range other Chryslers today at the Chrysler Make-A-Wish Super Cruise at Lathlain Oval. Phone 0412 215 340 for details or see chargerclubofwa.asn.au.