Everybody makes a big deal out of the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon…and rightfully so. The car is an absolute monster when it’s doing exactly what it’s meant to be doing, which is tearing the nearest drag strip a brand new one with claws out. They hook, they book, they scream like a metal singer, and when it’s all said and done…it’s still a late-model Challenger that’s been on a steroid kick. Nothing against that, but at the same token, it feels a touch cheap to see the Demon name reduced to a sub-model. At least FCA gave it top billing on the hierarchy, gave it a genuinely obscene power rating, and limited production.
It’s not the first time that a Dodge Demon has existed, however. In 1971, after a streak of jealousy emerged over the success of the Plymouth Duster, Dodge got their own version. It only lasted for 1971 and 1972…for 1973, the car became the “Dart Sport” after religious groups got up in arms over the name “Demon” and the cartoon devil-with-pitchfork logo. If you want a laugh, Dodge almost named the car Beaver…right when CB jargon was the hottest thing going. Picture how well that would’ve gone over for a moment! The Demon could be optioned just like the Duster, from a Slant-Six powered stripper up to a 340-powered surprise for someone who was getting a little too cocky in a big-block whatever.
This beauty of a cloned 1971 has been visually restored for the most part, but it’s not a perfect restoration. That 408ci stroker mill that’s under the hood is punching well above it’s class weight, fed by a Six Pack carb setup, and is backed by a Pistol Grip four-speed, natch. What more do you need to know? That it’s been on a rotisserie? That the CitronYella paint will sear the backs of your eyes? No, just this: You can pick up a nicely resto-modded 1971 Demon for easily a fraction of what the newer car will cost you. You won’t have 840 horsepower to play with, but really…if a 408 stroker small-block Chrysler mill in an A-body doesn’t do it for you, check your pulse, you’re probably dead.
eBay Link: 1971 Dodge Demon 340 clone
“Is that ‘piss yellow’ or ‘puke green’?” – Bob Falfa
Any mopar needs Keystone Klassics on them.