1972 Dodge Demon 340

Description

Dodge was still dominating the muscle car game in 1972. Just as everyone else was winding down, they were building cars like this 1972 Dodge Demon 340, which didn't rely on Hemi power, but rather the great power-to-weight ratio of a V8-powered Dart.

In typical Mopar fashion, this Demon is an extrovert. Top Banana Yellow paint means that this muscular car is impossible to ignore and looks fast just sitting still. Only about 9000 Demons were built in 1972, making this a rather collectable piece of Mopar history, and finding one this well restored is none too easy. For an affordable car, the body was treated to an expensive repaint that shines up beautifully and makes it look great from any angle. Add in the optional hood scoops and Sizzler stripes along the flanks, and it has a traditional Chrysler muscle car look that wasn't just for show, even in 1972. Excellent gaps throughout suggest that this car is not only well-restored, but that it led a rather easy life before it was resuscitated and given a new lease on life. Demon badges were controversial back in the day, but it's nice to see them in place on this car, which gives it a playful personality to go with its bright paint job. Other details like the chrome bumpers and unique slotted taillights help make it stand out among its more famous siblings.

Although the Dart was Dodge's economy car, the interior doesn't look low rent in any way, shape, or form. High-back bucket seats wear fresh upholstery that accurately replicates the original stuff and adds to the sporty personality. There aren't a lot of frills, because even back then it was designed to be affordable, but with a woodgrained dash it has a warm, inviting look. The factory instruments are clustered around a rectangular center speedometer, with a white-faced tachometer neatly installed on the A-pillar and an oil pressure gauge neatly installed in the dash like it has been there from the start. A Sony AM/FM/cassette stereo was probably installed years ago and looks right in this '70s sportster, and a big Hurst T-handle shifter for the 4-speed manual transmission is reminiscent of the pistol-grip handles of yore. The compact Demon is surprisingly practical, too, with a spacious trunk that's nicely finished and includes what might be its original trunk mat.

The heart of the Demon's success was a 340 cubic inch V8, which in the relatively lightweight body made for some impressive performance. Rebuilt with a mild cam inside, Edelbrock intake manifold, and a big Carter AFB carburetor, it's a certainty that this car will run better than the high-14s it delivered when it was new. Bright Hemi Orange paint contrasts brashly with the yellow inner fenders and firewall, and there's enough chrome inside the engine bay to make things interesting. That 4-speed drives an 8.75-inch rear end and with long-tube headers and a throaty dual exhaust system, you'll never get tired of running it through the gears. The floors are undercoated and orderly, albeit not detailed for show, but you're going to want to drive this one anyway, and it's exactly right for that. Rallye wheels were standard equipment on the Demon 340, with these carrying 195/70/14s up front and 235/60/14s in back.

A neat little car that has earned its share of respect from both Mopar and non-Mopar fans alike. Then as today, it represents a lot of fun in an affordable, sensible package. Call today!