1971 Dodge Demon Hardtop
"While the Dodge Dart itself gained no shortage of glory with V8 power in the late 1960's, including the Hurst tuned Hemi Darts, the '70s brought the sprawling Dart lineup changes to maintain separation from the larger Challenger. But this didn't prevent cars like the Dart Swinger from playing the role of the sporty offering with V8 power underhood. Fast forward a year, and Dodge also gained a variant of the Plymouth Duster, (badge engineering being out of control during this time), dubbed the Dart Demon. And that's the vehicle you see here." Thx Autoweek.com, Dec. 2022
For consignment, a 1971 Dodge Demon hardtop showing an unverifiable 80,364 miles as the title reads Mileage Exempt. As Hemmings reported, "the Demon's mascot was a cartoon devil with a trident, and marketing materials were sprinkled with tongue in cheek puns. A few religious groups didn't get the joke, however, and Dodge took some heat for the devilish name."
Exterior
Hemi Orange shines bright on the body, tempered by quite a bit of black on the car beginning with body side tape stripes running nose to tail, gaining in width and crossing the rear panel, advertising a ready to race posture. Meanwhile, more black is added with a vinyl top, a flat black painted hood, a rear wing, and on this car, 15-inch steel wheels. These wheels have Dodge branded hubcaps with black accenting and a tasteful orange circle around the stamped Dodge triangle. Dual hood scoops rise menacingly on the hood, like the nostrils of a fire breathing dragon. Out back, six individual lenses make up the tail lights, four red and two reverse white and it's on the right tail light that we note a cracked white lens. Overall, the paint and metalwork are in presentable condition but not without color differentiation on a few of the panels. Imperfections noted include some bubbling down low, a small dent on the rocker panel, some uneven filler, and some paint run just under a stripe.
Interior
The Demon logo is enshrined in the door panels which are composed of black vinyl with stitched pattern and delineating silver trim. Familiar bucket seats are also constructed of black vinyl and are of the tall variety, while the backseat is configured as a bench and the vinyl is glossier back here and all seats are in good condition. The simple plastic steering wheel shares its column with a tachometer behind which we find the faux wood panels of the instrument cluster, a combination of round gauges and a simple, square speedometer. Vent controls are in the center above an AM/FM/Cassette player which is not working, but the AM/FM/CD player under the dash is! We also have a trio of auxiliary gauges mounted underneath as well, while the faux woodgrain enhanced snakehead console is the base for the shifter, an ashtray, and storage compartment. Black loop carpet covers the floor and looks good while the gray headliner above could use a refresh. The trunk shows usage and contains a plaid vinyl mat.
Drivetrain
The engine bay is wonderfully clean and has lots of space around the 360ci V8 with an Edelbrock intake married to a 4-barrel carburetor. Headers are visible as they make their way south. An A727 TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission is behind the powerplant and sends power to an 8 inch rear. Power brakes are supplied with the standard disc front, drum rear configuration.
Undercarriage
Clean conditions underneath with touches of surface rust and evidence of driving. The dual exhaust flows into an X, then splits to travel through stainless mufflers, then exit out back via oval chrome tips. Torsion bar suspension floats the front while leaf springs carry the back.
Drive-Ability
The 360 sparks to life with a pump of the gas and a turn of the key and we gently roll this clean machine around test loop where it provides some devilish acceleration, some fiendish exhaust notes, and overall DEMONstrated it could be driven anywhere, as our consignor notes. It is a comfortable cabin, sparse by today's standards, simple for the times when faux woodgrain was a cosmetic upgrade the way carbon fiber is today. Meanwhile, a few demonic issues, including the heater blower not working, the fender mounted signals do not illuminate, and there's a slight pull to the left while driving. All other functions onboard worked as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
If you have a modern Demon, this is a natural addition to your stable. If you're a Mopar aficionado, ditto. If you always loved the way the hood scoops work with the unique tail light to create an ultra cool car and unmistakable muscle car, then this is a fine example to consider. Feel free to bring a priest along to exorcise this Demon from our building. He can ride shotgun on the way home.
LL29G1B267118
L-Dodge Demon
L-Low Price Class
29-2 Door Sport Hardtop
G-318ci 2bbl V8
1-1971
B-Hamtramck, MI Assy Plant
267118-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
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