1972 Dodge Demon

In 1971, the Dodge Dart line gained a version of Plymouth's Valiant-based fastback Duster and gave it the name 'Dart Demon.' The name remained part of the line for only a short time, and in 1973 it was renamed 'Dart Sport' due to Christian groups' criticisms and grievances about the 'Demon' name and the logo which depicted a devil with a pitchfork.

The Demon wore the Plymouth Duster's body, Dart-type front fender wheel lips, pivoting rear quarter windows, Demon nameplates located on the right side of the rear escutcheon panel and on the front fenders, and powered by a standard 198 cubic-inch Slant Six engine. Standard equipment included black rubber floor mats and 6.45 x 14 polyester black sidewall tires. The high-performance version was called the 'Demon 340' and came equipped with a 340 cubic-inch V8 engine backed by a three-speed manual transmission. It rode on E70-14 belted black sidewall tires, and had a Rallye suspension with sway bar, floor-mounted transmission shifter, and performance bodyside and rear deck panel tap stripes. An optional hood was available later in the year, with dual air scoops and a pair of tie-down pins.

The Demon 'Sizzler' was introduced in early February of 1971, priced at $141, and came with rally wheels, racing mirrors, side hood stripes, unique steering wheels, plus over a dozen other upgrades.

1972 Dodge Demon
For 1972 the Dodge Demon remained mostly unchanged, with only minor changes to the grille and an updated interior. Mechanically, the Demon complied with federal mandated safety and pollution requirements. The base engine was the 198 cubic-inch Slant Six with overhead valves and offering 100 horsepower. This engine had a reduction in power by 25HP over the prior year's 198 Slant Six. The Demon 340 featured the 340-CID V8 with overhead valves now rated at 240 horsepower. (The 1971 version had 275 HP).

The Demon name could be found on the ride side of the rear escutcheon panel and on the front fenders. Vehicles fitted with the six-cylinder engine had 6.45 x 14 black sidewall tires while the V8 cars had 6.95 x 14 black sidewall tires. The 340 Demons rode on E70-14 belted black sidewall tires and had a three-speed manual transmission. Other features given to the 340 Demon were performance bodyside and rear deck panel tape stripes, a Rallye suspension, and a floor-mounted shifter.

Pricing began at $2,310 and rose to $2,760 for the 340 Coupe. Around 8,700 buyers selected the high-performance 340 Coupe, while 39,880 select the basic coupe version of the Demon.

by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2013