1971 Dodge Demon

The muscle car formula was simple, combine a lightweight mid-sized body and stuff the largest engine available. In 1971, the Dodge Demon joined the lineup, complete with a factory 340 V8, providing 14-second quarter-mile times. With the 440 big-block and Max Wedge heads, the times dropped to the nines.

The Dodge Dart was the base trim level and was available as a sedan and hardtop and was fitted with all the federally mandated safety and pollution systems. A new version of the Dart, called the Demon, utilized the Plymouth Duster's body. It rode on a chassis that had been shortened by three-inches and the length decreased by about four inches. The base engine was a 198-CID Slant Six engine that offered 125 horsepower. Standard equipment included black rubber floor mats and black sidewall tires. The Demon name could be found on the right side of the rear escutcheon panel and on the front fenders.

The Demon 340 was a high-performance option that came equipped with a 340-CID V8 engine, a floor-mounted three-speed manual transmission, performance bodyside and rear deck panel tape stripes, and a Rallye suspension.

In early February of 1971, the Demon 'Sizzler' was introduced as a package for the base Demon. It had side hood stripes, racing mirrors, a special steering wheel, Rallye wheels, and several other features.

The 'Demon' name would continue through 1972. 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.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2015