Dodge Demon 340
The Dodge Demon 340 was Chrysler's entry in the budget muscle car wars of the early 1970s, combining the proven A-body Dart platform with the legendary 340 cubic inch small-block V8 to create a lightweight, affordable performance car that could embarrass bigger, more expensive machines. Named with devilish humor, the Demon 340 represented the last gasp of accessible, no-frills muscle car performance before emissions regulations and insurance costs killed the genre.
The Demon was essentially the Dodge version of the Plymouth Duster, sharing the same A-body platform with its distinctive fastback coupe body style. The name 'Demon' was chosen for its mischievous connotations, and Dodge leaned into the theme with a cartoon devil logo that appeared on the car's badges. The marketing was playful and youth-oriented, targeting the same young buyers who had fueled the muscle car boom of the late 1960s.
The 340 engine was widely regarded as one of Chrysler's finest small-block V8 designs. Displacing 340 cubic inches from its 4.04-inch bore and 3.31-inch stroke, the engine featured large-port cylinder heads, a high-performance camshaft, and a Carter AVS four-barrel carburetor. The factory rating of 275 horsepower (SAE gross) was competitive with larger engines from competitors, and the 340's willingness to rev made it exceptionally entertaining to drive.
At approximately 3,100 pounds, the Demon 340 was significantly lighter than the mid-size muscle cars of the era. This weight advantage, combined with the 340's excellent power-to-weight ratio, made the Demon remarkably quick. Period road tests recorded 0-60 mph times in the mid-6-second range and quarter-mile times in the low to mid-14-second range, figures that compared favorably with many big-block-powered competitors.
The Demon 340 package included the 340 V8, heavy-duty suspension, power front disc brakes, dual exhaust, Rallye gauge cluster with tachometer, heavy-duty cooling, and a performance hood with twin scoops. The exterior was distinguished by Demon 340 striping along the bodysides and the distinctive cartoon devil logo. Options included a four-speed manual transmission with Hurst shifter, Sure-Grip limited-slip differential, and various wheel and tire packages.
The Demon name lasted only two years before religious groups pressured Chrysler into changing it. For 1973, the car was renamed the Dart Sport, though the 340 engine option continued. This brief production run has added to the Demon 340's collectibility, as the 'Demon' name carries more cachet among enthusiasts than the more pedestrian 'Dart Sport' designation.
Total production of the Demon 340 was approximately 10,098 units in 1971 and 8,700 in 1972, making it reasonably uncommon today. Many were driven hard and few have survived in original condition. Well-preserved examples are increasingly sought after by collectors who appreciate the car's combination of light weight, responsive engine, and playful character.
The Demon name on the car is a key value factor; don't confuse with the later Dart Sport. Verify through the fender tag decode. The 340 engine should have correct casting numbers and date codes. Check for rust in the floors, trunk, and rear quarter panels typical of A-body Mopars. The fastback body style has unique rear glass and C-pillar that can be expensive to replace. Four-speed manual cars command a significant premium. The cartoon devil badges are frequently missing and expensive to reproduce.
The Demon 340 was produced for 1971 and 1972 model years only. For 1973, the name was changed to Dart Sport 340 following complaints from religious organizations about the 'Demon' name. Production: approximately 10,098 (1971) and 8,700 (1972). The 340 engine was replaced by the 360 for 1974.