1971
Dodge Demon 340 - "Small, light, and devilishly fast."
"In
a world where muscle cars were defined by sheer size and power, the 1971 Dodge
Demon 340 took a different approach: it was small, light, and packed with
enough punch to leave the competition in the dust."
The
1971 Dodge Demon 340 is one of those cars that, for many enthusiasts,
represents the heart and soul of the golden era of American muscle. Introduced
during the horsepower wars, the Demon was a compact car with a devilish twist—
it was not just fast; it was fast in a way that caught you off guard. With its
leaner body and potent 340-cubic-inch V8 engine, this car was built to
outperform its larger, heavier competitors.
History
Built on Speed and Spirit
In
the early 1970s, Dodge was already well-known for its muscle cars. Models like
the Charger and Challenger were household names in the world of performance.
But with the 1971 Dodge Demon 340, Dodge wanted to do something different. The
idea was simple: take the compact Dart, add a potent engine, give it a lighter
frame, and make it accessible to the everyday speed enthusiast. The result? A
car that offered not just raw performance but also affordability and
practicality, all wrapped up in a devilish design.
The
man behind this creation was Dodge's design chief, Harold "Red"
Poling, who envisioned a car that could be both stylish and aggressive.
Alongside Poling, the team worked tirelessly to create a small, agile vehicle
that was deceptively powerful—a car that could take on the giants of the muscle
car world and hold its own.
The Demon
Roars to Life
Powered
by a 340-cubic-inch V8 engine, the 1971 Demon could churn out 275 horsepower
and 340 lb.-ft of torque. It might not sound overwhelming by today's standards,
but in a car weighing around 3,200 pounds, it was enough to make the Demon 340
a legitimate terror.
In
fact, one of the reasons the Demon gained a reputation so quickly was its
ability to punch above its weight class. As one reviewer humorously put it,
"It might look like a grocery getter, but step on the gas and it’ll turn
your weekly shopping trip into a NASCAR qualifying lap!"
This
combination of compact size, powerful engine, and sharp handling made the Demon
a favorite among gearheads, especially those who wanted a car that was not only
fast but also practical for daily use. And speaking of practicality, Demon’s
initial price was remarkably low compared to its competitors. When it debuted
in 1971, a brand-new Dodge Demon 340 could be had for just $2,721—a true
bargain for the performance it offered.
Sales,
Success, and Challenges
While
Demon 340 was beloved by many enthusiasts, it did face challenges in the
marketplace. Despite its impressive performance, sales were hindered by its
controversial name and the growing pressure from insurance companies cracking
down on muscle cars. The car’s aggressive branding—complete with a devilish
logo—rubbed certain groups the wrong way. However, these issues did not stop the
Demon from leaving its mark.
In
terms of production numbers, 1971 was the peak year for the Demon, with over
10,000 units sold. By the time production ended in 1972, the Demon had become a
cult classic, with enthusiasts recognizing it as one of the most underrated
muscle cars of its time. Today, a well-preserved Demon 340 in solid condition
can fetch upwards of $45,000 at auctions, quite different from its original
price tag.
|
Year |
Original
Price |
Current
Price in Solid Condition |
|
1971 |
$2,721 |
$45,000 |
Colors and
Iconic Styles
The
1971 Dodge Demon 340 was available in a variety of colors, ranging from subtle
to striking. Popular choices included Plum Crazy, Hemi Orange, Sublime Green,
and Top Banana. However, the most iconic color for the Demon must be Plum Crazy
Purple—a hue that not only embodied the rebellious spirit of the muscle car era
but also gave the Demon a visual edge over its competition.
Performance
and Engine Specs
The
Demon’s performance was more than just numbers on paper, it was an experience.
With its responsive handling and blistering acceleration, the Demon was built
for more than just straight-line speed.
Engine Specifications
|
Type |
Size |
Carb |
Horsepower |
Torque |
|
V8 |
340 cu in |
4-barrel |
275 hp |
340 lb.-ft |
Performance
Stats
|
0
to 60 mph |
Quarter
Mile |
Engine |
Engine
Source |
|
6.0 seconds |
14.4 seconds |
340 V8 |
Dodge |
Controversy
and Cult Status
The
Dodge Demon 340 was not just a performance marvel; it also courted controversy
with its devilish name and imagery. Dodge found itself in hot water with some
conservative groups, which led to a rebranding effort in later years. Despite
this, or perhaps because of it, the Demon cemented itself as a symbol of
rebellious youth and raw American horsepower.
The
car also made waves on the drag strip, where it became a popular choice among
amateur racers due to its power-to-weight ratio and relative affordability.
1971's Demon Day Drag Nationals is still remembered by muscle car enthusiasts
as one of the most thrilling showcases of raw speed and driving
skill—highlighting just how competitive this compact muscle car could be.
The
Competition
The
Dodge Demon 340 may have been small and scrappy, but it faced fierce
competition in the muscle car arena. Rivals like the Chevrolet Nova SS, Ford
Maverick Grabber, and Plymouth Duster 340 all vied for the same space. However,
the Demon’s unique combination of size, power, and affordability sets it apart,
creating a legacy that remains to this day.
Conclusion
"The
1971 Dodge Demon 340 was not just another muscle car; it was a momentous change.
With its lightweight design, powerful V8 engine, and rebellious attitude, it
made a lasting impact on the automotive world that still resonates with
enthusiasts today."
As
we look back on the era of American muscle, the Dodge Demon 340 was not just
fast; it was fast with flair. And in a world of increasingly homogenized
vehicles, that kind of personality is what makes the Demon a true legend.
Dodge Demon
340 Production Models (1960-1970)
|
Year |
Model |
|
1970 |
Dodge Dart |
|
1971 |
Dodge Demon 340 |
|
1972 |
Dodge Demon 340 |