Halloween Interior: 1971 Dodge Demon 340
I’ve always wondered whether there is any such thing as automotive perfection because it is possible to find fault with most classics. However, this 1971 Dodge Demon 340 gives that title a fair shake. It has undergone a meticulous restoration, with the seller leaving no stone unturned in their quest for a perfect score. It features what appears to be only two aftermarket additions, and its overall condition means it would look right at home gracing the floors of a Dodge showroom. Therefore, deciding to part with this stunning gem must have been hard. However, it is listed for sale here on eBay in Naples, Florida. Bidding sits below the reserve at $45,750, but there is a BIN option of $69,500 for those who view it as an automotive “must-have.”
Some paint colors are developed to be subtle and subdued, but those labels could never be attached to Chrysler’s Hemi Orange. That is the shade gracing the panels of this Demon, with the Fender Tag and Window Sticker confirming that it is the color selected by the car’s original owner. It looks flawless and is beautifully contrasted by the Black vinyl top and matching stripes. The exterior shines like a new penny, and the lack of visible chips suggests the Dodge has seen little active service since the restoration ended. The panels are laser-straight, and the selection of underside shots confirms this classic is rust-free. The rear spoiler and hood scoops add a sense of purpose, while the Rallye wheels wrapped in period-correct Goodyear Polyglas tires add to the visual appeal. The chrome and glass are free from problems, and there’s no doubt this Demon will draw crowds wherever it goes.
The theme of spotless presentation continues when we examine this Demon’s interior, and this shot also reveals an aftermarket stereo mounted below the dash. It is the only addition to an interior that presents as its creators intended. However, the most striking aspect is the trim combination on the seats. It is often referred to as “Halloween” trim and continues the exterior’s bold theme of Black and Orange. It helps this classic to stand out from the crowd, and it is virtually impossible to find anything worth criticizing. The seats show no wear, with the remaining upholstered surfaces equally immaculate. The dash, console, and carpet are spotless, and the faux woodgrain is free from the typical wear and damage that can make an interior look tired. I tried to establish how many of these cars emerged from the factory with this trim combination, but I drew a blank on that score. However, I expect we have knowledgeable readers who might be able to clarify that question.
This is a Demon 340, so there are no prizes for guessing the capacity of the V8 occupying its engine bay. The 340ci powerplant sends 275hp and 340 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission. The car features power steering, but there is no such assistance for the brakes. This classic’s ability to storm the ¼-mile in 15.1 seconds confirms it is more than a pretty face. A previous owner treated the numbers-matching engine to a rebuild, and the video embedded in the listing demonstrates it runs like a top. There are no signs of smoke or odd noises, making this gem a turnkey proposition. The only apparent modification is an Edelbrock carburetor, although the seller includes the original unit. The car comes with an enormous collection of documentation tracing its history and restoration.
This 1971 Dodge Demon 340 would not be the ideal weapon for an enthusiast seeking to blend into the background because its extrovert paint shade guarantees that won’t happen. However, combining the exterior and interior paint and trim allows this beautiful classic to stand proudly against almost any vehicle plying our roads. It appears to need nothing and will appeal to someone unwilling or unable to perform a classic restoration. It has received ten bids, which is a lower figure than I would typically expect. Of course, time remains on this auction, meaning the action could intensify as the end draws near. Someone might throw caution to the wind and hit the BIN button, and would you blame them if they did? I certainly wouldn’t.
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Comments
In the January 1971 issue of Motor Trend the Dodge Demon ran 14.49 quarter mile.
Put a 3.91 anti-spin assembly out back, Matthew and you’ll really move down the quarter.
Agree Matthew, A 340 “A” body in the 70’ or 71’ model year (minus AC of course) with either 4 speed or 727 auto would be a mid 14 second car or better, especially if optioned with the 3:91 sure grip rear axle…….
my original owner, stock, still owned, 72 duster 340 is 14.4 at 94-96 since new at about 800 ft above sea level. Slows to 14.7 at 94 if it’s really hot.
Not speculation or bench racing, have time slips and old vhs tape of this.
For some reason, the high compression 70,71 doesn’t really ET much better than mine. Sometimes they mph a little better.
My boy raced it in the late 90’s. Same thing. All Michigan, ohio, Indians area.
Indiana area
Just curious ,who did the resto?
Nice car.
Glad Al Bundy took car of it with Peggy.
Its a lil pricey but so is everything.
I am sure it will hold up as a daiky driver.
Reminds me of mine out of high school. But mine never looked this perfect. This is as good as a Demon will ever look. The go-wing looks wrong to my eyes, but my memory could be faulty. Yes, mine would run in the 14’s with 3:91 gears.
Just can’t get over 69k , or even 45K for a Demon, even one this nice. That is modern hotrod territory. The first howling, out of control corner you hit at modest speed, or 70 with 3:91’s will make wish you had a current GT350 or similar.
340’s were fun and affordable in the day and I guess some prefer the throwback experience. It is not really a fair comparison, except on price and value.
Wow. A restoration like this pretty much guarantees it’s going to be a trailer queen all its’ life or the value will be doing a free fall. I remember one like this in the area where I grew up but I don’t know if it had this kind of engine. Again, wow!
Cool car, bit pricey. They really aren’t that good looking, and more expensive than a GM A body.
Learned to drive stick in a 1970 Duster, 318 3 speed. My married sister would come over and she’d let me take the keys! Surprised I didn’t hurt that heavy clutch. My brother in law put a silly wood wing on the back, even at 16 I knew that was reaching. Traded on a 4 speed Chevette, learned a whole different clutch feel on that.
Not good looking ? Some people would say a 68 Chevelle isnt good looking; its a matter of taste of course, but I dont think many old car enthusiasts would say a car like this isnt good looking
I never cared for hemi orange, or any orange for that matter, but I guess I never saw it like this before. Fantastic!
Halloween Interior: scary!
My 71 Charger 500 came from the factory Hemi Orange with the Halloween Interior. Super cool combo!
GM A body had to be one of the ugliest cars of the period.
True I am a Mopar fan boy, but not in all cases. I personally don’t like the 68-70 Charger (asidd for the gas cap) and the only roadrunner that looks good to me would be a 71 or 72.
I think that the Duster/Demon twins were pretty nice, but especially with the round rally gages.
Well now, when you look at this car I see a very desirable piece. The 71 Demon was the first year for dodge and with the dart front end it sleeked the lines out compared to the Duster. Front wheel wells and contoured nose with the thin front bumper and under pan. This made the front end look longer. Although I’m not a Orange fan this one looks good.
Adding a 750 Holley, headers and a MP 484 cam this car would run in the low 12’s. I know I’ve built these things for years. That 340 in the 71 was so underrated it wasn’t even funny. I beat the crap out of many cars with mine back then. Closer to 325hp stock. Very beautiful car.
Owned both a 1971 340/auto in green and a 1972 340/4sp in this color….both # matching but those were the 80’s so when you got offered more money you sold.
This is nice and with the rep from GSD it’s like a Balwin or Nicky Chevy with priced like that…..and did someone say #’s matching ?
SOLD for $45,999.
I don’t think this sold. I think whatever price was minimum didn’t get bid.
Top bid 45999
I sold my 71 Demon 340 4 speed about a year and a half ago to Beverly Hills Car Club, I got descent bucks for it but wish I would have kept it, had it for 32 years and only got beat once, that’s when I learned how to shift it. It’s still for sale, check it out, stock # 15074