One-Owner 1972 Dodge Demon Sat in Storage for 30 Years, Now Alive with Mystery V8

Just a year into its life cycle, the Dart, much like its sister model, the Plymouth Valiant, was heavily redesigned with new styling, revised mechanical bits, a wider track and an updated interior, just to name a few things.

More changes occurred in the early 1970s, when the Swinger 340 flagship specification made way for the Demon 340. This took place in 1971, resulting in a 275-horsepower engine, with an available 4-speed manual gearbox and optional hood scoops. In 1972, Dodge also introduced a revised grille, fender-mounted ‘Demon’ badges, plus a few other changes that made this V8-powered compact car slightly more appealing.

In terms of performance, these cars were never on par with any of the heavy hitters from that muscle car era, but they did have their moments – case in point, this handsome 1972 Demon we just found getting auctioned off while wearing Medium Tan Metallic.

That’s not all it’s wearing though. But first, a little backstory. The car is said to have been purchased new by the current seller back in November of 1971, and was used as a bracket racer briefly before being placed into storage for several decades. Until the early 2000s, apparently.

Visual highlights include the black side stripes, hood accents and graphics, dual hood scoops, chrome bumpers, Demon 340 badging, dual mirrors, plus a set of American Racing 15” wheels with BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires. Meanwhile, mods include a Magnum Force tubular K-member, rack-and-pinion steering, double-adjustable front coilovers, custom rear traction bars, and Wilwood calipers over drilled and slotted rotors on all four wheels.

Inside, you’ll find black vinyl front bucket seats and rear bench, to match the dashboard cover, center console and door panels. The car also comes with faux woodgrain trim, an under-dash switch panel, lap and shoulder harness belts, an Alpine CD stereo with Infinity speakers, a three-spoke Tuff steering wheel, Intellitronix digital display and a set of AutoMeter gauges.

What’s particularly interesting though is the replacement 340 ci R8 V8 unit, overbored and stroked to approximately 404 ci. The engine was also fitted with a Bullet Racing Cams billet steel roller camshaft, forged-steel I-beam connecting rods, Diamond Racing hypereutectic pistons, stainless-steel valves, beehive-style valve springs, and a Rollmaster nitride-hardened double-roller timing chain.

Then there’s the Holley 850-cfm carburetor, Edelbrock intake manifold and cylinder heads, tubular exhaust headers, aluminum radiator with dual electric fans, and the electronic ignition components.

According to the seller, the car is probably putting down around 400 whp, which is roughly 500 horsepower at the crank. They also claim that it can cover a quarter mile in 11 seconds flat, consistently, maybe even high-10s if you strap on a set of slicks. As for the transmission, it’s a modified 727 three-speed automatic, sending power to the rear wheels.

We have to admit, this is a pretty sweet ride, and one that should make its future owner very happy.