Following in the footsteps of Plymouth’s Valiant-based Duster, the Dodge division got its own corporate cousin a year later, with the Dart Demon making its first appearance for the 1971 model year. While both cars are very similar outside, there’s something about the thought of driving around in a car where the letter “M” in its emblem is red and shaped like a pitchfork that’s satisfying, or at least I would have thought so in my younger days. The seller reports that this 1971 Dodge Demon here on eBay is a one-owner example, which is said to already be running and driving well. However, it also seems like a good candidate to take to a higher level. This one’s located in Clermont, Florida, with the no-reserve auction up to $9,600.
Sales weren’t as strong as its Plymouth counterpart, and legend has it that the reason the car’s name was changed to the Dart Sport in ’73 was because of controversy over the Demon moniker. The seller claims this one is a barn find that was originally from California, but it relocated to Florida in the early 2000s, with no mention of what period it was barn-bound. While there is some rust on the driver’s quarter, most of the rest of the body appears straight and solid, and there’s only been one respray in its original color of B5 blue back in the nineties.
With such a radical name, one might think the Demon would come standard with a high-performance V8. However, a slant-six was the base powerplant, which was available in two sizes, measuring either 198 or 225 cubic inches. Next in line was a V8 of the 318 variety, which is what you’ll find under the hood here. It’s been confirmed as the original component, with a healthy sound and nice rumble in the video provided. The original automatic is no longer present, as it apparently failed decades ago, but was replaced with an identical transmission.
Not original to the car are the bucket seats, as this one came with a bench, and the factory radio has been replaced with a JVC unit that includes a cassette player. The dashboard shows some cracks, and the headliner is listed as needing replacement, but overall, this one looks fairly good inside. My gut here is to enjoy driving this one for a while before doing anything, then start making some improvements down the road. However, I could also understand the urge to take things to a higher level sooner. What would you do with this 1971 Dodge Dart Demon?
Let’s see. Blue engine that should be orange. Front fender demon cast and not a decal. Non rally instrument cluster. Sure seems to be a 1972? Late ’71 production maybe? Cool car, though.
The 318 wouldn’t be orange. Blue is the correct color for this standard V-8.
Absolutely correct, 2010CayenneGTS. 1970 and beyond, they were blue.
Engine is correct blue color. Older v8s were red
When this first popped up I thought, what a screaming bargain. One owner, V8 (although not a 340), buckets, wonderful B5 Blue. Great candidate for a refresh to original with plenty of upside potential. Then I saw the rust and all that changed.
I’m not sure where this will land on sale price. Neat car, great year, lots of pluses. But the patch panel or worse repair will probably lead to other rust areas and more cost. For sure it will require a strip and respray, I’m guessing $10K for that part of the restore..
Certainly worth more than $9600.00, I’d guess around $14K just for the fact that it is so complete.
Almost had my bid button going…
These Demon/Duster twins are growing on me. Nice rake in profile but what’s up with the exposed speakers in the doors? Somebody like me could end up putting a foot through the cone.
If I got it, those speakers would be relegated to the dustbin.
Love it.
cool ride and another with a picture of pops. gotta love it. would be nice redone but won’t be cheap to do
Nice looking car. I’ve always loved the 1970-71 Dodge Dart and 1970-72 Plymouth Valiant/Duster.
Somebody changed the seats they sure dont match the door trim panels
It clearly states the original bench seat was replaced with buckets.
It has rust but it can be fixed. Get rid of those 1980’s aftermarket mirrors.
42,000 Orig Miles ? im thinking more like 140k car is in pretty bad shape for only having 42k
I’d agree, except it has a picture of the speedometer, which nowadays qualifies as “proof”.
Steve R
Blowing black smoke out the pipes.
I agree with Robert. Likely 142k judging by the condition. I would need a lot more proof than the 5 digit odometer.
As an owner of a 1971 340/auto and a 1972 340/4 speed Demon’s…..this is still a good buy at 10g’s….
Easily a 142,000 car with that kind of owner. Cali car so kinda didn’t exspect the rust in the body/frame you can see at the door. Rear quarter rust would be typical of a car that was left outside – sunny Cali ?
The seats and speakers will be gone fast so not to worry.
Yes and no, they would typically rust at the bottom of the front fenders behind the wheels where dirt and leaves would collect, eventually blocking drainage. They would also often rust behind the rear wheels and wheel arches where dirt would collect and stay wet once water was introduced. GM cars were notorious for rusting and the base of the rear window, which would eventually cause the trunk to rust, even though you might not get any rain for months at a time, you’d get condensation most night introducing a fresh supply of water which promoted rust. This car looks like it had some form dirt build up behind the drivers rear wheels where water was then introduced. The first thing I’d do whenever I bought a car was clean out the drop offs on either side of the trunk, the amount of “dirt” I’d dig out of some cars was shocking.
Steve R