Dodge launched the Dart Demon in 1971 as a stylish economy car, but in 340 form, it offered excellent performance. The badge would survive for a mere two years, but these cars remain firm favorites among Mopar enthusiasts more than fifty years after the last rolled off the line. This 1971 Demon 340 presents superbly, although a few enhancements mean it isn’t totally original. The photos and listing text suggest it needs nothing beyond a new home. The seller is offering the Demon here on eBay in Atherton, California. Bidding has passed the reserve to sit at $16,100.
Dodge introduced the Demon in 1971 as an alternative to the Plymouth Duster. It achieved ready acceptance, with 69,861 cars finding new homes during that model year. The Demon 340 was the range-topping model that represented excellent value for money courtesy of its sticker price of $2,721. That equates to around $20,300 today, which is why 10,098 buyers drove away in a car capable of producing a sub-15-second ¼-mile ET. The history of this Demon is unclear, although its spotless presentation suggests it has undergone a recent restoration. Its Bright White paint looks flawless, complemented by Black graphics and a matching vinyl top that is in as-new condition. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and the underside shots reveal the Demon’s beauty is more than skin deep. There is the occasional spot of dry surface corrosion but no evidence of penetrating rust. With its dual scoops, the hood adds a sense of purpose, as do the spotless 15″ Rallye wheels. There are no glass issues, and the trim is excellent.
If you think the Demon’s exterior makes a positive impression, that is emphasized by its interior presentation. I always hesitate to use the term “perfect” to describe any aspect of a classic with five decades under its belt, but this Dodge has no genuine faults. The seats look stunning in Black and Gray vinyl, with no signs of wear or damage. The carpet is spotless, the dash is incredible, and the faux timber has avoided the typical fading and lifting issues. The driver grips a chunky sports wheel, looking through this at a sports gauge cluster. The company’s desire to market the Demon to a price point means this car isn’t loaded with luxury extras. However, the new owner will undoubtedly welcome the AM radio.
The “Demon 340” designation is a dead giveaway regarding what engine powers this Dodge. The 340ci V8 produces 275hp and 340 ft/lbs of torque. This feeds to the rear wheels via a three-speed A-727 automatic transmission. This combination launches the Demon through the ¼-mile in 15.1 seconds, heading to 126mph. The ET is slower than I quoted earlier, but the automatic impacts performance. Buyers could also select from a three or four-speed manual transmission, which can drop the figure into 14-second territory. There is a bit to absorb about this Dodge. The engine isn’t original, but it is in excellent health. It must sound wonderful exhaling through the dual exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers. The suspension features a front sway bar and rear coil-overs that will improve handling. It seems there are no mechanical issues or problems, with potential buyers able to consider it a turnkey proposition.
The 1971 Dodge Demon sold in impressive numbers, although it always played second fiddle to the Plymouth Duster. The 340 variant found ready acceptance in the market due to its remarkable value. Total Demon sales dropped by over 40% in 1972, but surprisingly, 340 production only decreased by around 14%. However, the writing was on the wall for the Demon, with external pressure influencing the company’s decision to drop the badge in 1973. This car is a gem, but it isn’t the first time it has hit the market. I located a previous listing indicating it sold at auction approximately two months ago for $63,500. Can it achieve that figure again? Only time will tell.
Great article, and fantastic car, proving that white need not be boring! I wonder why it is listed again so soon after the last sale.
Flipping it for a higher price?
It’s not likely a flipper. This a no reserve auction, that’s not likely to get anywhere close to the sale price of two months ago. Atherton is in the heart of silicone valley, many tech companies are undergone several rounds of layoffs with many announced since the new year, it could be that or as simple of someone buying it then realizing a 50 year old car without modern conveniences such as overdrive and power brakes aren’t their thing. A flippers goal is to make money, the chance of that happening the way this car is being offered up for sale is more than remote.
Steve R
I don’t think the picture represents the real car. The back ground looks like a magazine add.
IMO the only way this beauty could be better, would be sans the vinyl top and with the console! GLWTA!! :-)
I love a 340 as much as anyone but flipping a car you paid 64 grand for & your expecting what? We have seen better equipped 340s go for less like with A/C which I thought you couldn’t get ! I am getting old!
I ordered a 70 Duster 340 sight unseen. 4 speed, power everything, buckets, console, A/C, limited slip 3.55 (I think!). Put headers and a cold air intake kit on it. 14.4 et all day long. Got side swiped by a city bus, sand blasted by Hurricane Camile, and TBoned by a pickup going into the base at Norfolk. Had 10 Mickey D/s chocolate milk shakes in the seat for my squadron’s basket ball team. Couldn’t get the smell out so I sold it. Wish I still had it, most fun of the 100+ cars I’ve ever owned!
Quick question : where’s the speedometer ?
On left side of dash, where the odometer is reads 0-15
Someone stood tall at auction. Seems like a lot for a non-numbers matching car. Time will tell.
It is a striking car in these colors and trim, which is saying a lot considering it isn’t a high impact color.
Blare “Highway to Hell” from the windows of your Demon!
Non-numbers matching and an auto on the column? Sorry guys, someone paid waaaaaaay too much. Awesome looking car, though.
I just bid $30,000…that is the top of the safe zone for this car being that it is non-numbers and an automatic on the column.
Please Keep us informed. It’s a sharp looking mild weather cruiser.
I’d be very careful. This “seller” used the exact pics from BAT and the write-up is extremely generic. Sorry, but this has scam written all over it. Their listing shows they’re supposedly in Atherton, very close to me, so I contacted them asking to view the car. Let’s see if they message me back. I sure am not holding my breath. Caveat emptor.
Super cool looking ride here Michael 😎 good luck. You pop a 3.91 gear ⚙️ in these 340/Torq-flite cars and they respond bigtime.
340 was/is agreat motor!!
A nice driver. Find the correct upholstery and you’ll definitely get north of $20K for this car.
Outstanding, four speed shifter sticking out of floor is all it needs.
Makes me miss my 71 340/auto Demon and the 72 340/4sp Demon which I sold as Mopar’s were rising….the 71 had no scoops but the 72 had the 2 into one scoop that looked the best….dang why did I sell that one……..
Its completely gone from Ebay. It must have been a scam…