This is the car that was never built. Tom Hoover (father of the Hemi) specified how they were going to build a 1971 Superstock Demon. Memos went back and forth with very specific details of how the car would be built. In the end, the project was scrapped – nobody knows why. 40 years later, these documents were discovered and I set out to have the car built. It was a lot of fun!
By the time the 1971 model year rolled around, Chrysler’s performance fueled brain trust in Highland Park, led by Tom Hoover, was ready for an encore to the hugely-successful 1968 Hemi Darts (they and their sister Plymouths had just required an NHRA rules change that moved them up as the exclusive machines in the SS/A and SS/AA classes). To showcase Dodge’s latest offering, the fastback Demon, Hoover decided an invasion of the NHRA SS/ CA (then province of the COPO Camaros and ’65 A990 Mopars) was in order. As outlined in an internal memo dated November 3, 1970, the 50 cars (NHRA’s minimum for legality) stated that, in Hoover’s terminology, “these jobs would be built along the lines of the 1968 Dart GTS model; that is a Demon sport coupe with a modified 440 wedge engine and transmission.”
That 440 would be a modified V-code (Six Pack) engine, with a Max Wedge breathing system up on top. This was a special 2406517 machined head with a 2406518 head casting (assigned part number 2406736). For high rpm heat, OEM Six Pack stuff would replaced by maximum service exhaust valves (part number 2402322) and valve locks (part number 2403312). For induction, it was cross-ram – the 2402332 intake manifold and offset Carter 3705S carburetors • (Mopar part number 2463977).
After adapting the engine to the car using a motor-mount change, all examples were scheduled for the beefler G-Series version of the A727 TorqueFlite {the memo makes note of the fact that in late 1970 Chrysler had about 50 Super Stock transmissions available). This would be backed by a 440-spec prop shaft with 7290 universal joints, the 7290 rear universal joint flange, and a tight-geared standard 8 3/4 differential (no stick cars, remember) The car would be upgraded with a larger D-Series A-Body radiator used for 383-equipped cars, and a special steel hood with a functional scoop was specified. On the inside, A-100 Bostrum lightweight seats were specified along with “Swiss Cheese” seat brackets and a “Business Coupe” trim panel replacing the rear seat.
We unveiled this car at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals car show in Chicago.
MCG 04-09 2-page
Mopar Action 06-10 2-page
MCG 03-10 2-page
Mopar Action 06-09 2-page
Mopar Enthusiast 11-10 2-page
