A Real Speed Demon
Today’s featured car comes from an oft-forgotten line: a Dodge Dart variant, the Demon. This nameplate was available for just two years from 1971-72, before being withdrawn from sale after Christian groups protested. Despite this short run, and the Dart’s (unfairly gained) mediocre reputation, it obviously struck a chord with Mopar fanatic Bill Sefton. As such, he commissioned a 1971 Dodge Demon like no other, to be built by Mike Staveski of Hudson, Florida. Inspired by the legendary works that came out of Mr Norm’s Grand Spaulding Dodge, it’s a car that makes regular demons look like seraphim.
Built as a tribute to the GSS Demon, it began as a standard, second-hand 1971 Dodge. This baby needed new sheet metal to bring its body up to the standard you see before you, and the interior needed work too. The old crank windows have been replaced with electrics, with the switches mounted in the center console, maintaining the original’s classic looks. There’s also a new Sony entertainment system, paired with upgraded speakers.
As for the mechanicals, well, they’re somewhat ridiculous. The antique 5.6 liter V8 has been ripped out and replaced with a 6.1 liter Hemi with an Imagine Injection Six Pack Electronic Stack system, mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The new brakes are Wilwood discs, and the car now rides on coilovers. Sefton uses this as a daily driver, and I can absolutely see why. I mean, wouldn’t you? It’s a true speed Demon.
