Mopar Monday

Today I present for your viewing pleasure a 1971 Dodge Demon 340 in Top-Banana Yellow.

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This diecast from the Johnny Lightning Real Wheels series accurately captures early '70s Dodge quality control right down to the panel gaps :).

Illustration for article titled Mopar Monday
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Illustration for article titled Mopar Monday

My first non-diecast car was a 1:1 version of this car in this colour with a black vinyl roof and black vinyl interior. It weighed in at 3,353 pounds, with the 340 being rated at 275 gross hp @ 5,000 rpm and 340 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm. It had the optional 4-speed (with no tach) - the base transmission was a 3-speed with either the 4-speed or an automatic optional. Notable safety features included front drum brakes and an open diff!

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It was my daily driver back & forth to University and my various part-time jobs for two years, including driving it over two winters with 4 studded winter tires. I bought it used in 1974 for $800.00, and sold it two years later for $400.00. Today they're worth $20,000 - $30,000 nicely restored. Sigh... I'd love to have it back; not as an investment, just because it would be cool to have as a weekend driver.