Dodge Dart Hemi L023 1968

Car producer : 

Dodge

Model:

Dart Hemi L023 1968

Year:

1968

Type:

Coupe



A limited option for 1968 only, code L023, were the Hurst-reworked Hemi Darts, using the 426 Hemi engine. These special models (only 80 were made) were created strictly for drag racing, and included a non-warranty disclaimer. On February 20, 1968, corporate headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan, sent out a press release to Dodge dealerships across the country, It was a promotional pitch purposed at selling drag ready, Hemi powered Darts. The press release stated that Dodge wanted to make a factory built and ready drag racer out of the 68 Dart GTS hardtop for competition in class B super stock drag racing. Engineers stated the new Hemi Dart would reach speeds of 130 mph in less than 11 seconds and quarter mile times in the 10-11 second range, although times have been reported as low as the 9-10 second range.

To keep weight low, fiberglass fenders and hood were used. The hood featured a functional hood scoop and four hood pins for full lift off removal of the hood. Lightweight acid dipped steel doors with thin side window glass were used. The doors lacked a window mechanism and to slide the windows, a strap was attached to the bottom of the glass. To keep glass up, the strap latched to the inside of the door. The interior included only two bucket seats from a Dodge van. Center console, heater, sound deadeners, side view mirrors, radio, carpeting, and even arm rests were deleted to save weight.

The engine was a race spec 426 Hemi. The blocks were fitted with 12.5:1 compression pistons, 4.250 inch bore and 3.750 inch stroke, and fuel was fed through a pair of four barrel Holly carburetors atop a lightweight crossram aluminum intake. A high performance mopar battery was moved to the trunk to free up room.

Darts could be ordered wither either a four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmissions. Manual transmission equipped cars, code A-833, featured a Dana built 931/44 heavy duty axle with a 4.88 gear ratio, heavy duty clutch, steel bellhousing, and special torque shaft and pivots. Manual transmissions were modified by removing synchronizers which lowered the chances of missed shifts. A Hurst floor mounted shifter came standard.

The automatic transmissions were the then new Chrysler built 727 TorqueFlite three speed with 831/44 inch large stem pinion center section with a 4.86 gear set, and a 2,600rpm high speed torque converter. They were also modified with a floor mounted Hurst shifter for manual shifting.

Other features include heavy duty rear shocks, heavy duty radiator with seven blade fan to keep it cool, deep groove pulleys, a high capacity oil pump, solid-lifter cam, and a roller timing chain to reduce stretch and provide more reliable performance. A transistorized duel points breaker distributor coupled with a Prestolite ignition and solid core wires was also used.

The cars weighed approximately 3,000 lbs. The cars were designed to meet street legal requirements, but due to the modifications, the cars came with disclaimers that they were not for street use, but rather "supervised acceleration trials", or drag racing

Sold for: 155000 USD
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