1968 Dodge HEMI Dart L023

The 1968 Dodge Hemi Dart L023 is reputed to be the fastest factory musclecar ever produced. With less than one-hundred actually produced, they are extremely rare. The Hemi Dart left the production facility at Dodge with special lightweight fenders, bumpers, hood, and special polymer windows, but with no drivetrain. It's next stop was at Hurst Performance's Facility in Michigan where they shoehorned specially prepared 12.5:1 compression ratio 426 Race Hemis into the modified engine bay for one purpose: Competition Drag Racing. The real wheel wheels were also modified to allow for larger drag race slicks. At least one of the shocktowers had to be modified for "proper" engine clearance. From the factory, the Hemi Darts were also missing heater, radio, sound deadening material, console, carpet, window regulators, and armrests. They tipped the scales at a mere 3,000 pounds. Horsepower was rated at 425. The rear end ratio was 4:88 with the 4 speed and 4:86 with a 2,600 stall speed torque converter automatic. The best 1/4 mile E/T runs with the finished product are reported to be in the low 10's and, with further tweaking, into the 9's in 1968. In the picture above, notice the twin 4 barrel carburetors atop the venerable Race Hemi in the Dart to the left and the special race hood on the Dart to the right. These cars are one of my favorite musclecars because of their minimalist approach, no bling, and purpose built focus on racing.