1972 Sox & Martin Pro Stock Dodge Demon

In January of 1972, a 1972 Dodge Demon body in white arrived at the Sox & Martin shop, where it underwent a complete transformation into the car you see today. The build was overseen by Dad and Gale Mortimer, who worked tirelessly to lighten the Demon as much as possible, adhering to the principle that “nothing is lighter than a hole.” Numerous parts were modified to reduce weight, including the upper control arms, brake pedal, disc brake rotors, drums, back plates, battery hold down, and even the bolts securing the ladder bars, which were rifle-drilled. Many other components also received this weight-saving treatment.

To further reduce the car’s weight, several parts were acid-dipped, including the control arms, K member, and the entire body. The body came from the factory with foam in the quarter panels for added support. Titanium hood pins and clips were used, while magnesium wheels helped save a significant amount of weight. The fenders were lengthened by 2 inches, and the trunk area was shortened by 2 inches to meet NHRA specifications. To achieve the desired driving position, the entire floor was removed, raised by 2 inches, and then reinstalled so Dad could sit higher in the car. Additionally, the front frame rails were widened by 2 inches to accommodate an E-body K member, which provided more header room under the hood.

All of the suspension was swapped from the driver’s side to the passenger’s side to accommodate a rack and pinion steering system. The 1972 Dodge Demon was truly a labor of love, and out of all the cars built, this one held a special place in Dad’s heart as his favorite.

The car’s current form would not have been possible without the dedication of Todd Werner, who completed a remarkable restoration in the mid-2000s. Todd took exceptional care of the car, and we are forever grateful for his willingness to work with us to bring this iconic 1972 Dodge Demon back home.

The 1972 Dodge Demon is a testament to both the innovation and passion that went into its creation. With its extensive modifications, weight-saving efforts, and NHRA compliance, it remains a significant piece of automotive history.