The 1968 Dodge Hemi Dart L023 Super Stock remains the most fearsome factory-built drag car in automotive history. Dodge produced only 80 of these specialized machines to dominate the NHRA Super Stock classes. This specific example, finished in vibrant yellow, stands as a testament to Chrysler’s uncompromising pursuit of victory. Each car began as a standard Dart before traveling to Hurst Performance in Madison Heights for a radical transformation. Engineers stripped away every ounce of unnecessary weight to create a dedicated track weapon. This vehicle is now arriving at the Kissimmee 2026 auction as a premier collector opportunity. It represents a brief moment when a manufacturer sold a legitimate race car directly to the public.
Weight Reduction and Radical Hurst Bodywork
Hurst Performance executed a brutal weight-saving regimen on every 1968 Dodge Hemi Dart L023 Super Stock produced. They replaced steel body panels with lightweight fiberglass components to maximize the power-to-weight ratio. The side windows use thin Chemcor glass, held in place by simple seatbelt-style pull straps rather than heavy regulators. Furthermore, the rear quarter glass remains non-functional to save additional weight and complexity. Inside, the cabin is a lesson in minimalism with almost all comfort options deleted. Dodge installed lightweight A100 van seats to keep the driver in place while shedding several pounds. These extreme measures allowed the Dart to compete at the very edge of drag racing regulations.
Chassis Features and Original Racing Hardware
Launching a short-wheelbase car with over 400 horsepower required specialized hardware that most street cars lacked. This 1968 Dodge Hemi Dart L023 Super Stock retains its original front line locks for perfect burnouts. The chassis was reinforced to handle the violent torque of the 426 Hemi during high-RPM launches. It features a heavy-duty Hurst automatic transmission specifically tuned for rapid, consistent shifting on the drag strip. Every mechanical part serves a single purpose: moving the car down the quarter-mile as fast as possible. Consequently, these cars often ran in the 10-second range in nearly stock configuration. This level of focus makes the L023 a favorite among Mopar purists and racing historians.
Interior Simplicity and Functional Racing Cockpit
The interior of this 1968 Dodge Hemi Dart L023 Super Stock is strictly business and devoid of luxury. There is no radio, no heater, and virtually no sound deadening to be found. The black interior provides a stark contrast to the bright yellow exterior paint. Because weight was the enemy, the rear seat was completely removed from the factory. A simple floor shifter manages the transmission, allowing the driver to focus entirely on the Christmas tree. These cars were sold on a Bill of Sale because they were never intended for street use. This lack of refinement is exactly what makes the L023 so desirable to collectors today. It is a pure, unadulterated expression of American muscle car engineering.
Power, Engine Specs, and Performance
This 1968 Dodge Hemi Dart L023 Super Stock features its matching-numbers 426 Hemi V-8 engine. This legendary powerplant was factory rated at a conservative 425 horsepower for insurance and racing purposes. It utilizes a massive cross-ram intake manifold topped with the correct numbers dual 4-barrel carburetors. This setup allows the engine to breathe efficiently at the high RPMs required for competitive drag racing. The Hemi’s hemispherical combustion chambers provide exceptional thermal efficiency and flow characteristics. Combined with the lightweight body, the 426 Hemi provides explosive acceleration that defines the Super Stock era. It remains one of the most powerful and iconic engines ever fitted to a production chassis. This drivetrain is a masterpiece of mid-century performance technology.
Summary of a Factory Drag Legend
The 1968 Dodge Hemi Dart L023 Super Stock is a historic relic from a time when racing was the primary marketing tool. Being one of only 80 units ever built makes it an exceptionally rare find on the open market. Its matching-numbers Hemi engine and Hurst conversion provide the ultimate pedigree for serious collectors. The yellow exterior and black racing interior reflect its aggressive and purposeful nature. It stands as the pinnacle of the Chrysler “Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday” philosophy. This Dart is not just a car; it is a piece of competitive history. It continues to be the benchmark for factory-built drag racing performance.
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Source: mecum.com
