This year at the Nats concourse judging field we had the privilege of not only having our original staff member and former Tech Editor, Mike Wilkins continuing to be the OE head judge but he also picked one of the Top 5 Celebrity Awards. This is the first year for these awards. All of the cars that were judged were eligible to be picked by the selected 5 magazines and/or celebrities.

After much deliberation Mike picked Matthew Farmer’s 1971 Dodge Demon 340, FJ6 original “Go Green” car. A true “H” code 340 Dodge Demon. Matthew had won First in his class at the 2022 Nats and had returned this year to compete in the “Senior” class where he won “Second” barely being edged out for “First” by an all-original Senior car.

You see one of the coolest things about Matthew’s car is that when you see his Demon drive down the street it looks completely stock, but when you get up close and personal, you see all the “resto mod” work that has been done to the car.

The Demon’s powerplant features a complete TTI exhaust system, MSD ignition, Edelbrock intake and carburetor, Eagle forged rods, OE forged crank, 2.02 valve heads U casting, wideband O2 sensor to check real time air fuel ratio for better tuning, and Milidon oil pan.

Behind it is a 727 transmission with an A&A valve body backed by a 8.75 rear end fitted with NOS 3:91 gears in a 741 case with Doctor Differential big bolt axles. The A-body rides on Mopar Performance leaf springs and subframe connectors, Wheel Vintiques reproduction Mopar steel wheels (15×8 in rear 15×7 in front), Bilistien shocks, 1973 A-body front disc brakes, 11-inch Mopar rear drums.

That all might sound super rowdy, but the Demon is rather plush with power steering, a complete Legendary Auto interior underlined with Dynomat, bucket seats, center console, original radio with Bluetooth capability.

The detailed amount of work and the passion that Matthew has for this car is evident and it shows with even the most careful inspection of the Demon. Congratulations Matthew Farmer on a great car. We are proud to announce you as the Mopar Connection Magazine Award Car for 2023.