The Dodge Dart, produced between 1960 and 1976, started on a journey from a full-sized behemoth to a compact contender. While the Dart’s performance envelope expanded with the introduction of increasingly potent V8 engines, culminating in the formidable 383-cubic-inch powerplant, a notable void persisted in its lineup: the absence of the iconic 426-cubic-inch HEMI.
Given Dodge’s storied reputation for muscle cars, this omission was particularly surprising. Yet, a singular exception to this rule materialized in 1968. The L023 Super Stock was a purpose-built drag racing machine that defied convention and shattered expectations. Based on the GTS hardtop, this limited-production model underwent a radical transformation.
Its body was stripped to the essentials, with lightweight fiberglass components replacing heavy steel panels. Inside, the focus was solely on performance, as creature comforts were sacrificed in the pursuit of speed. Most importantly, Dodge defied conventional wisdom by installing the legendary HEMI engine beneath the hood of this compact car.
The L023 Super Stock stands as a testament to Dodge’s engineering prowess and its unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance, even within the seemingly modest confines of the compact car segment. It remains a coveted and iconic piece of automotive history, a reminder of an era when performance reigned supreme.
The Dodge L023 was a spartan, purpose-built drag racing machine, a far cry from the Dart models intended for the street. To achieve maximum performance, Dodge stripped the car to its bare essentials, eliminating any features that didn’t contribute to straight-line speed.
The rear bench was removed, the interior was devoid of sound deadening and insulation, and even basic amenities like a heater and radio were casualties of the weight-saving crusade. The L023’s interior was as austere as its exterior, reflecting the car’s singular focus on the drag strip.
The result was a potent combination of lightweight chassis and immense power, transforming the L023 into a drag racing force to be reckoned with. Produced in limited numbers for the 1968 model year, the L023 remains a highly coveted collectible among automotive enthusiasts and drag racing aficionados. Its rarity, coupled with its storied history on the drag strip, has solidified its status as one of the most desirable muscle cars of all time.
