1969 Dodge Daytona is Drool-Worthy
Its distinctive yellow paint and black racing stripe initially catches the eye, but the more you discover about the 1969 Dodge Daytona, the harder it becomes to look away.
1969 Dodge Daytona: There is literally no equal
This 1969 Dodge Daytona we found at Mecum Auctions is a rare bird. For starters, the vehicle is only one of 503 Dodge Daytonas ever produced. From its NASCAR-ready components to distinctive interior and exterior details, the Daytona stands out in a number of ways.
What makes the 1969 Dodge Daytona so drool-worthy?
The Dodge Charger Daytona was built for NASCAR racing, from its aerodynamic design to a powerful V8 engine, Torqueflite automatic transmission and more. Its unique and distinctive yellow paint with a black stripe sets this Dodge apart from the crowd.
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David Spade’s 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona
David Spade owned a 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona. In fact, according to TopSpeed, his vehicle registered just 6,435 miles on the odometer, which is reportedly the lowest known mileage on a Charger Daytona with its original engine.
But it's not just its low mileage that made Spade's car stand out. The vehicle spent time as a show car for the International Show Car Association and endured a makeover that included a funky 1970s-inspired paint job and a set of Cragar wheels. A full restoration in the late 1980s returned the car to its original showroom condition. Spade's Charger was just one of 20 models featuring a 426 Hemi engine with a four-speed manual transmission.
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How much does it cost?
"The rarity of the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona means that there could be some emotional bidding involved to drive the price up," according to this TopSpeed article. As with any other collector's item, some models of the Charger Daytona cost more than others.
Take David Spade's Charger Daytona, for example. With its low mileage, an intriguing combination of a 426 Hemi with a four-speed transmission, and some quirky additions, the vehicle had a commanding price tag of $900,000. Most other Charger Daytonas on the market likely have slightly more affordable price tags.
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Inspired by the Charger 500
A quick glance at the history and specs of the Charger 500 makes it easy to see why it inspired the 1969 Dodge Daytona. The Charger 500, also introduced in 1969, was equipped with the 426 Hemi engine and a four-speed Hurst shifter.
The Charger 500 was also developed for NASCAR racing. Despite modifications to make its body more aerodynamic, however, the Charger 500 wasn't "as competitive as Dodge wanted in NASCAR, leading to the development of the winged Charger Daytona," according to Hotrod.
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Other close competitors
A handful of competitors came close to the Charger Daytona, in terms of looks and performance. The 1969 Ford Torino Talladega was considered a close competitor.
Both the Talladega and Daytona had aerodynamic noses, although the nose on the Daytona is a bit more pronounced. Every Talladega was outfitted with a 428 Cobra Jet V8 and a three-speed automatic transmission. And of course, the Plymouth Superbird was another close sibling of the Charger.
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Under the hood of the 1969 Dodge Daytona
A 440 Magnum V8 engine with a four-barrel carburetor sits under the hood of this example, accompanied by dual exhaust and a Torqueflite automatic transmission. Unlike some of its rivals, the 1969 Daytona was available with a choice between two engines. Buyers could opt for a 440 V8 or a 426 Hemi V8.
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A distinctive exterior
The hallmark feature of this Dodge Daytona is undoubtedly its Y2 yellow and black paint job. However, its aerodynamic profile captures the eye just as much. Other exterior highlights of this car include 14 x 6-inch styled road wheels along with red line tires. Chrome exhaust tips and front fender scoops add even more personality.
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A racetrack-inspired interior
The inside of this 1969 Dodge Daytona is just as awesome as its exterior. This 1969 Dodge Daytona is outfitted with a black interior. Bucket seats topped with headrests make rides more comfortable. The car has a woodgrain console applique along with a push-button radio for entertainment. Mecum Auctions sums it up best, calling the car "Outrageous from day one and beautifully presented today."
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Outrageous since day one
Sold recently at an auction, this fine example of the Dodge Daytona was taken home to its new owners for the price of $165,000. Not a bad deal at all, if you ask us, for such an awesome classic.
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