The design brief for the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona was simple. The company required a car to deliver success in NASCAR competition, deciding to forego the horsepower war in favor of lateral thinking. The result was one of the most distinctive cars to grace American roads, with pristine examples commanding eye-watering prices. Our feature car is a fully restored vehicle set to cross the auction blocks in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday, November 12th. It is listed here at Mecum Auctions, with the company tagging it as its star car for that day. A huge thank you must go to eagle-eyed Barn Finder Larry D for spotting this rare and desirable classic.
The story behind the Daytona is one of building a better mousetrap. Dodge sought racing success, aiming to increase lap speeds by around 5mph at superspeedways like Daytona and Talladega. Achieving this feat via engine development meant extracting an additional 85hp from the Charger’s motor. This would be expensive, so it investigated aerodynamic efficiency. They estimated that a 15% decrease in drag would achieve the aim. Thus, the radical body additions like the sharp nose and giant rear wing, along with other parts, were born. They were for more than mere appearance, as they yielded a stunning 20% improvement. The target was a qualifying speed at Talladega of 193-194mph, but Buddy Baker smashed that with a figure of 200.447mph. To qualify for NASCAR competition, 500 Daytonas were required, with 503 eventually rolling out of the factory. Our feature car presents superbly, thanks to a meticulous restoration performed in 2016, with no area of the vehicle escaping the restorer’s attention. Its Code R5 Red paint shines beautifully, with it and the panels showing no evidence of problems. The Daytona is completely rust-free, and its distinctive panel additions are intact. The glass is excellent, and the only non-standard components are the Magnum 500 wheels.
Although many enthusiasts focus on the Hemi-powered Daytonas, most cars rolled off the line equipped with the 440ci Magnum V8. This car’s original owner specified the A833 four-speed manual transmission, the A33 Track Pak, and power steering. With 375hp available under the driver’s right foot, the Daytona could storm the ¼ mile in 14.2 seconds. That number is impressive, but it demands some perspective. A 440-equipped Charger R/T took 14 seconds for the same journey. The difference may have been a question of weight, with the R/T carrying 318lbs less than the Daytona. The seller provides no information on how this classic runs or drives, but the news should be positive if physical appearance is an accurate guide.
With the focus on outright performance, Dodge didn’t spend money on unique interior trim or features for the Daytona. It was pure Charger R/T, but that wasn’t a bad thing. This car features bucket seats, a console, a factory AM radio, and a Rally gauge cluster with a Tic-Toc-Tach. The presentation is all you might expect from a recently restored classic. There is no worn upholstery, faded carpet, or cracked dash components. The wheel may have a crack at the top, but I’m unsure.
It is often said that racing improves the breed, but I’m unsure whether that is necessarily true. Sometimes, manufacturers push the boundaries, creating problems requiring radical action by the sport’s governing body. Such was the case with the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona and the other vehicles affectionately known as “The Winged Warriors.” Those cars exposed weaknesses in tire technology and safety, leading NASCAR to offer two alternatives. Manufacturers could scrap the vehicles, or they could compete with significantly smaller and less powerful engines. It proved a no-brainer, and cars like the Daytona disappeared as fast as they originally surfaced. It is unclear how many Daytonas remain, but spotless cars like this command prices that make your head spin. It may not feature the rare Hemi under the hood, but the bidding should easily pass $250,000. I wouldn’t rule out a higher figure. Would you?
I will always remember: in 1976, driving down the interstate in my 70 Charger and being passed by a Daytona identical to this one! :-)
Adam… I missed he memo. What is a Tic-Toc-Tach?
I think I can answer that Bob, it’s a combination tachometer clock. I fell in love with the wing cars in 1970 as a 12 year old just standing and staring at the gas station owner’s new orange Superbird. many years later I was lucky enough to restore the body of a B5 blue Superbird. and even though I kinda like the ‘birds a little better I would love to own this or any Daytona. Christmas is comming.
It’s interesting to know that out of 503 Daytonas only 70 were 426 HEMIs and it was only $400.00 extra. but now with numbers-matching cars routinely fetching close to a million dollars .
But how much is $400 in 2022 dollars?
$3,234!!
The Hemi option was only $400, but there were usually other mandatory options that had to be added in, too. But the biggest non-monetary cost of ordering a Hemi was that the owner waived nearly all of the factory warranty coverage that would otherwise have come with the car.
The muscle car era coincided with the era of Chrysler’s famous 5 year/50,000 mile warranty. However, if you ordered a Hemi in your new Plymouth or Dodge, the warranty coverage was reduced to 90 days or 4,000 miles.
Adjusted for inflation, $400 in 1969 is equal to $3,141 in 2022. Annual inflation over this period was 3.97%. Value of a dollar
It’s a really nice car and with the prices at Mecum auctions it might come close to doubling that $250,000 figure. Not to mention I have no idea how many are left but many dealers took off the wing and nose and sold them that way because back in the day they just didn’t sell well. Even at car shows you don’t see many and I have seen a few needing restoration in the $200,000 range! She sure is beautiful though!!!
Here is my memory of the Dodge Daytona/Plymouth Superbird ‘Wing Cars’. In our area of western NC, then as now, cars are a big deal. People here love new cars, new trucks as well as old cars and old trucks a LOT. And they always have. I live only 30 miles from Mooresville, NC which is called Race City USA. It is the headquarters to a lot of the NASCAR teams.
So, the interest in anything NASCAR-related is big. I was in my late teens when the ‘Wing Cars’ were introduced. There were several towns in this area where cars cruised relentlessly on weekends, including my town. I don’t remember seeing a Daytona back then but in 1970, a Superbird in Vitamin C Orange began cruising our town quite frequently.
And I remember the nearly unanimous reaction to it. Laughter! People thought it was the most ridiculous looking thing they’d ever seen. If you were around when they showed up, you would have to admit it was way different from anything you had ever seen before. That front end was VERY long and nobody understood how that thing on the trunk could help it go faster.
So, I’m just reliving those days for those who may not have been around at that time. Or for those who may not have had the privilege of having one in their town.
My late friend Scott told me that there was a ‘Bird in Sullivan, MO owned by a guy they called Hemi Jimmy. Scott said the same thing, everybody laughed at him. I bet they aren’t laughing now…
I contributed this car to BF for publication. And I do think it is a beautiful specimen of a rare Dodge Daytona.
However, a couple of things I look for on any restoration of an older car are the tire brand it has and the battery brand. Both indicate how much the owner was willing to spend on his ride. I’m unable to read the brand name on the tires but since they are redlines, I’m sure it’s going to be a well-respected kind of rubber. So, I’m going to assume it passes the test on tires.
But the battery can be any kind that will fit within the confines of the battery tray. And on this category, the old red Daytona fails miserably. It sports a Walmart battery! Really? Seriously? Someone owns a car which represents a high-water mark in aerodynamic technology for the late sixties. And they really did go to Walmart for their new battery. I just wonder if they drove the Daytona to Walmart and had it changed in a bay at the Auto Center. Ugh!
What is the point of reproducing pages from the Mecum website on BF?
The ones who complain the most are the ones who contribute the least.
Larry,Bravo.
@Larry- It’s not a complaint, it’s a question. What is the “find” part of going online and looking at a Mecum auction catalog?
Well, looki here. A few years ago, actor David Spade paid $900,000 for Tim Wellborn’s bronze Daytona. He is now selling it at Mecum in January. Mecum has no fewer than a half dozen of these amazing cars for sale in January. I was 14 when this car was new. Loved it then, still do now. Recently, my wife and I were driving to the Carlisle, PA, area, yes that Carlisle, for our grandson’s birthday party. Spied a blue 70 Superbird on the highway. At least he was enjoying his car. Doubtful, many others see road use due to fear of smashing into a deer, at least here in PA, or an idiot smashing into them and of course, they have no insurance. Beautiful car. I believe Mike Mancini restored this car. His work is beyond reproach.
How sad is the site of three of these upside down in a collector’s from yard on Hickory Blvd. Bonita Springs, Florida. They must have been in his beach house garage and then under 10’ of salt water after Hurricane Ian. This is right down the street from my house where I lost a 63’ Nova SS convertible restomod with a LS3 and rotisserie restoration. Restoration shop said salt water makes them toast. Might be worth rebuilding the mopars, but not mine. Too many modern electronics, what a shame. Across the street were a Ferrari, Porsche and Bentley half buried in beach sand. Down here is a sad site for classic car lovers and boaters. Billions not millions.
Mother Nature can be a mean “itch” (with a B in the front of it). I’m sure a lot of salty tears were shed in honour of all of that salt water.
While being under water, fresh or salt, is not good for any car it is not a death sentence. A car can be brought back to life after going through a flood. I know of a guy who brought a 1969 Cougar convertible back after it was the victim of a flood. That car is a show winner today. So it can be done, although it is not always the financially smart thing to do.
I’m sorry but if you have the cash to own six Birds and don’t have them transported out before a hurricane you are a moron
@Ike Onick
Just about all of the cars that get posted on here come from some sort of online catalog so to speak whether it be an auction house, a compendium of individual sellers such as ebay, craigs list, FB Marketplace, classic car dealers or individuals advertising their own cars on the internet.
But I can’t remember the last time a person who posted a car on BF trampled thru the briars and the bramble in order to expose an unknown gem in the wild to the rest of the world.
But, in all fairness, the reason I sent this car to BF was because it was such a unique offering in being one of 503 ’69 Daytonas but even moreso because it is red, which is virtually a non-existent hue on those cars, especially with red interior. If it had been a ’70 Superbird, that would have moved it down the scale for me in interest. But, in this case, I could care less where it was located.
And I will continue to feel that way as long as I see an interesting, rare and highly unusual car.
@Larry D- Thanks. I see your point. I realize BF is an aggregator of all things motorized, and reading your description of the rarity of this car clarifies why it is listed here. I appreciate you taking the time to make me a little more informed and I will keep an eye out for more of your discoveries. Enjoy the weekend!
@Ike Onick
Thank you, sir. It’s all good. I hope you enjoy your weekend too!
My dad was a stubborn man. I begged him to buy one of these, and he bought a Chrysler 300. Later, I begged him to buy a Volvo 1800ES, and he bought the 164. I guess some people just don’t get it. Too bad.
One of the three was this shade of red. I knew they were rare, but not that rare. I hope this guy had Hagerty. They totaled mine out and gave me full value for what I stated it’s worth when I insured it. Probably was not enough. Prices have gone crazy since I insured that Nova
R4 red looks like orange to me. I don’t think I am colour blind so I was wondering if anyone else thinks it looks orange and not red?
@Mike…- I have learned to not trust any color (Colour) I see depicted online. I almost took a hard pass on my car while looking at the Torch Red interior that literally glowed on the screen. Very glad I made the eight-hour round trip to see it in person. The car gathers a lot of positive comments on the white over red combination.
Thanks Frank. That explanation makes perfect sense.
Wow another bird for sale this week.
https://www.proxibid.com/1970-Plymouth-Superbird/lotInformation/72056521