Cars from the 1980s are beginning to cement their place in the classics market. They emerged at a time when manufacturers had firmly embraced fuel injection and electronic engine management, restoring performance that had faded during the Malaise Era. This 1986 Dodge Daytona Turbo Z is a perfect example of that approach. It is an unmolested survivor that recently emerged from storage. However, that may not be its strongest attribute. The seller states that it is a one-owner survivor with a genuine 27,000 miles on the clock. It presents acceptably in its current form, but could be an ideal first light restoration project. The seller has listed the Daytona here on eBay in Clermont, Florida. Bidding sits at a mere $1,075 in a No Reserve auction.
Dodge released the Daytona in 1984, basing its new model on a derivative of Lee Iacocca’s beloved K-Car platform. It remained in production until 1993, with this Turbo Z rolling off the line in 1986. The seller claims it is a one-owner survivor, ordered in Flash Red, one of five paint shades available exclusively to Turbo Z buyers that year. It presents acceptably as a survivor-grade vehicle of this vintage, with paint showing signs of deterioration, which might prompt some potential buyers to consider a cosmetic restoration. However, the panels are straight, and the underside shots confirm this classic’s rust-free status. This Daytona scores additional points for its glass sunroof, a popular option amongst buyers in 1986. The lack of interior moisture damage suggests the seals are in good condition. The trim is generally in good order, and the glass is clear. Rounding out the exterior are the factory alloy wheels, free of stains and physical damage.
As the model designation suggests, this Daytona features a turbocharged engine under the hood. This 2.2-liter four produces a very respectable factory-quoted 146hp and 170 ft/lbs of torque, fed to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Power steering was standard equipment, as was assistance for the front disc brakes. The seller indicates that this Turbo Z has recently emerged from long-term storage and has undergone a revival to the point where it runs and drives. They recommend that the winning bidder have the brakes serviced and give this classic a thorough inspection before hitting the road. The engine sounds sweet in their embedded listing video, and although they don’t mention evidence verifying the mileage claim, the car’s ownership history and the collection of included documentation make it plausible.
I would describe this Daytona’s interior as serviceable, but it requires a few tweaks to present at its best. The first task would be to treat every surface to a deep clean, because I think the results would justify the effort. Trimmed in cloth and vinyl, there is no significant wear on the upholstered surfaces or the carpet. The dash and pad show no signs of UV deterioration, and the interior shortcomings are pretty minor. The console lid has waved the white flag, and the wheel is showing its age. A brief online search turned up an excellent replacement lid for under $80, and I also found a pristine wheel for $60. Therefore, locating the items required to lift the appearance is possible. Creature comforts include air conditioning, power windows, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player.
The absence of rust and generally presentable condition could allow the winning bidder to enjoy this 1986 Dodge Daytona Turbo Z almost immediately. Addressing its brake issues and a thorough inspection appear to be all that stands between this classic and life on the open road. The car has generated reasonable interest since hitting the market, although this has only translated into eight bids. The action may intensify in the final days, but this Daytona has the potential to be an affordable entry point into the world of classic ownership. Is that a thought that you find irresistible?
Last reported odo off the AutoCheck report was 72,299. No way does this car have only 27k on the clock, it’s too worn. Seller has a few negative comments and it looks like he’s headed for another if the buyer of this vehicle forgets to check the car’s history. Bummer because I kind of like these.
Had a Shelby addition ’86 and loved it. Good car here if bought right.
If you had a 1986, you had a C/S which stood for ‘Competition Suspension’ inspired by Carroll Shelby. You did NOT have a Shelby edition. That was a salesman’s trick. Carroll Shelby did not lend any licensing rights for Daytona’s to Chrysler until 1987. All ’86’s were a wink and nod, but should never be called or considered ‘Shelby’s’ in any way, shape or form.
PS: The 1986 C/S logo is often vehemently called a ‘Shelby Logo’. Look closely, it is always in red with a flag somewhere near the middle. The actual ‘Shelby’ trademark is for ‘Blue. Black or Silver with a flag on one end’. Not red and not in the middle. Also, 1989 and later, the “C/S” stands for “Competition Series” and is also not a ‘Shelby’
The VIN absolutely does NOT code out to a 1986 Dodge Daytona. In fact, that looks more like a Plymouth Laser and somebody dropped in a 2.2 Turbo I and rebadged the car.
The Dodge Daytona Turbo Z in 1986 had quad square headlights and was much more boxier and edgier in its lines than the Laser.
I don’t even think it’s an ’86 Laser at that. A deeper dive says that VIN codes out to a K-Car.
There were NO Plymouth’s in this body style. Also no Plymouth ‘Lazers’. There were Chrysler Lazers, which this is not. Not sure what you are smokin’, but a 1986 Daytona and a 1986 Chrysler Lazer shared ALL sheet metal and lights. The only difference were ground effects;
You clearly have no business interpreting a VIN. Go home bot.
Being a self appointed expert in late 80’s Daytona’s… This is NOT a Turbo Z. The 1986 Turbo Z became the Shelby Z in 1987. All Turbo Z’s had a ground effects kit and were equipped with, what Shelby Dodge enthusiasts call ‘Pizza Wheels’. The car in the pics has no ground effects and is also wearing a ‘normie’ wheel which were never applied to a Sheby-Dodge.
Thank you, this is not a Turbo Z clearly. It is a base Daytona with the optional turbo engine.
All that being said by above comments…if this car has 80k miles on it and hasn’t had a head casket replacement? It will shortly need one. Believe me, I know from experience, even my 1992 eagle talon AWD tsi never made it past 80k without head casket issue.
But, awesome seats in both my Daytona and Talon. Was never a fan of the goofy shifter ring in the Daytona and both cars called the door a jar. 😂