While we occasionally see the turbocharged Shelby editions of the Dodge Daytona appear in preserved condition, it’s rare to see one in naturally-aspirated form in showcar form. This top-shelf ES model has only 32,745 miles on the clock and was used primarily a short-distance commuter vehicle, and claimed to be used only on nice days with no rain in the forecast. The Daytona is extremely well optioned, with the 3.0L V6, performance handling suspension, and complete ground effects kit. Find it here on eBay with a $6,500 Buy-It-Now and the listing ending this evening at 11:00 p.m. EST.
The Daytona was a far cry from the car it shares its namesake with, but these high-zoot versions were still attractive sport coupes with decent performance chops (for the era). The Shelby Z and other turbocharged models may be the ones that enthusiasts prefer, but the Daytona equipped with the automatic transmission and Mitsubishi-sourced 3.0L V6 offers a more restrained driving experience with decent power and torque at your disposal.
THe interior of this Daytona appears to be in excellent condition, with thickly bolstered cloth sport seats and lightly contrasting dashboard and door panels. The automatic transmission may be a bummer to most of us on this site, but it’s also likely the reason why this Daytona was used so gingerly. I’m sure it made for a fine commuter car, especially with the full assortment of comfort and power options included on the higher-spec trims. Some of the other sport-package oriented features includes quick-ratio steering and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The seller notes that the Daytona retains full documentation from new, and that while there are some paint blemishes, it’s way better than you might expect for a car that’s close to 30 years old. While I wouldn’t expect that these will become major collectibles in the short term, I do think enthusiasts who were 16 when these were sold new might start to appreciate them more and at least be willing to pay a slight premium for a good one. Would you want a minty V6 like this or the hot-rod turbocharged Shelby edition?
I’ll take this over the Shelby, you expect to see them. Nice preserved every man’s car wins out with me! Beautiful Daytona, good luck to new owner!
Neat – o !
That is a 3.0l from Mitsubishi
Unreliable oil burning garbage !
My Parents owned one with a Chrysler 2.5 Turbo was a lot quicker than the V6 and it was reliable and 260,000 miles later it still ran like new !
the 2.5 was smoother than the 2.2 engines and the 2.5 Turbo had less turbo lag and really booked it !
My parents had their 1990 Daytona ES from June 1990 to 2006..
Nice, always liked the Daytona body lines…but that driver’s seat looks awfully well used for such low mileage.
I would rather have an 88 with the 2.5 non turbo and a five speed. I had an 88 Shelby turbo that was a lemon, my father warned me then to buy the standard engine, but as usual, I didn’t listen. What was good about my 88 was the excellent seats and I liked the dash better then this one. Oh yes, and mine was red.
I bought a new White ES with the 3 litre Mitsu with auto tranny.
The Mitsu 3.0 was one of the best engines that I ever had. Always started every try. Fairly fast.
First tranny went at 120 kms and kept blowing them. The tranny was the only part of drive train that Chysler built.
Nice car though and very good looking in White.
Had the tranny/mistu 6 in a 93 Sundance, the engine was still running at 273k miles but went thru I think 3 trans…….
All the big 3 had problems once they went to 4 speed automatics.
But the Big 3 are now the Small 3.
Witness GM’s Demise this week.
Those ridculous Tariffs have helped a lot
I had a 88 datona back when I was in high school with the 2.2 turbo charged 4 cylinder engine and an automatic transmission and that was the worst car I have ever had it was in the shop more than it was on the road
I had an ‘88 Daytona Shelby Z, red on grey, t-tops, chipped motor (dealership figured 200-220bhp), 5-speed. Blew out the back Infiniti speakers at about 110k, cost nearly one thousand dollars to replace. Every other system was bulletproof, never an issue. At 176k the turbo blew its seal, nursed that car for a few more weeks until I traded it in on a year old Subaru SVX with acid rain discount. Another fun sports tourer that gave me zero problems. I’m guessing they were both Thursday cars.
might be too late but do you still have this car or know where i can get one maybe 5 speed?