I read an interview with a senior Ford executive a few years ago where he stated that the most challenging aspect of new model development was not the engineering or styling but determining what name it would carry. It is an exercise fraught with danger, and it is why manufacturers tend to “recycle” their more successful badges. That approach can raise the ire of some enthusiasts when it is linked to an iconic high-performance model, which is why some people dismiss the 1993 Dodge Daytona IROC. I acknowledge it shares little in common with the firebreathing beast that prowled the NASCAR circuit with great success in 1969 and 1970, but it is worth noting that the two cars hail from different eras in automotive history. This Daytona is a clean and tidy survivor that could be an affordable entry into classic car ownership. It is in excellent mechanical health and could serve as a competent and comfortable daily driver. The Daytona is listed here on Craigslist in Lehighton, Pennsylvania. You could drive it away for $8,995, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this tidy gem.

Dodge introduced the Daytona to its model range in 1984, with our feature car emerging during the final production year. It carries the hallmarks of a vehicle that has been treated respectfully, with none of the tired paint or rough edges which are typical of cars of this vintage. Its Radiant Fire paint shines beautifully. If there are any flaws or defects, they are too minor to show in the supplied photos. The panels are free from bumps and bruises, while the aerodynamic body additions show no evidence of cracks or other damage. The original owner added some desirable features, with this car sporting a factory sunroof. The glass looks flawless, and the distinctive alloy wheels are free from stains and other physical damage.

Dodge produced two versions of the Daytona IROC in 1993, with the R/T derivative scoring the turbocharged 2.2-liter four. Our feature car’s engine bay houses the less potent 3.0-liter V6 producing 141hp and 171 ft/lbs of torque. Those ponies feed to the road via a five-speed manual transmission, with this car also scoring power steering and ABS. This may not have offered the firebreathing performance the iconic Charger Daytona provided, but this classic could hold its own against similar vehicles from 1993. The seller has listed the car on behalf of a friend who is the Daytona’s second owner. The listing indicates an odometer reading of 88,000 miles, and while no mention is made of supporting evidence, the known ownership history means that it may be available. It has been appropriately maintained, and everything works as it should. The ’93 Daytona returns respectable fuel consumption figures, meaning the new owner could utilize this classic as a practical daily driver.

You can learn a lot about any classic’s life by examining its interior. Paint imperfections can be addressed, and engine bays can be detailed, but worn or abused upholstery and trim is more challenging to disguise. This Daytona ticks the boxes because there are no signs of such problems. Its Gray cloth seatcovers are free from wear, with the spotless outer seat bolsters worthy of special mention. The remaining upholstered surfaces are equally impressive, as is the carpet. The plastic appears to be in as-new condition, and there are no visible aftermarket additions. It also isn’t short of creature comforts to make life on the road enjoyable. The new owner receives a driver’s airbag, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, cruise control, a sports gauge cluster, a tilt wheel, and a premium AM/FM radio/cassette/CD player.

Dodge produced 9,062 Daytonas during the final production year, with 728 of those the IROC version. Breaking down the sales figures confirms that this car is 1-of-59 ordered in Red with a manual transmission. That doesn’t make it the rarest example of the breed because that honor falls to Black cars featuring a stick shift. However, that low total means you will unlikely encounter a similar vehicle in your daily travels. The price for this car is at the top end of the market, which may deter some potential buyers. It is worth noting that it is a turnkey proposition that appears to need nothing. That makes it ideal for someone seeking an unmolested vehicle that can be enjoyed immediately. It has been on the market for around a week, but do you think the owner will find a buyer for this tidy survivor?