This 1987 Dodge Daytona checks a lot of boxes for anyone seeking out one of these now-obscure hot hatches from the 80s. The Daytona is increasingly hard to find, especially with the right trim and options, so this example is tempting given it’s been upgraded to Turbo 2 specs and is also quite clean inside and out. With T-tops and rear window louvers, it’s also an 80s icon all the way through. Find it here on eBay with bids to $3,550 and the reserve unmet.
These were tragically throwaway cars for many years, with some of the blame likely placed on the lower-spec cars that were seemingly the far more popular models when the Daytona was new. The well-optioned cars with the higher output engines seemingly didn’t sell as well, and some credit must be given to Chrysler for continuing to push the Daytona as a modern-day hot hatch. This Daytona seemingly has every option, from the factory mudflaps to the rear window louvers.
The interior is in excellent condition, with nicely bolstered bucket seats wearing leather trim with no major rips or tears. The door panels are also in tidy condition and the Daytona comes with factory carpeted floor mats. The seller notes that the glass is in good shape and that the T-tops have no known issues. There’s also no rust and the Daytona supposedly still wears factory undercoating. The Dodge has may look stock from the outside, but it benefits from several modifications under the hood.
The seller reports that the turbocharged engine has been upgraded to Turbo 2 specifications, including a lower end from a 1989 2.5 Shelby motor that’s been bored .40 over with performance pistons. The turbo has been upgraded as well for greater reliability, and a blowoff valve has been added. The Dodge is said to have been gone through mechanically, and with just under 50,000 miles, there’s plenty of life left in this 80s sport compact.
Very nice and presents well. I worked in Chrysler service in the ’90s. The 2.5 is a pretty durable motor in turbo or n/a form. Hard to put a finger on a value for this so it will be worth watching…
That’s one clean car! Yes, the lower versions seemed to be everywhere back in the early 90s..I think this would be fun as it’s manual and I love T-Tops! GLWTA
Never seen this model before my only experience with these cars is the Dodge dealer in Everett Washington had pictures of one posted in their showroom it was blown apart into 3 pieces according to the article with it the car had hit a bridge at over 100 mph and the driver walked away with only bumps and bruises because they had their seatbelt on and the car had a airbag
I like the T – top option. I had a 1985 Blue / silver trim with sunroof.
The car was fun to drive ( manual ) but I went through so many
turbos ( 3 ), and the on board computer would occasionally shut down
the car leaving me stranded. I ended up trading in for a Pontiac Trans am.
The hidden headlites are very kewl & the long front overhang is very unusual for a front driver – lot more empty space to protect the drivetrain from a moderate front impact!
Not sure if it’s the lighting, but the steering wheel & floor mats appear to be light blue, but the rest of interior appears grey.
Save for some major hidden fault, this is a steal at twice the current price.
Great looking Seats 💺 and of course the cool looking Mopar era stik shifter.
He actually use the word “kewl”?
I bought a black 87 Daytona Shelby Z with 5 speed for 12k when new. Raced it , broke it, then donated to local high-school auto shop in mid 90’s. Fun car. In 88 I bought an 86 Regal T-type that I still have. The Dodge ran high 14 with bleed valve. The Buick ran high 10’s with typical mods of the day. No no time or money to get back to the strip.