Posted on 11/04/2022 6:21:52 AM PDT by Red Badger
Dodge Daytona In Rare Color Combination Leads The Pack at Mecum Las Vegas
This is 1 of 503 Daytonas produced in 1969, and it’s a very rare color.
The Dodge Daytona is possibly best known for its incredible feats on the NASCAR track in 1969, which ultimately got it kicked out via target rule changes. Without a doubt, these cars are some of the world's most sought-after American muscle cars as they boast plenty of power, performance, and aerodynamic design qualities. While American muscle cars had always been at the forefront of straight-line speed, this was the first time that the American racing circuit had seen a purpose-built racing vehicle with some real innovation in the realm of aerodynamic exterior styling. Unfortunately, the cars have become nearly impossible to find due to their initially low production numbers and their owners' proclivity toward hard driving. So what are you supposed to do as one of the thousands of dreamers across the USA trying to get your hands on one of these cars?
This car is the perfect answer to that titular question that plagues the classic automotive community. It boasts an incredibly low mileage with tons of power and a protected style to match. Under the hood of this 1969 Dodge Daytona is the original, numbers-matching, 440 ci V8 engine, which should still have a potent output of 375 horsepower and nearly 500 ft/lbs of torque.
Dodge only built 503 of these cars in 1969 to get around the homologation regulations in place at the time. That means that the vehicle boasts an incredibly high value, which is typical for most of these incredible vehicles. However, most examples of this car either have high mileage, a ton of rust, or a severe problem with mechanical integrity. Nevertheless, you will always have a ton of fun with the fire-breathing four-barrel carburetors screaming out for more high-performance driving.
The Hemi is rarer and more powerful. I’m not a fan of this color but to each one’s own.
Oh wow, saw pics from hurricane aftermath and I think I saw one similar to this.
Suddenly craving an orange Dreamsicle.
After they tack on that nose, how is the engine cooled?
Underbody scoop?
Actually, the article says it has a 440ci, which is a wedge head not a semi. :-)
“..After they tack on that nose, how is the engine cooled?
Underbody scoop?...”
Basically.
One can kinda see the opening in that first pic.
From my past experience with the 440 engine is that the car will run on the hot side of the temp gauge at anything less than 70mph. Once over that, it tends to cool down some. At that speed and above the aerodynamics start coming into play as well. That flat back glass is from the previous year’s Charger 500 design which improves air flow over the beast.
Most likely..............
My apologies xp38, I misread your post. My bad. Yep, the Hemi is the more desirable engine.
“..Actually, the article says it has a 440ci, which is a wedge head not a semi. :-)....”
The car came with either the 440 wedge or the 426 HEMI. The 440 was the most common engine in these. Very few of the 426s were made..and also command a much higher price. I’m only familiar with the 440 model. The HEMI was beyond reach.
Goes 200 mph and probably has drum brakes.
Gotta mash the pedal with both feet or you’ll miss your exit.
Graveyard Cars ( YouTube it )
Restores mopars in Springfeil Oregon
I wonder if this was restored by them.
Just Dodge’s version of the Plymouth Superbird.
It will be interesting to see what it will go for at auction…
https://m.youtube.com/c/graveyardcarzshow/videos
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SEYPqoYPeSo
Daytona restore
I saw Richard petty’s blue Daytona 500 auctioned off yesterday on YouTube
3.5 million.
My understanding is that the hemi engines were pretty hard to keep tuned, but the 440 just did its job without much drama.
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