Spotlight: The Dodge Charger Daytona

By Dave Ashton

Not to be confused with the Dodge Daytona that was produced from 1984 to 1993, the classic Dodge Charger Daytona was one of the original Aero cars there was produced from 1969 to 1970. The Dodge Charger was already a classic and with its racing additions these winged warriors are now the most collectable muscle cars on the planet.

The Daytona was originally designed to compete and win at NASCAR, taking over the reins from the 1969 Dodge Charger 500. The Daytona was sold to the public in limited numbers and is now one of the most collectable muscle cars around. Engines available came in the 440ci. or 426 hemi V8. Standout features are the 18 inch fibreglass nose extension which reduce drag and increases downforce and the 23 inch rear deck wing. Other aerodynamic features included recess to rear backlights, cover recess to rear window, upgraded suspension and brakes. Trim specifications were based on the Dodge Charger R/T.

Street versions of the Dodge Daytona weighed 300 pounds more than a conventional Charger, but it was the unconventional shape that put off many buyers of the time.

Engines:
426 V8 Hemi 425 bhp, 490 lb-ft.
440 V8 375 bhp, 480 lb-ft.

Performance:
426: 0-60 – 6.6 seconds.
1/4 mile in 13.92 seconds at 104.1 mph.

Wheelbase 117 in. (2,972 mm)
Chrysler B platform

Production numbers
2 dr fastop, amount – 503
426ci 8bbl amount – 70
4 spd manual amount – 22
automatic amount – 48
426ci 8 bbl amount – 4
440ci 4 bbl amount – 433
4 spd manual amount – 139
VIN: XX29L9B – automatic amount – 294
VIN: XX29L9B – 440ci 4 bbl amount – 35
VIN: XX29L9B – amount – 7
VIN: XX29L9B – amount – 2
Price – US $3,993

The Daytona was the first car to break the 200 mph barrier in 1970 at Talladega by Buddy Baker. The cars racing days did not last long, winning two races in 1969 and four in 1970. Bobby Isaac also hit a top speed of 217 mph at Bonneville.

The Dodge Daytona name has been brought back a few times, but it’s always the original 1969 version that is the most classic.

Below are just a few examples videos to check out this wonderful beast of a car.

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