1969 Dodge Charger Daytona Finds New Home

Among Mopar enthusiasts, few cars inspire as much excitement as the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona. With its massive rear wing and aerodynamic nose cone, the car was built for one purpose: dominating NASCAR’s high-speed ovals. While only 503 were ever made, survivors of this legendary “aero warrior” are now considered holy grails of muscle car collecting.

Recently, one such Daytona emerged from long-term family ownership, carrying with it a history as fascinating as the car itself.

From Daily Driver To Long Slumber – 

This Charger Daytona was purchased brand-new in 1969 by its original owner, a woman who used it as her everyday transportation. For about three years, the car was a familiar sight on local roads. By 1973, it had just over 34,000 miles showing on the odometer when it was parked.

From that point on, the car’s life slowed down. It spent decades under a carport at the family property, quietly surviving while many of its peers were driven hard, wrecked, or succumbed to rust.

But its story wasn’t without drama. At one point, the Daytona was stolen. Thankfully, the original owner’s son tracked it down and recovered it quickly, preventing what could have been a tragic loss. Despite exposure to the elements, the car managed to avoid major rust damage, a factor that would prove crucial when the family decided it was worthy of restoration.

A Painstaking Restoration – 

In 2006—more than three decades after it was last licensed for the road—the family launched a full restoration. The project would last four years to return the Daytona to factory-fresh condition. Every detail, from its paint to its drivetrain, was meticulously restored to its original specifications.

By 2010, the Charger Daytona was back in action. It became a fixture on the Mopar show circuit, appearing at events nationwide for over a decade. Fans finally got to enjoy seeing a real-deal Daytona up close, a car that had been hidden from the spotlight for years.

Unfortunately, in 2024, the car suffered damage in a trailer mishap, leaving the driver’s side rear quarter panel in need of repair. After more than half a century of stewardship, the family decided it was time for someone else to write the next chapter in the car’s story.

Mopars5150 Steps In – 

That next chapter began with Troy Bergeron of Mopars5150, a well-known name in the Mopar community. Bergeron acquired the Daytona and wasted no time putting it back in front of enthusiasts.

Just two days after taking ownership, he unveiled the car at the 2025 Chrysler Carlisle Nationals in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, one of the biggest Mopar gatherings in the country. The car drew immediate attention, proving that its mystique hadn’t faded one bit.

YouTube personality Lou Costabile was there to film a detailed walkaround, giving enthusiasts around the world a chance to see the Daytona’s condition and learn about its unique history. Watch his full video above.

1969 Dodge Charger Daytona Image Gallery: