1975 Dodge Charger Daytona: A Forgotten Gem Resurfaces
The New EV Isn't The Only Controversial Charger Daytona To Come From Windsor...
The all-new, all-electric 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona has sparked mixed reviews over the past week, but it’s not the first time this legendary nameplate has faced divided opinions. When the Dodge Charger Daytona was originally launched in 1969 as Dodge’s answer to Ford in NASCAR’s aero wars, many criticized its looks. However, it’s now celebrated as one of the most iconic and valuable muscle cars of all time.
By the 1970s, Dodge resurrected the Charger Daytona name for a different kind of car—and again, reactions were mixed. In 1975, Dodge introduced the fourth-generation Charger, based on the B-Body platform. This era marked the death of the muscle car, as high insurance rates, a recession, record-high unemployment, and the 1975 Energy Policy and Conservation Act pushed automakers toward more practical vehicles. The fourth-generation Charger was repositioned as a personal luxury car, sharing much of its design DNA with the Chrysler Cordoba.
Despite the shift, Dodge attempted to keep the Charger’s performance legacy alive. On the NASCAR circuit, drivers like Richard Petty stuck with the third-generation Charger, which was more aerodynamically suited to high-speed racing than the boxier, fourth-generation model. Yet, Dodge pressed on, reviving the Charger Daytona name for its newest iteration. In 1975, the Charger Daytona’s most potent engine was the 5.9-liter (360 cubic-inch) E58 four-barrel V8, which delivered 225 horsepower—outperforming the larger 6.6-liter (400 cubic-inch) Big Block V8 thanks to its dual high-performance exhaust.
Sales for the Charger dropped to 30,812 units in 1975 as consumers gravitated toward smaller, more affordable cars. However, fourth-generation Chargers have recently gained traction among enthusiasts as affordable entry points into the Mopar B-Body world. With second-generation Chargers commanding sky-high prices and third-generation models following suit, the fourth-gen cars represent a budget-friendly alternative for Mopar fans.
One particularly rare gem is this 1975 Dodge Charger Daytona, currently for sale at Classic Auto Mall. Only 283 units of the Charger Daytona were built that year, making it one of the rarest Malaise-era Mopars. Adding a unique twist, this specific car rolled off the Windsor Assembly production line—the same plant now building the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona.
A Beast Beneath the Hood –
What started as a modest 5.9-liter E57 two-barrel V8 car has been transformed into a powerhouse. It now boasts a monstrous 505 cubic-inch stroker engine, built from a 7.2-liter (440 cubic-inch) Big Block V8 by Seth’s Auto and Performance Center in Beaver Springs, PA. This high-performance engine includes a 4.350 bore, Scat 4.250 stroke crank, Scat rods, Diamond pistons, and a Comp Cams solid roller cam. Edelbrock Performer RPM heads sit atop the block, with a Victor 440 intake and a 950 cfm QuickFuel carburetor delivering the fuel. The engine produces an impressive 657 horsepower at the rear wheels, far surpassing the 225 horsepower of the original E58 V8.
Power is routed through a legendary A727 TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission with a shift kit, sending torque to a Ford 9-inch rear axle with Moser components and 4.11 Richmond posi gears. To handle the increased performance, the car features factory front disc brakes and Wilwood power disc brakes at the rear. TTI headers add muscle car flair to the exhaust system.
Pro Stock Styling –
The car’s Lucerne Blue Metallic over Silver Cloud Metallic paint scheme pays homage to its original look but adopts a Pro Stock aesthetic. Trim pieces have been shaved, bumpers painted blue, bumperettes removed, and a Mopar snorkel fiberglass scoop added to the steel hood. Weld ProStar wheels complete the look, measuring 7-inch x 15-inch in the front and a massive 15-inch x 15-inch in the rear, wrapped in 31x18R15 Mickey Thompson Sportsman SR tires.
Custom Interior with Retro Vibes –
Inside, the Daytona retains elements of the original design while incorporating custom touches. The door panels feature aluminum inserts in place of faux wood, while button-back vinyl bucket seats embody the personal luxury vibe Dodge aimed for in the 1970s. Rear seats have been removed to accommodate tubbed wheel wells and a roll cage, with blue carpet covering the area. A Mopar Tuff Wheel sits in front of a custom dash with brushed aluminum panels and AutoMeter Carbon Fiber gauges.
A B&M shifter is mounted on a sleek aluminum console that also houses an armrest and storage bin. The trunk contains a 20-gallon Summit Racing fuel cell, a battery box, and ample storage space.
Underneath It All –
The chassis features a narrowed rear axle and a 4-link suspension with Alden coilovers, allowing the massive rear tires to tuck neatly under the fenders. Up front, the original torsion bar suspension has been retained, maintaining the Charger’s classic ride characteristics. The undercarriage is clean and shows only minor surface rust, a testament to the car’s upkeep.
A Rare Opportunity –
With just 283 units produced, the 1975 Dodge Charger Daytona is a rare find, especially one as extensively modified as this example. For more information on this unique vehicle, visit Classic Auto Mall or call (888) 227-0914. Classic Auto Mall is currently asking $46,500 for this particular Charger Daytona.
