A rare and highly sought-after piece of muscle car history will cross the auction block at Mecum Kissimmee on January 17th, 2024. This 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona, wearing the rare Silver Poly (A4) paint color, is poised to make an impression when it crosses the Kissimmee auction block. With a multi-year, rotisserie restoration, this Daytona stands out as a work of art and performance.
The restoration of this Charger Daytona was completed by renowned automotive specialists Troy Angelly & T/A Restorations from Eldorado, Illinois. Their expertise in restoring rare and classic muscle cars ensured that every detail of the restoration was done to perfection. The final assembly was completed by US-12 Speed & Custom of New Buffalo, Michigan, who were responsible for putting the car together with meticulous care. This multi-year project was estimated to cost around $650,000 and resulted in a car that is as close to factory-original as possible while incorporating modern performance upgrades.
Originally built as a 440-cubic-inch V8 car, this Charger Daytona has been significantly upgraded with a 542-cubic-inch Gen2 HEMI® V8 engine from Best Machine Racing Engines. This powerhouse engine has been dyno-tested to produce 631 horsepower at 5,800 rpm, ensuring exceptional performance on the road. The engine features advanced components like Molnar Stroker crank, Diamond pistons, H-beam rods, and a custom hydraulic camshaft, all contributing to its impressive output and reliability.
The car’s drivetrain has also received extensive upgrades. It now sports a rebuilt 1968 Chrysler HEMI 4-speed manual transmission with a McLeod clutch assembly, paired with a Gear Venders overdrive unit to improve driving comfort. The drivetrain is connected to a Dana 60 SureGrip rear end with 4.10 gears, providing both durability and enhanced performance. To ensure optimal handling, the car is equipped with Hotchkis suspension components, lowering the front by 2 inches and the rear by 1 inch, along with custom Bilstein shocks and UMI A-arms. Cal-Trac traction bars are also added to improve traction during high-power acceleration.
On the outside, the Charger Daytona retains its iconic looks, with the rare Silver Poly (A4) paint and black “DAYTONA” tail stripe that sets it apart from other Daytonas. Only 12 of these cars were originally painted in this unique color, and this is one of only three remaining. The car rides on custom-made 17-inch wheels that replicate the classic Magnum 500 style, mounted with Nitto NT 555 G2 285/40ZR17 tires for modern handling performance.
Inside, the Charger has been updated to maintain its vintage appeal, featuring a new black interior with a 4-speed console that was added during the transmission upgrade. The car also boasts a Vintage Air system with a new vented dash to provide comfort in all weather conditions.
This 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona combines the nostalgia of the muscle car era with modern performance enhancements. With its stunning restoration and powerful HEMI engine, it’s a prime example of what makes muscle cars so desirable among collectors. Set to be a highlight at Mecum Kissimmee, this Charger Daytona offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive history.
