Shocking Price Tag: Rare 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona Sells for $3.3 Million at Auction
A highly sought-after 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona recently made waves in the collector car world, shattering the previous auction record for the model. This “aero warrior,” known for its distinctive nose cone and towering rear wing, fetched an astonishing US$3.3 million (CDN$4.5 million) in mid-August at Mecum Auctions’ Monterey Car Week event in California. The sale price more than doubled the prior record for a Daytona, highlighting the intense demand for exceptionally rare and well-optioned muscle cars.
What makes this particular 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona Price reach such dizzying heights? Rarity is a significant factor. Out of the total production run of 503 Charger Daytonas, only 70 were factory-equipped with the legendary 426-cubic-inch Hemi engine. Furthermore, this specific car is one of just 22 within that group of 70 Hemi Daytonas that came with a four-speed manual transmission, making it an incredibly scarce configuration. While the dodge challenger first generation also captivated enthusiasts, the Charger Daytona’s unique design and limited production run solidified its status as an icon.
Beyond its rare engine and transmission combination, this Daytona is also noted as the most heavily optioned example known to exist. Its extensive list of factory features includes the high-performance 4.10 Super Track Pak option, the N51 Max Cooling Package, a C62 six-way adjustable driver’s seat, the N85 Tic-Toc-Tach gauge cluster, P31 power windows, and an S81 wood-grain steering wheel. These additional options further enhance its desirability and contribute significantly to its market value among 1969 muscle cars list enthusiasts.
Given its extreme rarity and desirable options, the record-breaking sale might seem understandable, but the magnitude of the jump is still quite remarkable. Just two years prior, in May 2022, Mecum sold this exact same Daytona for a then-record US$1.32 million. The record was broken again just last year by another low-mileage dodge charger daytona hemi four-speed, which sold for US$1.43 million, also through Mecum.
In one fell swoop, this F8-green Charger Daytona has become the first “aero warrior” Dodge to exceed both the US$2-million and US$3-million marks at auction. Considering that an “average” ’69 Hemi Daytona in perfect condition is typically expected to fetch around US$990,000, the extra two million dollars commanded by this example is indeed perplexing.
Green 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona side view at auction
When this car crossed the block on August 17, 2024, for its all-in US$3.3-million sale price, it also cemented its place as one of the most expensive muscle cars ever sold period. The absolute top spots are held by racing and movie-famous cars like the 1965 Shelby Mustang GT350R piloted by Ken Miles and the iconic 1968 Ford Mustang used in the film Bullitt. However, excluding vehicles with significant racing or cinematic history, the next highest sale on the list is another incredibly rare Hemi-powered Mopar: a 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda convertible, which sold for US$3.85 million in 2014. This record-setting Charger Daytona is now positioned just below that legendary ‘Cuda on the list of most valuable production muscle cars.
Front view of a 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona in F8 green at auction
Adding to the Mopar excitement at the same August 17th auction, Mecum also sold a rare 1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda convertible. This stunning example is one of only 14 such convertibles ever built and remarkably, one of just three 1970 Hemi ‘Cudas of any body style originally assembled for the Canadian market. Finished in vibrant FY1 Lemon Twist yellow with a black top and equipped with a three-speed automatic transmission backing its 426 V8, the car underwent a meticulous restoration by Legendary Motorcar Company in Ontario, Canada. While the focus shifts towards electric vehicles like the potential 2024 dodge charger ev or a 2024 ev challenger, the prices commanded by these classic Hemi machines underscore their enduring appeal.
Rear view of a yellow 1970 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda convertible at auction
The 1970 Hemi ‘Cuda convertible achieved a sale price of US$2.53 million, making it the most expensive ’70 Hemi ‘Cuda convertible ever sold. This is particularly notable as the previous record of US$2.14 million was set by this very car only about six months prior, in January 2024. It appears that a Mecum event held in Monterey is indeed the prime location for auctioning highly collectible classic Chrysler muscle cars and setting new benchmarks for their value.
In conclusion, the auction results from Monterey underscore the incredible and sometimes unpredictable value placed on ultra-rare, well-optioned classic muscle cars. The US$3.3 million price tag on the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona, significantly exceeding previous records, highlights its unique position in the collector market. Similarly, the 1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda convertible’s record sale further demonstrates the robust demand and escalating prices for these iconic Hemi-powered machines. These sales confirm that the allure of vintage American performance remains exceptionally strong among enthusiasts and investors alike.
