Documented Restored Numbers Matching Charger Daytona 440/375 HP Magnum V8 A727

1969 Dodge Charger Daytona Description

When we say "blue chip collector car" it usually means one of two things: either an all-original time capsule that's fit for a museum, or something that's so rare only serious enthusiasts know it exists. But when it comes to Chrysler aero cars, EVERYONE, from hardcore enthusiasts to eight year old day dreamers, knows they're looking at something special. This spectacular Charger is a fully documented, numbers-matching showpiece that was professionally restored using a roster of original components. No car turns as many heads as a Chrysler halo model. And, unlike other outrageous looking machines, they usually have the pedigree and performance to back up their extreme appearance. If you're a serious Mopar enthusiast who's looking for a crown jewel classic to lead your collection, welcome to the world of winged warriors!

The sale of this streetable stock car includes an original fender tag that, according to Mopar expert Galen Govier, breaks down as follows:

E86: 440 cubic inch Magnum V8 that's fitted with 4-Barrel carburetion
D32: Heavy duty A727 Torqueflite transmission
X: Dodge Charger
X: Fast top
29: 2-door sports hardtop
L: 440 cubic inch V8 that utilizes 4-Barrel carburetion to produce 375 horsepower
9: 1969 model year
B: Assembled at Chrysler's Dodge Main manufacturing facility in Hamtramck, Michigan
400603: Sequence number
Y2: Yellow roof paint
Y2: Yellow body paint
C: Charger grade trim
6: Vinyl bucket seats
X: Black interior
X9: Black door frames
602: Assembled on Monday June 2nd, 1969
926815: Vehicle order number
A01: Light Package
A11: Special model: Charger Daytona
A36: 3.55:1 High Performance Axle Package
B51: Power-assisted brakes
C16: Console
C55: Bucket seats
G15: Tinted windshield
M21: Roof drip rail moldings
M31: Body belt moldings
R11: Music Master AM radio
V88: R/T Bumblebee sport stripe delete (Add Daytona stripe)
Y39: Special order
26: 26-inch radiator
EN: End of codes
2: Assembly line 2

In the 60s, Chrysler and Ford were heavily vested in the "Win on Sunday, sell on Monday" sales mentality, and Dodge's Charger 500 just wasn't getting the job done. In an attempt to one up Ford's slick and equally fast Torino, Dodge went back to the drawing board and began exploring aerodynamics. This was a first for a car company, and it eventually culminated in testing full scale models at Lockheed Martin's North Carolina wind tunnel. Engineer's quickly realized the benefits of a wind-cutting nose, but their real epiphany came when they employed a large rear stabilizer. Not only did that 'rocket nose' and 'park bench' spoiler combination create 'zero lift' downforce, it also produced immense directional stability, permitting speeds in excess of 200 MPH. Not surprisingly, Dodge's storied Daytona won the first race it competed in and would eventually become one of the most successful NASCAR stock cars of all time.

Originally sold through Kirby's Dodge in Arlington Virginia, this 4-owner Daytona features an exceptionally straight body that was perfected over a multi-year, six-figure restoration. The car's rebirth began when Le Hodge of Hodge MOPAR Restorations used vintage metal from a clean, 318 Charger to shore up its striking but faded profile. Once that profile was straight and solid, its panels were thoroughly stripped, lovingly sanded and massaged to a level that's much nicer than factory fodder. With those panels correctly planed, and Chrysler's intimidating ambiance fully reconstructed, a correct coat of code Y2 Yellow was sealed under a fresh Daytona stripe. And today, this Dodge sits as an ultra-straight, fully detailed pavement pounder that's some of the coolest, most attention-grabbing iron Detroit has ever created.

When you step back and take a look at this Charger's sinuous body, many adjectives come to mind. Wicked... Astonishing... Dreadful... Infamous... But, in reality, Chrysler spent a lot of R&D time making sure the car fit one specific descriptor: functional. Every piece of this Daytona was whittled to maximum efficiency in pursuit of one goal: lapping large race tracks at a high rate of speed. At the front of the car, a downforce producing nose hangs sleek, flip up headlights above a small grille, hidden parking lamps and a body-matched chin spoiler. Behind that nose, drag reducing heat extractors ride between standard hood pins and like-new glass that's bordered by straight stainless trim. At the sides of those extractors, prominent fender lines, which anchor familiar "Charger" scripts at the base of the car's large B-pillars, feature fresh wheel trim, familiar door handles and a correct Chrysler mirror. And at the back of the car, a Satin Black valence centers clear tail lights and a bright "Charger" emblem between stainless exhaust tips, a detailed 'pit stop' fuel filler, chrome-trimmed reverse lamps, a giant, 24-inch wing and a new chrome bumper.

Hoist the car's long hood and you'll find an original, 440 cubic inch Magnum V8 that's authenticated by a 2536430 casting number, a February (2) 22nd (22) of 1969 (69) casting date and a matching 400603 partial VIN. At the top of that 375 horsepower monster, a correct, 4-barrel carburetor rides within a small, Organisol-coated air cleaner. At the base of that carburetor, a correct Chrysler intake hangs between correct heads and traditional, stamped steel valve covers. At the front of those valve covers, a reliable points distributor shoots spark through Chrysler Electronic Suppression wires. And at the sides of that distributor, fully restored exhaust manifolds funnel spent gases into great sounding, true-dual tail pipes. Aesthetically, this Charger's bright Yellow engine bay is exceptionally impressive from its fresh brake booster and correct power steering pump all the way to its big, 26-inch radiator and tagged red cap battery. And a great combination of new and replacement parts make the car's operation both fun and reliable, with items like a correct washer tank, taut carburetor springs and a collection of fresh, Chrysler-branded hoses ensuring miles of safe travel.

Toss this Q Ship on a lift and you'll find a fully sorted undercarriage that's completely restored to factory-correct standards. Heavy duty primer protects weather-free floorpans that feature a natural mix rugged undercoating and carefully faded overspray. Like its Magnum V8, this Charger's original A727 Torqueflite 3-speed needed very little to be rebuilt to solid, like-new condition. That stalwart gearbox sends power to an 8.75-inch Chrysler rear end that's equipped with correct 3.55 gears. At the front of the car, traditional torsion bars combine with optional power steering to make quick work of big bumps and tight curves. At the back of the car, fresh shocks augment traditional leaf springs in front of a leak-free fuel tank. Stops come courtesy of heavy duty power drum brakes that are positioned at all four corners. Exhaust is handled by aluminized tubes that bend around an H-shaped crossover, traditional turbo mufflers and bright stainless tips. And all this Mopar goodness rolls on familiar Magnum wheels, which twist F70-14 Goodyear Polyglas Custom Wide Treads around satin trim rings and polished center caps.

Inside this awesome Dodge, a correct Black interior is clean, well-fitted and surprisingly stylish. The seats, which include correct post-January, 1969 headrests, display no significant signs of wear. In front of those thrones, an expertly restored dash hangs rebuilt factory gauges beside a thumb-adjusted Chrysler Solid State radio. At the bottom of that dash, like-new carpet anchors a traditional chrome shifter inside a long, wood-trimmed console. At the sides of that carpet, fresh door panels hang new armrests and pliable map pockets under bright stainless trim and orange-tinged "Charger" emblems. Above those panels, old school shoulder belts frame a tight, black headliner. In front of the driver, a wood steering wheel spins satin-finished spokes around a monochromatic, fratzog-branded horn button. And behind the cockpit, the car's professionally restored trunk is complete all the way down to its plaid mat, dual decals and correct tire and jack combo.

Naturally, this phenomenal Charger features amazing provenance. Here's a chronological breakdown of the items included with its sale:

An original owner's manual
Original warranty paperwork
Original dealer paperwork
A complete owner history
A vintage speeding ticket
A receipt showing payment of that speeding ticket
Vintage maintenance receipts
A Galen Govier inspection
The aforementioned Galen Govier fender tag breakdown
Official paperwork from the Chrysler Registry
A packet of receipts from Hodge Restoration
Additional restoration and component receipts
A piece of dash autographed by Dodge Daytona driver James Hylton
Pictures of James Hylton signing that dash

A poster child for the golden era of Detroit, the Charger Daytona stands head and shoulders above nearly every classic in terms of looks, exclusivity and performance. Few cars are as popular as they are polarizing, and that simply adds to its cache. With a smooth, numbers-matching powertrain, all-Mopar sheetmetal and enough visual flash to stand out in a mirror factory, this awesome coupe is about as close to the ultimate muscle car as you can get!