1 of 503 Dodge Daytonas produced
California car with all original sheet metal
Recent thorough updating completed by Roger Gibson Restoration
Sold new at Downey Dodge in Downey, California
Original matching numbers 440/375 HP Magnum V-8 engine
4-barrel carburetor
Original matching numbers Torqueflite automatic transmission
Super Performance Axle Package with 4.10 gear ratio
Power steering
EV2 Hemi Orange with Black interior and wing
Bucket seats and center console
Tinted windshield
Noise Reduction Package including dual snorkel air cleaner
Music Master AM radio
Chrome styled road wheels
F70-14 Redline tires
Original window sticker and shipper

California dreaming may not come much better than the car offered here, a 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona from the Wellborn Collection. Sold new at Downey Dodge in Downey, California, this vehicle still has all-original sheet metal and was recently given a thorough OEM-level update by Roger Gibson Restoration.

Among the 503 Daytonas built, there were a solid variety of options offered, but just two engines—the 426 Hemi and the even larger Dodge 440 Magnum, which is what was new and is original and matching-numbers to this car. The 375 HP 440 Magnum V-8 was standard equipment on Charger R/T, the upscale model all Daytonas were built around. It came with a 4-barrel carburetor, and the reciprocating pieces were first developed during the Max Wedge era. Behind this is the car's original matching-numbers Torqueflite automatic transmission, coupled with the rare A32 Super Performance Axle Package, which meant the Dana 60 with 4.10 gear ratio, power front disc brakes and Hemi suspension pieces. This car also has power steering, the factory Noise Reduction Package including dual snorkel air cleaner and, uniquely, the factory-designed cruise control system, which was likely dealer-installed as it is not listed on the fender tag.

The exterior wears classic EV2 Hemi Orange paint with a black interior and matching black wing. Inside are adjustable headrest bucket seats, C16 center console with chrome shifter, tinted windshield, the Music Master AM radio, gauge cluster with 150 MPH speedometer and Tic-Toc-Tach, chrome pedal brightwork and three-spoke sport steering wheel. Of course, this Daytona has the NASCAR homologation parts—nosecone, fender scoops, A-pillar chrome, flush rear window and pylon-mount rear wing. It rides on chrome-styled road wheels with F70-14 Redline tires, and documentation includes the original window sticker and shipper. For fans of these cars, this California-preserved example—with a pedigree from Wellborn and Gibson, a unique driveline and operational equipment, and its overall presentation after its recent refresh—will be a standout any place you take it.