Anyone who knows Mopar guys knows that it’s all about numbers, so here’s some to digest: in 1969, 503 Dodge Daytonas were built. Out of those, 70 were Hemi-powered, twenty of those had four-speeds. “Rare” is good enough, but then let’s take one number that is eye-opening, even for a Hemi car: 6,435. That’s how many miles are on this Dodge. This is considered the benchmark for judging 1969 Dodge Daytonas. It was the first known restoration that utilized factory markings on the undercarriage, and it’s past is just as glorious: it once competed at World of Wheels, was owned by a NFL All Pro and was in the Otis Chandler collection at one point.
And on January 23rd, during Mecum Auction’s Kissimmee 2015 auction, comedian and actor David Spade became the Daytona’s new owner at an eye-watering before-fee cost of $900,000. We don’t know exactly what reason Spade had for picking up the Daytona, but we’d like to think that the 440 Magnum-powered Charger that became the Joe Dirt Daytona had something to do with it.
(Source: TMZ)
I’m not into this ultra restoration thing, but why ‘restore’ a car with 6435 miles on it, unless you’re gonna flip it? Being more of a ‘day 2’ man myself, I really think the cars character was destroyed. That custom paint that was done back in the day (or appears to be) falls under the ‘only original once’ umbrella for me. Look at all of these people that are now replicating the ‘day 2’ look, because they’re now bored with their restored ‘totally original cars’. Sure that Hemi, 4spd, Daytona is a rare copper car, but to me the thrill is gone. Please note that this is just My opinion and not intended to sway anyone else.
40+ years is a long time for paint, bushings, shocks, joints, springs, rubber, leather, hoses, seals and gaskets, rings, thermostat, etc. Unless they are kept like Jay Leno’s climate controlled barn (which is practically like a museum), with someone keeping them clean, starting the engine, taking them for a spin every month, they develop that ‘standing rot’. Probably not a full resto as implied, but rather a refurb with new paint. And doesn’t that paint job (second photo) look just like you’d expect from a former World of Wheels car? Those were the days!
I totally agree with your statements a day two car is more historically valuable in my mind as we see what went on in the owners head
whether for speed looks or what have you it was thier canvas
Michael
” A fool and his money are soon parted “
says yet “ANOTHER” poor jealous soul…
Day 2 cars don’t bring big money at auctions. As a matter of fact, they bring a fraction of what a restored car brings. Big Bucks spenders want a “as it left the factory” car.
The only time a Day 2 car can bring big money is if it’s a historical race car that won a lot of races.
ahhh, so it is about the money, instead of the spirit of what the car is
again, just my lowly opinion
If David spade turns it into his Joe Dirt car, he will become my new hero.
Daaaang!! (someone had to say it…)
Starting to think David Spade has a thing for mopar? He drove one in tommy boy and joe dirt.
My HEMI! I hope he has a footprint gas pedal installed on it!
It’s perfectly clear to me.I do believe that David Spade knew that when he was filmimg that movie “Joe Dirt” he knew that he was driving a second rate Daytona only powered by a mere 440 and here was his chance to do it right.It’s perfectly clear to me that he wants to replicate the movie car the way he felt it should of been done in the first place with a true hemi car.After all there are enough talented people out there nowadays that should be capable of rebuilding this car the way it should be regardless of the fact that it has been restored.Here I was thinking that David Spade was a real Dork and he has proved me wrong!
I bet this shows up in Joe Dirt 2.
He is no fool. Provenance is the word at the next auction. The world’s best Dodge Daytona, as owned by Joe Dirt.
Day 2 cars are just more fun. It’s as simple as that.
What fun would it be if you can’t drive it? I want one I can actually drive!