The muscle car just hit the Mecum Monterey 2024 auction for a price that far exceeded expectations. Specifically, it found a new owner for a whopping $3.3 million. So not only is it the most expensive 1969 Charger Daytona ever to come to auction, it also changed hands for double the previous record holder’s price. It’s also the first Daytona to surpass both $2 million and $3 million.
So what has collectors bidding high on this dark green “winged warrior”? For starters, it’s a museum-worthy classic that still sports most of its original components, including the sheetmetal. The car is perfect inside and out and could win awards at any classic car show.
Additionally, this 1969 Daytona is also super rare because of its transmission combination. Dodge produced 503 Charger Daytonas for NASCAR homologation in 1969, but only 70 were ordered with the powerful 426 cubic inch (7.0 liter) HEMI V8 engine. Of those, only 22 were also equipped with the desirable four-speed manual transmission. This car is one of them, and it has matching numbers units.
A super rare rig for the drivetrain spec, this Mopar is unique when you factor in the color scheme. The F8 Dark Green paint adorns other Daytonas, but this example is the only one with the C6G Green vinyl interior. This is a true one-of-a-kind classic.
But wait, that's not all. This “winged warrior” is the most optioned Daytona HEMI ever made. The original owner ordered the vehicle with a long list of options, including the 4.10 Super Track Pak, P31 power windows, N51 Maximum Cooling Package, A01 lighting package, and color-matched cast wheels. The Mopar also features the N85 Tic-Toc-Tach, G11 full-tinted glass, S81 wood-look steering wheels, C62 six-way power driver's seat, and C55 bucket seats with headrests.
In addition to setting a record for Dodge Charger Daytonas, this Mopar is also the most expensive “winged warrior” on the road at the time of writing. The previous record was held by a 1970 Plymouth HEMI Superbird, which sold for $1.65 million in 2022.
The HEMI Daytona was auctioned alongside four other high-profile classics from the Nevada Collection. A 1970 Plymouth HEMI 'Cuda Convertible, one of only 14 produced, walked away with a high bid of $2 million. A 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, a unique vehicle in its color combination, brought in a high bid of $1.7 million. A V-code 1971 Plymouth 'Cuda sold for $390,500, while a 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (one of 199 produced) sold for $522,500.
The green Daytona was the second most expensive classic car auctioned at the event. The most expensive vehicle, a 1969 Ford GT40 Lightweight (one of 10 built), sold for $7.86 million.