1969 Dodge Daytona all original and a Fully Restored 1969 Dodge Daytona

We did it again; not one but two Feature Cars. The first is an all original and well driven 1969 Dodge Daytona owned by Jim and Delma McCauley. They are the second owners of the car and have driven it far and wide. It shows the miles but is a treasure of the past.

One thing I have learned about the owners of these winged Chrysler Monsters is that most of the owners are very passionate about their cars. They will often own more than one of the aero cars and are more likely to drive them than is the owner of a more common Ford or Chevy product. However, there are also those owners like Dan Printz who owns the yellow and immaculately restored Daytona featured here. He loves his car and has done a remarkable restoration but it obviously is not driven regularly.

Which way is the best way? You be the judge, it is not for me to say. I know what I usually do. First I get a car to have fun with and start fixing it up and driving it. Then I go to a cruise or show and see all these immaculate show cars so I decide to fix mine up just a little bit more. Next thing I know I have put more money into the car than I should and it is too nice to drive so I get disgusted with myself and sell it because I won’t drive it for fear of getting a chip.

One fellow I met had the right answer but it takes deeeeeeep pockets. Do a beautiful full on restoration to the best of your abilities. It could be a Shelby or a winged car or a Copo; just do it right. Next, take a bodied car of the same make and vintage and build a driver clone of your show car. Not as well done and not all NOS parts etc.; do a mild resto-mod with air and the other amenities and drive the wheels off of it while you show the masterpiece.

What’s your approach?

This is the McCauley two owner 1969 Dodge Daytona. It was originally put into storage in 1977 and pulled out and put on the road in 2004. There is a nice story behind the second owners’ acquisition of this car but that is for another time.

The weather on this day was far from great. It was drizzling rain all day. The photos are not the best but it shows the dedication these owners have to these cars to bring them out on such a day.

Just goes to show you that you do not need a perfect engine compartment if it is original and driven. There were people around this car all day. A 440Magnum always looks good.

Every scar has a story and worn with pride.

Obviously, it is not a show car. However, these owners are not afraid to drive it and enjoy it. That is what owning a car like this is all about; get out and drive!

As long as these noses are and as blind as the front end is from the driver’s seat it is a wonder this is the only dent out front!

That wing is really tall.

Original tags are always interesting to see and read.

Note the power steering cooler…it is nearly identical to the one found on the Ford products such as the Talladegas.

The interior is not perfect but very nice for a driver.

Check out the wing through the back window.

Here is an interesting view out the rear view mirror and the windshield at some of the other terrific aero cars at the show.

This is the Printz 1969 Dodge Daytona, fully restored and beautiful.

Check out the nose of this car.

Many back in the day preferred the 440 Magnum over the Hemi. This one looks good but sounds better.

Just notice how clean this car is, everywhere.

Remember, as you look at these photos it was raining all morning during the preparation for the show. It did not stop until about 5 minutes before the judges showed up. Would you take your ride out in the rain if it looked like this on the underside? THANK YOU Mr. Printz for bringing this trophy out for us to see!

When was the last time you saw a production car with two different jacks and jacking instructions?

There is one for the front and one for the rear. Obviously, a bumper jack won’t work on that nose!

See how little clearance there is betweent the wing and the trunk when it is opened.

Don’t think the wing adds down force? Look at the brace inside the trunk under the wing.

Here are your two jacks.

The interior and dash look better than new.

Both cars are automatics.

This is the emblom on the door panel.