1969 Dodge Charger Daytona
Creative Industries in Detroit transformed 503 Charger R/Ts into winged warriors through extensive aerodynamic modifications.
A 23-inch-tall stabilizer wing was mounted to the rear quarter panels, while a special sheet-metal nose cone replaced the traditional upright grille.
A flush rear window plug, unique front fenders, stainless steel A-pillar trim, and fender-mounted cooling scoops completed the transformation.
These changes allowed Buddy Baker to become the first NASCAR driver to exceed 200 mph, turning 200.447 mph at Talladega in March 1970.
The R/T foundation provided heavy-duty suspension and brake components. A 440-cubic-inch Magnum V-8 rated at 375 horsepower came standard, while 70 examples were equipped with the optional 426-cubic-inch Hemi rated at 425 horsepower.
Dodge built 503 Daytonas for homologation purposes, surpassing NASCAR’s 500-unit requirement (a lesson reinforced after the limited-production Charger 500).
The Daytona captured six NASCAR Grand National victories before rule changes for 1971 effectively sidelined the aerodynamic specials, ending the brief “Aero Wars” between Chrysler and Ford.
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