How much does a 1969 Dodge Daytona weigh?
The 1969 Dodge Daytona, the high-speed aerodynamic variant of the Charger, weighs roughly 3,400 pounds in curb weight, though exact figures vary by engine, transmission and optional equipment. This article explains typical weight ranges for the Daytona and how its distinctive aero components influenced its heft.
Weight by configuration
Engine and transmission choices are the main drivers of weight variation among Daytonas. The following ranges reflect common factory setups for the era.
- 440-cubic-inch V8 (non-Hemi) with a manual transmission: about 3,300–3,400 lb
- 440-cubic-inch V8 with an automatic transmission: about 3,350–3,450 lb
- 426 Hemi (rare option) with any transmission: about 3,450–3,650 lb
- With additional equipment (air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, etc.): adds roughly 50–150 lb to any configuration
In general, most Daytona curb weights fall in the 3,300–3,500 pound range, with some heavily optioned or heavier-engine builds pushing toward the mid-3,600s depending on equipment.
Aero design and weight considerations
The Daytona’s distinctive long nose, recessed headlights, and rear spoiler were engineered to reduce drag and boost top speed. These aerodynamic features contributed to performance at high speeds, but they also affected weight distribution and increased the car’s overall curb weight compared with a standard Charger.
Weight impact of aero components
Front nose cone, front air dam, and rear wing added mass relative to a non-aero Charger. Depending on materials and trim, these components could add tens to a hundred pounds, influencing handling and weight distribution at speed.
Summary
The 1969 Dodge Daytona typically weighs around 3,400 pounds in curb weight, with exact figures determined by engine choice, transmission, and optional equipment. Its aero-focused design provided performance benefits at speed but contributed to a heavier and differently balanced vehicle than the standard Charger. For a precise weight on a specific car, consult its build sheet and VIN data, as individual Daytonas vary based on options and configuration.
How much is a 1969 Dodge Daytona worth?
The price for a 1969 Dodge Daytona varies significantly, from around $220,000 to over $3.3 million at auction, depending on factors like condition, mileage, and rarity. Rare, well-maintained examples with desirable features like the Hemi engine can fetch record-breaking prices, while others in lesser condition have sold for much lower figures.
Price ranges and examples
- Record-breaking prices: A highly-optioned Hemi version sold for a record-setting $3.3 million in August 2024. A different Hemi model previously sold for $1.32 million in May 2022.
- Typical auction prices: In recent years, prices for examples in good condition have frequently fallen between $220,000 and $350,000. A recently restored model sold for $324,500 in April 2025.
- Lowest auction price: The lowest recent auction price for a 1969 Dodge Daytona was around $220,000 for a car needing significant work or with accident history.
Factors influencing price
- Condition: A car in excellent, original, or a high-quality restoration will command a much higher price than one in poor condition.
- Engine and options: Daytonas with the rare and powerful 426 cubic-inch Hemi engine are the most valuable, along with other desirable options.
- Mileage and history: Lower mileage and a documented history, especially one tied to a famous driver or race, increase a car's value.
- Rarity: The 1969 model is already rare, with only 505 built, but specific configurations are even rarer.
How heavy is a Dodge Daytona?
5,698 lbs.
Dimensions
| Height | 58.9 in. |
|---|---|
| Ground clearance | 5.5 in. |
| Curb weight | 5,698 lbs. |
| Gross weight | 6,750 lbs. |
| Country of final assembly | Canada |
What is the curb weight of a 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona?
The wheelbase of the Dodge Charger Daytona is 9'9” (297 cm) with a curb weight of 4,079 lb (1,850 kg). The 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona was a revolutionary muscle car designed with aerodynamic performance in mind, crafted to dominate NASCAR tracks.
Why was the 1969 Dodge Daytona banned from NASCAR?
The 1969 Dodge Daytona was not technically "banned" but became uncompetitive in NASCAR due to a rule change after its dominance, which effectively banned its "Winged Warrior" design. Its revolutionary aerodynamic features, including a massive rear wing and long nose cone, gave it a significant speed advantage, and it was the first American car to break 200 mph in a NASCAR race. In 1971, NASCAR introduced new rules that limited the engine size for cars with extreme aerodynamic modifications, making the Daytona uncompetitive and leading to its departure from the series.
- Aerodynamic advantage: The Daytona's massive rear wing and pointed nose cone were highly effective in reducing drag and increasing speed.
- Dominance: This led to the car dominating races, especially at tracks like Talladega, and its success prompted other manufacturers to create their own aerodynamic "aero cars" like the Plymouth Superbird.
- Speed record: The Daytona's extreme speed was a major factor, and Buddy Baker's 1970 run of over 200 mph solidified its reputation as a speed machine.
- Rule change: In response to the dominance of these "winged cars," NASCAR changed the rules to level the playing field. The new rules limited the engine size for cars with extreme aero features, making them no longer competitive.
- Effective ban: While the rule didn't specifically name the Daytona, it effectively banned all the "Aero Cars" from competing, and the 1971 Daytona 500 had very few winged cars in the field.
