What engine did the 1969 Dodge Daytona have?
The 1969 Dodge Daytona used the 426 cubic inch Hemi V8, delivering about 425 horsepower from dual four-barrel carburetors. This concise engine choice defined the model’s performance and its place in Muscle Car history.
Engine specifications
Below are the core technical details of the Daytona’s powerplant and how it powered the car’s aggressive performance:
- Engine displacement: 426 cubic inches (7.0 liters)
- Configuration: V8 with hemispherical combustion chambers
- Induction: Dual four-barrel carburetors (Holley-based setup)
- Power output: 425 horsepower (gross) and approximately 490 lb-ft of torque
- Fuel system: Carbureted, not fuel-injected
- Transmission options: 4-speed manual or 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic
In production practice, Chrysler offered the Daytona with the 426 Hemi as the primary and often sole engine option for 1969, paired with either a manual or automatic transmission to suit buyer preference. This combination was essential to the car’s high-speed performance credentials on both the street and the track.
Historical context and impact
The Daytona’s engine choice was part of a broader strategy tied to NASCAR homologation and aerodynamic innovation. The car featured a distinctive nose and tail intended to reduce drag and promote stability at high speeds, with the 426 Hemi providing the top-end power necessary to justify the streamlined design.
Why the 426 Hemi mattered for the Daytona
The 426 Hemi was renowned for its hemispherical chamber design, which allowed for larger intake and exhaust airflow and higher compression. In the Daytona, this translated to strong torque and high-speed performance, aligning with the car’s purpose as a race-inspired production model.
Rarity and collector value
Only a limited number of 1969 Dodge Daytos were built, and most equipped with the 426 Hemi. Today, those who own them value the combination of exclusive engineering, iconic design, and the historical significance tied to NASCAR homologation efforts.
Additional context
While the Dodge Daytona shared its era with the Plymouth Superbird, the Daytona’s engineering package—centered on the 426 Hemi—remains the defining feature cited by enthusiasts and historians when discussing its performance legacy.
Summary
In short, the 1969 Dodge Daytona’s engine was the 426 cubic inch Hemi V8, rated around 425 horsepower, equipped with dual four-barrel carburetors and offered with either a 4-speed manual or a TorqueFlite automatic transmission. This powerplant, combined with aerodynamic bodywork, established the Daytona as a landmark muscle car linked to NASCAR competition and Mopar engineering prowess.
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.
What engine came in the 1969 Dodge Daytona?
First generation (1969)
| First generation (B) | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 426 cu in (7.0 L) Hemi V8 440 cu in (7.2 L) Magnum V8 |
| Power output | 390 hp (291 kW), 425 hp (317 kW) and 490 lb⋅ft (664 N⋅m) of torque |
| Transmission | 4 -speed manual 3-speed automatic Torqueflite 727 |
| Dimensions |
What was the fastest NASCAR in 1969?
The 200 MPH Dodge
- Buddy Baker, nicknamed “Leadfoot,” was Chrysler Corp.'
- The huge rear wing on the back of the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona smoothed out airflow at the rear of the car on fast NASCAR superspeedways.
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.
