Some cars are always going to be attention getters, and this particular Dodge Charger Daytona may indeed be the true “halo” example of the entire breed. While many things could be said about the model in general, it’s this car’s history after that fact that has given it so much notoriety. This is the lowest-mile, original-engine, 4-speed Hemi Daytona documented to exist, showing an odometer reading of just 6,490 miles. The options installed on it make it one of one, and those options are verified via two complete broadcast sheets. The color combination of T5 Copper Metallic with a tan interior and white wing stripe makes it a head-turner anywhere, and it has done just that since day one. The original owner, Greg Williams, purchased this car not as a street driver but for repurposing as an ISCA-level custom. Soon after, the original interior was removed, the body panels were custom painted, and even the factory wheels and tires went into storage. Thereafter, this car was mostly trailered on the car show circuit. Legendary pioneer muscle car collector Otis Chandler, owner of the Los Angeles Times newspaper, bought it along with all of those unused original parts. Then, expert Roger Gibson simply refreshed it, repainted it in its factory color and reassembled it like a giant model kit. This Daytona was ultimately the first Mopar ever redone with the assembly line paint daubs and tape deliberately visible. Vintage photos of the car with custom show paint both before and after its restoration will be included with the car. Defensive Player of the Year Kevin Greene, linebacker for several NFL and NFC teams, purchased it from Chandler and then later sold it to Tim and Pam Wellborn, who used it very sparingly while it was part of their museum holdings. Mecum offered this car as part of the Select Wellborn Collection in 2015, where an agent working on behalf of actor David Spade bought it, and it has now been part of Gary Edwards’ collection for approximately five years. Gibson noted in 2015 that the 426 Hemi engine installed in this car new did not even require anything beyond maintenance. This A34 Super Track Pak car has the D21 A833 Hemi and D58 4.10 Dana 60 Sure Grip differential. It features power steering and power brakes. Optioning inside includes bucket seats, a center console, ball-knob Hurst shifter, sports dash with 150 MPH speedometer and Tic-Toc-Tach, an AM radio and a remote driver’s mirror. The exterior wears the special Charger Daytona parts, and the car rides on 15-inch steel wheels and redline tires. Having appeared in books and magazines, as well as rare concours-level invitations to Amelia Island and St. John’s since being purchased by Spade, it has been out of the public eye and became the “halo” Daytona within the Edwards’ collection. Created from premium assembly-line Charger R/T models by subcontractor Creative Industries, there were 503 of these cars built during a short construction window in mid-1969. Of that group, just 70 had the 426 Hemi for power, and of the 70, only 20 were 4-speeds. Of those 20, just one was T5 Copper Metallic with a white wing stripe and a tan interior—this one. Of those 20, just one was owned by a famed newspaper publisher, a major football player and a well-known Hollywood celebrity—this one. Ultimately, only a single bidder will become the next part of this car’s legacy, and as such, it might be wise to consider this car with Pro Football Hall of Famer Kevin Greene’s attitude: if you want the very best, play the game to win.
