The Charger was starting to lose its edge in 1968, so Dodge created the Charger 500 in 1969. It had a more flush grill and restyled rear window for better aerodynamics. They did not do as well as expected, so Dodge stepped up to the plate and created the Charger Daytona in mid-1969.

The Daytona was basically the Charger 500 with:

• 18-in fiberglass nose extension
• Fender-top scoops (for tire clearance)
• 2-ft high rear trunk spoiler

The Daytona weighed about 300-lbs more than the Charger 500. So while it was not necessarily faster on the street, the added aerodynamic forces made it killer on the track. It won about a quarter of the races during its two seasons. In 1971, NASCAR changed the rules requiring winged cars to be powered by a maximum of 305-ci motors.

Production figures (503 total):

• 433 with the 440
• 70 with the 426 Hemi

Bobby Isaac, sponsored by K&K Insurance, set the world closed-course record of 201.104 MPH. At Bonneville, Bobby also set the unlimited class speed record with an astounding 217 MPH.