A 1969 Dodge Hemi Daytona was the top lot of Mecum's Kissimmee sale on January 16-25, achieving $900,000. The lot was offered in exceptional condition and features the lowest known mileage of any Daytona. Dodge specialist Roger Gibson was responsible for the full restoration of the lot in 1988. He told Mecum: “In my opinion this car is the best example of a 4-Speed Hemi Daytona in existence. "It was not a typical restoration; it didn’t need very much. When it came in it showed 5,977 miles… It led a very sheltered life that contributed to its stunning condition." A 1971 Dodge Hemi Challenger was another highlight, achieving $640,000 against a $550,000 estimate – an increase of 16.3%. The lot is one of 36 surviving 1971 Challengers and is considered among the finest known. It remains in original condition, having been driven by a single owner over the course of its life. That owner, Greg Hernandez, explained how the car salesman had tried to talk him out of buying the model: “He was adamant about saying it wasn’t a good choice for a family car! But I insisted that was what I wanted and we went ahead and made out the order. "I got the car December 8, I believe. My wife drove our ’60 Chevy Impala along with me to the dealer and I drove the Charger. I drove the Challenger home with my two daughters in the back.”
1969 Dodge Hemi Daytona makes $900,000 in Kissimmee auction
