Don Tarr’s 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona Fails To Auction

A 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona that was owned by NASCAR driver Don Tarr failed to auction in a shocking result. While bidding reached a healthy $245,000 on Bring A Trailer, it wasn’t enough to meet reserve, resulting in the Mopar Wing Car not changing hands.

Shaq’s custom RV fails to meet reserve, billionaire buys it anyway.

Considering Hagerty’s valuation of a ’69 Charger Daytona in good condition is $541,000 and this one has been owned by a bonafide motorsports celebrity, it’s understandable why people are shocked.

After all, the top bid didn’t even get to half that amount.

This is the latest in a string of auction disappointments, both online and in person. There’s no doubt at this point the once vivacious collector car market is imploding rapidly. While many will try to prognosticate how low and long the correction will go, we have a feeling it might outstrip many of those overly optimistic views.

In good times, a 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona that’s in as good of shape as this would fetch a pretty penny. After all, only 503 of these homologation specials were made. Considering they wildly stand out from other classic Chargers, thanks to the nose cone and massive rear wing, they’re often objects of substantial desire.

This one looks to be in rather good condition, so we wouldn’t attribute the low top bid amount to that. However, it seems many felt the paint on the Wing Car wasn’t original. The seller hopped into the comments after reserve wasn’t met, saying, “If I decide to go through this process again, I will make sure to take the car to a paint shop to certify the original paint and eliminate the non-bidder repaint theorists and story tellers.”

Just a few years ago, a classic muscle car like this that was owned by a NASCAR driver or other well-respected celebrity would’ve likely auctioned for close to a million, maybe even more. After all, just last year a ’69 Hemi Charger Daytona auctioned for a whopping $3.3 million.

It seems the good times have come and gone. But on the bright side, classic cars might become affordable for everyday enthusiasts to enjoy again, instead of just rich old guys.

Check out the lot listing for this 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona on Bring A Trailer.

Images via Bring A Trailer