How old are you? A wing car survey.

[Pinballjim]

I started a thread a while back titled "Searching for a wing car".  A thought came to mind that I felt needed to be addressed in a new thread.   This one is for all the current wing car owners.  I got to wondering -  What's the average age of guys who own wing cars?  And while I'm asking, how long have you owned your cars?  I'm just curious about the demographics of these cars.  Most of the guys I talk to about their cars have owned them for decades....  What's YOUR story?   Thanks in advance for your input!!       

[cdr]

Mine is only a partial clone at the moment, that said if I could afford a real Daytona I would have one, 59 years old

[Dave Kanofsky]

49.97 and not a day more!  

I've had my current Daytona for 19 yrs, had a SuperBird for 5 years before that :-)

[70Sbird]

My Superbird: I bought it as a disassembled project 21 years ago, I'm 56

[birdsandbees]

59 turning 12. I've had mine for 32 years come February.

[Wingnut426]

I bought my first Superbird in 1979.  I am now 64 years old. I have had wing cars for 42 years! WINGNUT

[PettyMower]

I'm 54, and have owned the car since 1986 (35 years)....3rd owner.

[Q5XX29]

I just turned 47. I bought my Q5 Daytona about 9 years ago.

[Pinballjim]

Petty Mower - That's an AWESOME picture.  

Great responses so far.  Thanks for the input.  Keep them coming!!  

[aerolith]

As non wing Aero's are much rarer, I would like to join in too please Jim! (me I'm 64)

When did I first 'want a winger'?

Back in the 70's believe it not...

I found them and could not afford them (for many reasons).

The next problem being was 'storage and insurance' for such a wonderful beast!

''No chance the insurance man said'', he then said ''come back when you is 25''...
Then I can fix you up with a policy, but it ain't gonna be cheap.

So buying a Winger was hard and expensive, but not outrageous like now...
(Always a day late or dollar short was my problem after that time)...

I realised like many folks (along the way), somethings aren't meant to be...




But I now have have 'perfect car' for me, a Dodge Charger-500 'one of 392', it fits in my garage and doesn't look kooky...

It was converted to a Daytona in the 80's and we converted it back to a proper C500 in the 2000's.

Now I'm thinking, ''I should have left her as she was''...(fake Daytona or C-500 with a wing)

It could have been 'better than a (Daytona) clone' a real 'XX' car, but also free to do what I want 'with her/him/it'...

If my buyer doesn't come good in the New Year, then I may have a change of direction.



My 'correct direction' may be a 'best of both worlds' lol

God Bless America and all the Aero Folks...

[PettyMower]

Thank you!  Taken with my cellphone while out for dinner and dessert in Ocean City, Maryland.

Petty Mower - That's an AWESOME picture.  

Great responses so far.  Thanks for the input.  Keep them coming!!  

[hemi68charger]

So Jim, are you a wizard too? (wondering if anyone will connect that)

I'm 57 and have my Daytona...

[Pinballjim]

So Jim, are you a wizard too? (wondering if anyone will connect that)

I'm 57 and have my Daytona...

I get it.....   Wizard - Pinballjim - Pinball Wizard!!!   The movie Tommy (The Who's rock opera) is to pinball fans what American Graffiti is to car fans....  Pinball guys and car guys have a LOT in common.....

To answer your question;   I'm OK at the game.  It's not just flipping the flippers to keep the ball in play.   There's much more to it than that.  They call it a "game of skill".  I say it's a game of skill AND luck.  Unlike a video game, it's never the same game twice so at any time, a novice player could beat a better player simply because the ball was spinning one way with player one and the other way with player two.  If you're ever in SE Pa, stop by to play a few games!!   

[moparstuart]

53 here  chased the real ones for a long time and everytime i thought i had enough money they jumped in price so i build my clone . Lucky to aleast to score real parts to build it from .
Started collecting parts in 94 got it on the road for the first time in  2007   

[Aero426]

Hot Wheels are fun whether you are six or sixty.

[light man]

I am 74 years old, bought my Superbird new in September of 1970. It is an unrestored survivor with 29,000 miles.

[hemi68charger]

I am 74 years old, bought my Superbird new in September of 1970. It is an unrestored survivor with 29,000 miles.

Well done in foresightness (if that is such a word)

[triple_green]

It seems for most, owning a wing car is about priorities as much as money. There are a few "rich guys" here is Seattle that own wing cars, but mostly people who made it a money priority when they got the car. back in the day my money priority was the 4 kids and house payment, but now, who knows...

[tan top]

I am 74 years old, bought my Superbird new in September of 1970. It is an unrestored survivor with 29,000 miles.

wow ! original owner !  bet ya you have some good back in the day stories & pictures !
would love to see a picture some time if you get the time 

[hemi68charger]

It seems for most, owning a wing car is about priorities as much as money. There are a few "rich guys" here is Seattle that own wing cars, but mostly people who made it a money priority when they got the car. back in the day my money priority was the 4 kids and house payment, but now, who knows...

Now, it may be the same guys who funded the 4 kids, a stay home wife/mom and college..... And now that they are empty nesters, it's their turn......

I have been savey in my acquisition... In all, I have probably nothing more than $50,000 in my current Daytona with a Hemi in it

[426HemiChick]

Hi Pinball,                  01 December 2021

How young are you Pinball? We somehow missed your age in this thread.

We no longer have the Hemi Daytona we had; she found an outstanding new parent, Bob Jennings, on 24 October 2020. Bob has provided her with a fantastic new home, parent and family.

We had her a tad over 48 years and were the second custodians of her. I, Christine, was one month shy of 32 when we adopted her in 72; currently 81 going on 25, Dena, my MSO and Life's Partner, is ageless.

We are happy Bob has what once was our Daytona. Thanks Bob for giving her the love and care she deserves.

Wishing y'all a Very Blessed and Happy Christmas.

God Bless. Best Always

Dena and Christine, the 426 Hemi Chicks

[Sgt Superbird]

Age is just a number!

I got my urge in the late 70s. I thought the winged cars were the most awesome-est cars EVER! And still, I think that. My first winged car purchase went like this: I was offered a bird, as a rolling body and boxes of parts, OR a kind of rough Daytona. I chose the bird. (Now I totally regret it!) 1990. I bought the B5 bird, restored it, and sold it after a divorce in 2000. I was fortunate enough to have the car displayed in the 1998 Concours d'elegance at Meadowbrook! (Thank you Greg!) I picked up my 2nd winged car four years ago, from an acquaintance that helped me with my first bird back in the 90s. Great guy! Beautiful car. I'm a two time owner, at 61 years.

[aerolith]

There has always been a Superbird (or two) for sale somewhere on the planet!

Daytona's are a very different beast all together in my book.

Its all down to numbers and prices that control the market.
A low production total will always make the Daytona desirable and collectible.

When they 'do come up for sale' it gets NON Mopar folks interested as well as Mopar Fanatics...

When I saw this beauty I cried inside, as I knew it was ' the one for me' (but sadly NOT)...

Does it get any better at a mere $350,000...

[Pinballjim]

Hi Pinball,                  01 December 2021

How young are you Pinball? We somehow missed your age in this thread.

We no longer have the Hemi Daytona we had; she found an outstanding new parent, Bob Jennings, on 24 October 2020. Bob has provided her with a fantastic new home, parent and family.

We had her a tad over 48 years and were the second custodians of her. I, Christine, was one month shy of 32 when we adopted her in 72; currently 81 going on 25, Dena, my MSO and Life's Partner, is ageless.

We are happy Bob has what once was our Daytona. Thanks Bob for giving her the love and care she deserves.

Wishing y'all a Very Blessed and Happy Christmas.

God Bless. Best Always

Dena and Christine, the 426 Hemi Chicks

I'm 56 and actively searching for a Superbird.  I think a Daytona is out of my budget but I believe a base engine bird is within reach.  A perfect car is not something I would want either....  I'm searching for a #3 car. 

It seems to me that the owners of wing cars (actually ALL aero cars) are roughly my age group and above.  That doesn't mean some younger folks don't own a wing car, it just seems to me that it's an older crowd that's into these.  I very much look forward to being "one of them". 

[hemi68charger]

Age is just a number!

I got my urge in the late 70s. I thought the winged cars were the most awesome-est cars EVER! And still, I think that. My first winged car purchase went like this: I was offered a bird, as a rolling body and boxes of parts, OR a kind of rough Daytona. I chose the bird. (Now I totally regret it!) 1990. I bought the B5 bird, restored it, and sold it after a divorce in 2000. I was fortunate enough to have the car displayed in the 1998 Concours d'elegance at Meadowbrook! (Thank you Greg!) I picked up my 2nd winged car four years ago, from an acquaintance that helped me with my first bird back in the 90s. Great guy! Beautiful car. I'm a two time owner, at 61 years.

Nice you were able to get back on your Winged-Mopar-feet after the divorce....  

[cudavic]

I started a thread a while back titled "Searching for a wing car".  A thought came to mind that I felt needed to be addressed in a new thread.   This one is for all the current wing car owners.  I got to wondering -  What's the average age of guys who own wing cars?  And while I'm asking, how long have you owned your cars?  I'm just curious about the demographics of these cars.  Most of the guys I talk to about their cars have owned them for decades....  What's YOUR story?   Thanks in advance for your input!!       

I created a somewhat similar thread on this almost four years ago, below is a link to the thread.

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,131874.msg1639835.html#msg1639835

[Sgt Superbird]

Nice you were able to get back on your Winged-Mopar-feet after the divorce....  

Thank you. I had a great career, fair wage, was honest, saved and invested. It all worked out!

[held1823]

I lucked into my Daytona the old fashioned way - I inherited it. I'm named after my dad and grandfather, so technically my name is on the title as a not quite five year old owner, lol.  I turned 57 yesterday, and the car has been here since it left the Dodge dealership lot as a new car

[Birdflu]

Boy! Looks like 55-57 years of age is a sweet spot! That being said, if the rest of them are as 'hoardie' (not a real word but you know what I mean) as me, the cars might be available in another 25-30 years! Also, for the record, I know two 35-40 year olds looking aggressively for a wing car. I don't think these cars are ever going 'soft'. Yeah, they might flatten out as the market is hot right now, but since they've become a global investment, there are too many interested parties for the amount of cars on the planet for them to tank. Just my .02
Oh yeah, I just turned 56 years old, here's our pride and joy! Driven a LOT!  

[Aero426]

Also, for the record, I know two 35-40 year olds looking aggressively for a wing car. I don't think these cars are ever going 'soft'. Yeah, they might flatten out as the market is hot right now, but since they've become a global investment, there are too many interested parties for the amount of cars on the planet for them to tank. Just my .02

Spot on.

[Pinballjim]

I started a thread a while back titled "Searching for a wing car".  A thought came to mind that I felt needed to be addressed in a new thread.   This one is for all the current wing car owners.  I got to wondering -  What's the average age of guys who own wing cars?  And while I'm asking, how long have you owned your cars?  I'm just curious about the demographics of these cars.  Most of the guys I talk to about their cars have owned them for decades....  What's YOUR story?   Thanks in advance for your input!!       

I created a somewhat similar thread on this almost four years ago, below is a link to the thread.

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,131874.msg1639835.html#msg1639835

Cudavic -  I didn't realize a survey had already been done.  I took the time to read your thread (from 3 years ago).  Really interesting stuff there!!  I found it particularly interesting that both your poll and my survey have yielded similar results.   Thanks for your efforts and response. 

[69_500]

43 here and still not a wing car owner. Have been chasing a Daytona to call my own for 26 years now. Have made offers on 18 different cars over the years. I do have a Hemi 500, but no wing car. One is coming though, some day there will be one here in the garage.

[Stevetona]

43 here. Posted in the 2018 thread. Realized 200k or more  on a car is not in my immediate future unless I win the lottery.  Purchased a nice original 69 Hemi Coronet R/T 4 speed in B5 instead!

[426HemiChick]

I lucked into my Daytona the old fashioned way - I inherited it. I'm named after my dad and grandfather, so technically my name is on the title as a not quite five year old owner, lol.  I turned 57 yesterday, and the car has been here since it left the Dodge dealership lot as a new car

Hi Ernie,                    03 December 2021

Happy Birthday Ernie !!! A bit belated, but Sincere as it gets. Hope all is going well with your Daytona's restoration. We know it'll be a beauty and a real tribute to your Father.

Hope to see you in Phoenix sometime after the New Year.

God Bless, Wishing you and your family a Very Blessed and Merry Christmas.

Best Always

Dena and Christine, the 426 Hemi Chicks

[held1823]

Hi Ernie,                    03 December 2021

Happy Birthday Ernie !!! A bit belated, but Sincere as it gets. Hope all is going well with your Daytona's restoration. We know it'll be a beauty and a real tribute to your Father.
Hope to see you in Phoenix sometime after the New Year.
God Bless, Wishing you and your family a Very Blessed and Merry Christmas.
Best Always
Dena and Christine, the 426 Hemi Chicks

Hi, Christine. Thanks for the kind words, and likewise to you and Dena regarding the Christmas season. Hopefully Santa brings you an end to the relocation saga. I am still beyond shell shocked at your overwhelming generosity- there is no way Santa could top that. I recently spent some quality time with both Bob and YOUR Daytona (Bob says so, too) at the MCACN show in Chicago. You were certainly a large part of our conversation. I've tried a few times to message you here but the mailbox is full. Take care, my friend, and God bless you both

[cudavic]

I started a thread a while back titled "Searching for a wing car".  A thought came to mind that I felt needed to be addressed in a new thread.   This one is for all the current wing car owners.  I got to wondering -  What's the average age of guys who own wing cars?  And while I'm asking, how long have you owned your cars?  I'm just curious about the demographics of these cars.  Most of the guys I talk to about their cars have owned them for decades....  What's YOUR story?   Thanks in advance for your input!!       

I created a somewhat similar thread on this almost four years ago, below is a link to the thread.

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,131874.msg1639835.html#msg1639835

Cudavic -  I didn't realize a survey had already been done.  I took the time to read your thread (from 3 years ago).  Really interesting stuff there!!  I found it particularly interesting that both your poll and my survey have yielded similar results.   Thanks for your efforts and response. 

I figured you would be interested in seeing it.
Even tough it was from roughly 4 years ago the results are pretty much the same.
Good luck with your wing car quest, I believe with enough patience you will find one within your budget.

[odcics2]

How many here actually saw them race in Nascar during the 69-70 seasons?   

I was also lucky enough to see DC-93 run at MIS in 1971, numbered "5" and painted light yellow and black with Don White at the controls...

[1969daytona]

Not a owner yet. 37 years already... I have had A dream about owning a Daytona sins i was 11/12.
The closest I ever bean was back inn may 2008 there was a red with white wing for 90K and our currency was at its best to USD.
My bank man said go. but i was a little afraid and backed down. That was a good thing or else i would have lost it when our country economy was down 10 mounts later.
So still hunting!
As far as i know we have to real Daytonas here in Norway today.

Thank You

K-E

[426HemiChick]

Hi, Christine. Thanks for the kind words, and likewise to you and Dena regarding the Christmas season. Hopefully Santa brings you an end to the relocation saga. I am still beyond shell shocked at your overwhelming generosity- there is no way Santa could top that. I recently spent some quality time with both Bob and YOUR Daytona (Bob says so, too) at the MCACN show in Chicago. You were certainly a large part of our conversation. I've tried a few times to message you here but the mailbox is full. Take care, my friend, and God bless you both

Hi Ernie,                 03 December 2021

Thanks for the Heads-up regarding our mailbox; wondered why we hadn't received answers to PM's we sent. Will go fix it next.

Take care Ernie, May God Bless You, Your Family and Your Daytona. We're looking Forward to seeing it one of these days, hopefully on the show circuit along with Bob and his Hemi Daytona.

We do appreciate the reference to "Christine's Daytona" a very nice and welcome gesture.

Best Always

426 Hemi Chicks

[KurtfromLaQuinta]

67 here. Going on 18.
Not a real wing car owner... a clone that definitely won't be numbers matching. No faking going on there.  Not quite half done yet.
Does it count I took my parents to the local Chrysler/ Dodge/ Plymouth dealership back when I was a freshman in high school to persuade them to buy a Daytona?
I've been wanting one since then.
It's taken that long.

I have owned my truck for 47 years this month. https://www.ramchargercentral.com/threads/my-74-power-wagon-i-ordered-from-dodge-on-8-73.162259/

[426HemiChick]

.
.
.
                   I've tried a few times to message you here but the mailbox is full. Take care, my friend, and God bless you both

Hi Ernie,                   03 December 2021

PM tank now at half full. Thanks Ernie for the Alert.

Best Always

Dena and Christine

[aerolith]

Nice story Kurt!

Everyone who owns a Daytona 'has a story' to tell and if it was all written down, it would be very interesting indeed.

Its not just about buying a 'CAR', its all about the 'accruing the wealth' to do so, in the first place.

Did you save for it, did you win the Lotto, or was you the guy whose 'Dad' (unlucky Kurt) bought the Daytona and promised it to you 'one day'!

It very cool that Guys (and maybe some Gals) are still wanting them.
(don't you just hate folks that call girls, GUYS!)

My dad was a 'car-nut' but he hated me so much, he left me a scrap 'Rover' for my sins... (Ali Buick lump)

We all want something that we can't have, or in this case can't BUY!

Its NOT about money it seems, just AVAILABILITY...

As I have said many times before, ''I AM PAST IT'', hope you Guys and gals, ''REALISE YOUR DREAMs''...

If you look closely you can see the V8 badge, yes this is a Brit muscle car...
(they also make nice coffee tables too)

[cudavic]

That is a nice table/engine.
Very cool.

[426HemiChick]

Hi Folks,              05 December 2021

Are there valid numbers for how many Daytona's and Super Birds still exist?

Just Curious.

Thanks in advance.

Best Always

426 Hemi Chicks

[KurtfromLaQuinta]

Hi Folks,              05 December 2021

Are there valid numbers for how many Daytona's and Super Birds still exist?

Just Curious.

Thanks in advance.

Best Always

426 Hemi Chicks

A quote from Sean Machado... "Nobody will ever know on any exact day".  
But he added... He's known around 415 Daytona's. There more Bird's out there... easily over 1000.

[426HemiChick]

It seems for most, owning a wing car is about priorities as much as money. There are a few "rich guys" here is Seattle that own wing cars, but mostly people who made it a money priority when they got the car. back in the day my money priority was the 4 kids and house payment, but now, who knows...

Hi triple_green,                  05 December 2021

You are to be commended for what you did: ...."back in the day my money priority was the 4 kids and house payment, but now, who knows..."

You did it right, our bet is you have a fine loving family who appreciate their "Patriarch." God Bless You and Your Family.

Best Always

426 Hemi Chicks

[hemi68charger]

...
You did it right, our bet is you have a fine loving family who appreciate their "Patriarch." God Bless You and Your Family.

Best Always

426 Hemi Chicks

I did/doing the same thing..... But, I'm still waiting for the appreciation part.     I guess at the Dad and provider, I need to keep my mouth shut and just go to the garage..... 

[426HemiChick]

I did/doing the same thing..... But, I'm still waiting for the appreciation part.     I guess at the Dad and provider, I need to keep my mouth shut and just go to the garage..... 

Hi hemi68charger,                 06 December 2021

My folks were alcoholic's, my dad beat the shit out of me from about 2 until the day he punched me and I got into his face and told him if he ever laid a hand on me again I'd do the unthinkable to him. He never touched me again.

When I was 66 and he was about a month from death, he came up to me and said: "I realize now I should have paid more attention to you when you were young." The first thought that came to mind: "Yeah, you're just 66 f---ing years late." Didn't say it to him but....  there's no fixing the past and saying "I'm sorry" doesn't cut it for the abuse and neglect. He died a month later.

You will never have regrets for doing the right things; the appreciation will come. God Bless you and Your Family, Wishing Y'all a Very Blessed and Happy Christmas.

Best Always

Christine for the 426 Hemi Chicks

[426HemiChick]

Hi Folks,              06 December 2021

Yes, I have done my share of things I regret, things that cannot be righted; these are the ones that hurt the most and linger long after.

Wishing Y'all a Very Blessed and Happy Christmas !!!

Best Always

Christine for the 426 Hemi Chicks

[69_500]

Hi Folks,              05 December 2021

Are there valid numbers for how many Daytona's and Super Birds still exist?

Just Curious.

Thanks in advance.

Best Always

426 Hemi Chicks

I can't guess at how many Superbirds are still around, I will leave that number to Doug S. I can say that there are a few of us here on the board that between us can attest for over 400 of the Daytona's made that are still around in one shape or fashion. I can attest to 337 of the 500's still being around. I think that the number of Superbird accounted for in the clubs is aprproachig 1,200 or so.

[Aero426]

Hi Folks,              05 December 2021

Are there valid numbers for how many Daytona's and Super Birds still exist?

Just Curious.

Thanks in advance.

Best Always

426 Hemi Chicks

I can't guess at how many Superbirds are still around, I will leave that number to Doug S. I can say that there are a few of us here on the board that between us can attest for over 400 of the Daytona's made that are still around in one shape or fashion. I can attest to 337 of the 500's still being around. I think that the number of Superbird accounted for in the clubs is aprproachig 1,200 or so.

Those are good estimates.