Photos courtesy of Hemmings via owner Corey Owens

The last Big Willie Robinson Dodge Charger Daytona was recently restored back to its former glory by owner Corey Owens. After recently making appearances at May’s Midwest Mopars and Mopar Nationals in August, this 1969 Dodge Daytona will be crossing the Barrett-Jackson auction block on January 17, 2015, listed with no reserve.

Before restoration

Big Willie and his wife, Tomika, were larger than life in the SoCal car scene. Big street car racer and hustler, they each had their very own Dodge Daytona Chargers, the “King Daytona” for him and the “Queen Daytona” for her – both famous street racing cars. They also had a third Daytona which was their last, and it was referred to as the “Duke and Duchess” which is the one seen here.

The car was once worse for wear and Owens debated whether to restore it at all. With faded yellow paint and letters and rust that reached beyond the surface, Owens decided to go ahead and build the car back up with a total restoration anyway.

New sheet metal pieces were replaced around the rear glass as well as the hood and rear deck lid. Not wanting to spend more money than needed, Owen didn’t spend time with repaint, but he did add brand new lettering. While the outside still sports the pale yellow overspray, the undercarriage and engine bay both still sport a bright Daytona red.

Stuffed inside the bright red bay is a powerful 440-cubic-inch Magnum V-8 that was delivered with the car, but is now updated with a slightly hotter camshaft. Power is routed through a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission down through the newly rebuilt rear differential. The interior maintains original components such as the seats and steering wheel.

Owens shop, Ogilvie Collision, put an insane amount of labor and money into the restoration of this Dodge. According to Owens, at one point in time the parts bill was already at a staggering $30,000 before total completion. No big worry since number-matching Daytonas have fetched prices of $175,000, similar cars without rich histories. Harrell, owner before Owens, reportedly paid $250,000 for the car way back in 2006.

Owens would like to find someone who will use it, not stow it away. Although the legendary South Cali drag racer passed away in 2012, Big Willie left this legendary Daytona, last of three owned with wife, Tomiko. It’s not going to be forgotten if acquired by someone who will truly appreciate it and its past. Do you think there will ever be another Big Willie Robinson?