For Sale at Auction: 1921 Paige Daytona in Monterey, California

Chassis No. 130345D
Engine No. 8AP-130496D

Launched in 1921 as Paige's headline-grabbing sports model, the 6-66 Daytona Speedster matched a formidable 5.4-liter flathead six-rated at 70 horsepower-to pared-back coachwork, a combination that propelled a near-stock example through Daytona Beach's measured mile at 102.8 mph, thereby earning a place among the first American production cars to exceed the 100-mph mark. Less than 20 authentic survivors are thought to exist today.

Chassis number 130345D traces its earliest known history to Sacramento enthusiast Henry Vogt, who is listed in the Paige Register as the car's first owner. A previous Nevada title on file shows that by 1985, the Paige was in the care of Bill Harrah's renowned Harrah Automotive Collection in Reno, Nevada. The car was purchased in "barn find" yet complete condition, as documented by a lovely black and white photo taken of the car before being acquired by Harrah. As the impressive Harrah Collection was broken up, the Paige Daytona Speedster was sold at the May 1986 Harrah auction to David K. Noran of Ft. Thomas, Kentucky in its original and unrestored condition.

Tom and JoAnn Martindale acquired the rare and very capable Speedster in the 1990s, and would right away embark on a complete, concours quality restoration-a job which had been begun by Mr. Noran. Images of the restoration are on file. Once completed, the Paige Daytona Speedster would start travelling to many Concours events with the Martindales, winning numerous First in Class awards. The exceptional quality and longevity of the restoration is demonstrated by its two appearances at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It first graced the Pebble Beach show field in 2009 at the 59th Concours d'Elegance where it was awarded Second in Class (as well as the Ansel Adams Award for the Most Desirable Touring Car of its Era)-a feat it repeated in 2018 at the 68th Concours and Tour D'Elegance, winning yet another Second in Class Award and completing the Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance. The Paige has been a crowd pleaser at many concours events over the years, with the Martindales dressed in period clothing, travelling on the pull-out seat along the car. It should be noted, that the engine number is just over 100 numbers earlier than that listed on the ID plate. The Paige Daytona is offered with an impressive history file containing many period records and registries, original period brochures, photos before and during restoration, and the Harrah Museum plaque and Verification Certificate.

Today, the Daytona still presents in wonderfully restored condition and remains an ideal and rarely seen tour or road event entrant-combining the model's celebrated straight-line pace with concours success rarely seen in early-1920s sporting machinery.