By Jeff Bruss

The used market on Daytona Coupes has always been much shallower than that of the sister open-aired roadsters. Accordingly the prices of the coupes trend significantly higher as well. The degree of craftsmanship, component quality, engine specifications and body work all play a large role in a $40,000 versus $140,000 Daytona. Here are three coupes for consideration and dissection across the entry-level price spectrum.

Located in San Diego, this Factory Five Daytona was completed in 2012. Stated to have less than 3,000 miles since completion, one can assume it's got enough miles to be sorted but still be considered a fresh build. At only $42,000 it's by far the least expensive coupe of the six. With the FFR components ringing up just over $20,000 the asking price seems very fair for a completed, running example.

If you dig further you'll find a 302 adorned with a set of Cobra valve covers and air cleaner cover. The engine does not appear to be detailed in any way and most likely wasn't a crate install judging by the photos. The engine does appear to have some newer parts and is mated to a five-speed transmission with a new JBA clutch per the seller.

The interior is Spartan, but purposeful. Carpeted cabin, racing buckets with five-point harnesses and basic instrumentation are about all you get. A close inspection of the interior shots indicates a worn brake pedal and some other signs of recycled parts.

All things considered, if you're looking for a completed coupe and aren't worried about winning shows, this is a nice driver Daytona and could be a reasonably priced alternative to jumping into your own build.

Based on appearance, this car should be considered more of a fixed top roadster rather than a coupe. If coupe authenticity isn't high on your priority list, this car brings very nice fit, finish and components without a hefty price tag.

The seller states it's powered by a 406 stroker with an Edelbrock carb and aluminum radiator, but we'll have to take their word for it because there's no engine photos. To further tease us they state the engine is outfitted in full billet with jet-coated headers hooking up to the chrome side-exhaust. If you're more of a just smash the pedal and go type of person, just shift the B&M Mega Shifter into drive and the TCI transmission with overdrive should rocket you into your seat. Crawl underneath this car and you'll find a race-tuned suspension, adjustable coil overs, rack & pinion steering and posi-traction. Stopping comes from 4-wheel discs. All with only 1,700 miles.

The interior comes far more appointed that a typical Daytona Coupe, too. Vintage air conditioning, an Ididit tilt column and stereo sound system. Nicely appointed leather bucket seats with five-point harnesses hold you in place. The dash and center console area looks like it is of a formed fiberglass construction. It looks nice, but perhaps a little dated.

The exterior is finished in gloss black with silver racing stripes. Chrome side mirrors and exhaust pipes give the car a very nice look. Door handles are noticeably absent. The chrome five-spoke wheels don't seem quite right in my opinion, but are an easy fix. A far less aesthetically pleasing choice is the C5 Corvette taillights. Others might find them to be just fine.

Overall this car appears to be a tremendous value for the money. The cost of building would have far exceeded the $49,900 asking price. If a coupe is on your list, this is a mighty fine deal.

Similar to the first coupe, this one is also a Factory Five example, but might well be worth the $10,000 higher asking price and then some.

Listed at $52,900 or best offer in Orlando, Florida, this coupe has a 392 Ford crate motor with EFI. Aluminum Ford Racing valve covers and eight little wanna-be Webers poke out of the engine bay. The Redline eight-stack fuel management system looks vintage, but offers the benefit of electronic fuel injection. All that under hood power goes to a Tremec five-speed.

The interior is also nicely appointed and looks like it might even have some type of vintage air conditioning. Nice bucket seats, Simpson harnesses, and a chrome fire extinguisher finish off the cabin.

The exterior of the car wears classic Daytona blue with white racing stripes. The paint and stripes are even finished on the underside of the hood – a detail and expense missing on much pricier examples. 17" knock-off wheels and a wicked stance complete this very well done coupe.

With only 200 miles since completion, this Daytona might surely still need some kinks worked out, but the $52,900 OBO price is a bargain considering the cost of components and overall quality of the build. If you're looking for a finished FFR coupe, this one won't last long.