Racecar of the Day - Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe

The Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe is an iconic and historic race car that holds a special place in motorsports history. It was designed by Peter Brock and built by Shelby American in the early 1960s specifically for international endurance racing.

Here are some key features and highlights of the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe:

1. Purpose-Built for Racing: The Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe was purpose-built to compete in the FIA GT class, particularly in international endurance races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

2. Aerodynamic Design: One of the most distinctive features of the Daytona Coupe is its aerodynamic design. Peter Brock's innovative design included a sleek and streamlined shape, a Kammback tail, and a rounded front end. These aerodynamic enhancements significantly improved the car's performance and top speed.

3. Success in Racing: The Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe made its debut in the 1964 season. It quickly showcased its capabilities by securing a class win at the 12 Hours of Sebring in the same year. In 1965, it achieved remarkable success by winning the GT class of the FIA World Sportscar Championship, beating strong competitors like Ferrari.

4. Top Speed Record: The Daytona Coupe's aerodynamic design allowed it to reach impressive top speeds, setting a new record for GT-class cars at the Mulsanne Straight during the 1964 24 Hours of Le Mans.

5. Continuation Models: In more recent years, continuation models of the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe have been produced by Shelby American. These continuation cars are built to the original specifications and are available for enthusiasts and collectors.

6. Limited Production: Only six original Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupes were ever built by Shelby American. Due to its rarity and historical significance, the original cars are highly prized among collectors, with some fetching multi-million-dollar prices at auctions.

The Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe is an iconic and influential race car that played a crucial role in securing victory for Shelby American in the GT class of the 1965 FIA World Sportscar Championship. Its innovative design and impressive racing success have cemented its status as one of the most celebrated and valuable classic race cars in history.