Shelby is Bringing Back The Cobra Daytona Coupe for Their 50th Anniversary

Shelby 50th Anniversary Daytona Coupe

Back in the 1960’s, the international racing industry was dominated by vehicles made in Europe. It sort of became expected that a European automobile manufacturer would produce the car that won all the races. But that all changed when Shelby American released their Daytona Cobra Coupe in 1964. It was the first time that an American car might steal the spotlight, and it was designed to go up against the Ferrari’s of the world. Only six were made, and it was with this car than an American car company first secured a title win within the international racing scene at the FIA World Sportswear Championship. These cars have gone down in the history books as legends, and to celebrate their 50th-anniversary, Shelby is brining them back for a limited time only.

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The story of this car embodies the essence of America: a small, underdog car company that bands together to compete against one of the greatest names in all of racing: Ferrari. Since the car is so beloved, Shelby American is officially brining them back in a limited series. Get out of the way kit cars, this is the real deal. Or well, as close to the real deal as possible.

Shelby is only producing just 50 units in total, and while they aren’t originals, they’re the closest thing. The cars will feature a tubular chassis that is constructed in the same manner as the cars of the 1960’s. Each unit will be produced right down to the same specifications and measurements as the original cars. Potential buyers will have the choice between a fiberglass version or one that has an all-aluminum shell. The fiberglass model will start at $179,995 dollars while the aluminum version will retail for $349,995 dollars.

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While all the parts are produced essentially in the same manner as the original, Shelby has left some details up to the consumer. They will offer clients a few different custom options, including the type of engine you want. Shelby actually makes no mention of the engine at all, leaving that choice up to the buyer. So those prices for both models don’t include an engine at all! At over $349,995 dollars, the aluminum version is within the price range of high-end supercars. However you cannot buy an original Daytona Coupe. Remember, they only made six, and the last one sold went for $7.25 million at auction. So while these anniversary units are not original, it really doesn’t get better than this.

So besides the engine, these limited-edition Daytona Coupes are the closet things to the original. I mean, they’re produced by the same company right down to the exact original specifications. For high-end car collectors, this is once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get their hands on one of the most prized automobiles in all of racing history. The original cars were the ones to establish America as a force to be reckoned with when it comes to racing, and their legend now lives on within these anniversary models. However as impressive as these cars are, are they really worth the high price tag? Given what they are, most car fans would think that they are. Hopefully we will get to see one released soon and be able to see how it handles out on the track. Perhaps this is an indication that Shelby will release more anniversary models? Who knows? But for the time being, we can appreciate what Shelby has done with these incredible vehicles.

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Photo from Shelby American

Written by Sebastian Hensiek

From Philadelphia, Sebastian is a fan of music, writing, art, and entertainment.