1964 Shelby Daytona Coupe

Overview

While the Cobra roadsters were dominating the tight road courses of the United States, they lacked the aerodynamics for the high-speed European circuits like Le Mans. In 1964, Carroll Shelby asked Peter Brock and Ken Miles to develop a coupe version of the Cobra to compete with Ferrari, Aston Martin and Jaguar. Given the name Daytona, the six coupes were unstoppable. Driven by legends like Dan Gurney, Bob Bondurant, Allen Grant and Phil Hill, the cars won the FIA World Sportscar GT class in 1965, making it the only American manufacturer to do so.

Legendary G.T. offers two versions of the Continuation Shelby Cobra Daytona coupe. The first is the small block built in the same configuration as the small block cars that won the FIA world championship.

Each aluminum Coupe incorporates safety and performance improvements without sacrificing integrity, as they were built from original blueprints and measurements. Since each original competition car was slightly different, Shelby American chose one specification for the Continuation cars that best represents all of the Coupes.

The aluminum Cobra Coupes are period correct from the leaf spring suspension and tube chassis to the wooden rimmed steering wheel. The cars also incorporate safety and performance improvements safety and performance that do not detract from their originality. Each come equipped with a premium black leather interior, modern disc brakes and a stronger frame.

The second is a Continuation of a special experimental big block version. The story of that first car is one of the most intriguing in history.

In 1964, Carroll Shelby asked renowned fabricator John Ohlsen to lengthen the chassis of one of the six Daytona Coupes (CSX2286) to replace the 289 c.i.d. Ford engine with a NASCAR inspired big block. The experimental racecar was supposed to be Shelby’s “secret weapon” for the 1964 Le Mans race.

One of the development drivers for the big block car was Bob Bondurant. He stated that the Cobra’s tremendous torque allowed him to burn rubber and get sideways in any gear. He noted that the Shelby “went like stink” and speculated that it could have topped 200 miles per hour at Le Mans. Weighing about 2,200 pounds with world class aerodynamics and the power of a big block, the car had tremendous performance potential.

However, destiny intervened. The truck carrying CSX2286 to Le Mans was involved in an accident that damaged the Shelby too much to be repaired in time for the race. It never ran a lap in anger with the 427 and was returned to small block configuration by Shelby American.

Dan Gurney and Allen Grant drove CSX2286 at Le Mans with the 289 engine the next year, but the Cobra did not finish the race.

The Continuation Series “Secret Weapon” follows the same specs as the Ohlsen modified race car. The big block Daytona Coupe features an aluminum body that can be painted in any race livery. Each Continuation Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe will feature a 3-inch lengthened chassis and hood to accept a powerful aluminum 427 medium-riser big block motor, which will be supplied by the Carroll Shelby Engine Co. The powerful 550+ horsepower engine will be mated to a period-correct 4-speed manual transmission. Each will be assigned a Shelby CSX2000 series serial number for documentation in the official Shelby Registry.

This is an incredible opportunity to own a very rare collectible Shelby heritage race car,” said Gary Patterson, president of Shelby American. “Like the six small block cars built in the 1960s, these 427 powered Daytona Coupes will be a lasting tribute to another innovative Shelby racecar that would have caught the racing world off guard. These Coupes will be every bit as much a ‘secret weapon’ as Carroll had hoped for in 1964.

“My proudest moments are beating Ferrari for the World Championship in 1965, and working with Ford to win Le Mans in 1966 and 1967.”

– Carroll Shelby