A very famous name in the world of automobiles is celebrating 50 years of its FIA World Championship. First introduced during the rock ‘n roll years of the 1960s, only six exquisite examples of the gorgeous Cobra Daytona Coupe were built. Fifty years on, these half a dozen Cobras are one of the most rarest (super-expensive implied) exist worldwide. Since these ones are pretty impossible to acquire, Shelby has come up with the next best solution and it comes in the form of the 50th anniversary Cobra Daytona Coupe.
The ‘new’ Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe can be had in two forms; either with an aluminium, or a fiberglass body. Talking about which, aficionados will identify that this is the first time (post the ’60s), that Shelby is offering an aluminium continuation of the Cobra Daytona Coupe. To keep these very aficionados happy, Shelby has made sure that the 50th anniversary Cobra Daytona Coupe keeps the magic of the classic era alive, whilst keeping the limited edition examples as modern as possible. Shelby will only be creating 50 of these muscle-bound exotics, which includes the fibreglass and aluminium examples. Each of the 50 cars will be constructed keeping the classic Daytona Coupe’s original blueprints and measurements in check.
The mechanicals of these old-age, new world-bound exotics include the 60s’ favourite – leaf spring suspension, live rear axle, a tube chassis and a wooden-rimmed steering wheel. The modern stuff include black leather upholstery, a stronger frame, and disc brakes all around, just to be safe. Now for the heart of these Cobras; well, they do not come with one! The engine comes as a separate package (rolling chassis) and Shelby’s engine-making division will provide the buyer with a 4.7-litre V8, each unit will come etched with the example’s special serial number (CSX9950–CSX9999). Of course, if you want to splurge even more $$$, you can power your Daytona Coupe with whatever engine you want, as long as it fits the car’s engine bay. These automobile connoisseurs can also opt for any colour for their purchase; Shelby trusts that you won’t ruin their effort with an eye-sore of a paint job.
Being a recreation of the original, you will expect these Cobra Coupe’s to be expensive, and they are. As explained above, these 50 cars don’t come with an engine! Anyway, there’s no hiding the fact that these sensuous automobiles will burn a hole in your wallet, regardless of the lack of an engine. The fibreglass-built Daytona Coupe’s start off at $179,995 (without a drivetrain), and the aluminium examples will set you back by at least $349,995 (again, without a powerplant). As you can see in the pictures, the two models (fibreglass and aluminium) look drop-dead gorgeous and pristine! Unfortunately, Shelby American hasn’t released images of the cars’ interiors, something which could be kept as a secret till August 12, 2015. On this day, the company will be revealing their work at the Gordon McCall’s Motorworks Revival festival. We expect the cabin images to follow soon, so keep an eye out for those.
In the meanwhile, gawk all you want at the marvellous exterior of the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe. And feel free to leave us your thoughts/opinions on this American legend in the comments section below.
