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History of the car brand and model

The Shelby Cobra Daytona coupé is one of the most iconic race cars in motorsport history. Designed by Peter Brock and built under the leadership of Carroll Shelby, this car was specifically developed to defeat Ferrari in the GT class of the FIA World Sportscar Championship.

The Daytona Coupé was based on the legendary AC Cobra 289 Roadster but featured an aerodynamic fastback body for better performance on high-speed tracks such as Le Mans and Daytona. With only six original units produced between 1964 and 1965, this car is one of the most coveted classics ever.

The success of the Daytona Coupé was no coincidence. Shelby American, in collaboration with AC Cars from England, managed to defeat the dominant Ferrari 250 GTO and win the FIA GT class championship in 1965. This was a monumental achievement for an American racing team and solidified Shelby's reputation as a leading manufacturer of high-performance cars.

A Modern interpretation: the Gary Spencer Shelby Cobra Daytona coupé

The Cobra Daytona coupé featured here is a masterpiece by Gary Spencer, one of the world's most respected Cobra specialists. Built in 2018 by Classic Racing Cars in the United Kingdom, this car is a faithful recreation of the original but with modern race performance and reliability.

Originally built for Paul Gibson, the car was later acquired by the current owner, who had it prepared by the renowned Jordan Racing Team (JRT). Under the leadership of Andrew and Mike Jordan, the car was optimized for historic racing, culminating in a second-place finish at the Masters Gentleman Drivers race at Silverstone in 2021.

The powerful Peter Knight Engine: a technical masterpiece

One of the absolute highlights of this Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupé is its engine, built by none other than Peter Knight. A world-renowned specialist in Ford V8 engines, Knight’s versions of the Ford 289 V8 are true works of art.

Specifications of the Peter Knight Ford 289 V8:

• Configuration: 90° V8
• Displacement: 4.7 liters (289 cubic inches)
• Power Output: ± 385 hp
• Bore x Stroke: 101.6 mm x 72.9 mm
• Compression Ratio: 11.0:1
• Top Speed: +300 km/h (depending on setup)

Knight’s modifications and tuning include improved cylinder heads, an optimized ignition system, and reinforced internal components such as forged pistons and a high-quality crankshaft. This ensures exceptional reliability and performance on the track.

An Extra Peter Knight engine

In addition to the powerful Peter Knight engine installed in the car, this Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupé comes with an additional engine built by Peter Knight. This provides the future owner with both peace of mind and a backup option for racing, further emphasizing the exceptional craftsmanship and quality behind this vehicle.

Unforgettable racing history: A vivid experience

Imagine: it’s 1965, and the sunlight reflects off the gleaming red paint of the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupé. You hear the deep growl of the 289 V8 as the car prepares for the start of the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The green light flashes, and like a tense predator, the Daytona launches forward, devouring the straights with a roaring ferocity that shakes the grandstands. Corner after corner, straight after straight, the Cobra hunts down the dominant Ferrari 250 GTOs. The aerodynamic body slices through the wind, while the wide tires grip the scorching asphalt. The tension rises as the Shelby overtakes the Ferrari—a moment of absolute triumph for Carroll Shelby and his team.

In 1965, the Daytona Coupé was crowned champion of the FIA GT class, leaving an indelible mark on the racing world. This victory was a breakthrough for American motorsport and permanently established the Shelby name in history.

FIA homologation and race-ready specifications

This specific Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupé is FIA HTP-certified until the end of 2027, meaning it meets the strict requirements for historic motorsport events. This makes it not only a highly desirable collector’s car but also a serious contender for competition in race series such as:

• Peter Auto Sixties Endurance
• Masters Gentleman Drivers
• Motor Racing Legends' Pall Mall Cup

Additionally, the car comes with a spare engine also built by Peter Knight, making it ready to compete immediately. With a meticulously maintained chassis, this is a racing weapon just waiting for a driver to unleash its full potential.

Conclusion: a legend reborn

The Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupé is not just a car; it is a living piece of motorsport history. Thanks to the expertise of Gary Spencer and Peter Knight, this modern interpretation is not only a tribute to the original but also a performance machine capable of making its mark on the track.

Voor liefhebbers van historische racewagens en pure Amerikaanse kracht is deze Cobra Daytona Coupé een droom op wielen. Klaar voor de start, klaar om geschiedenis te schrijven.

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