Shelby recreates the Cobra Daytona Coupe
Continuation cars are the result of manufacturers deciding to restart production of a defunct (and usually very rare or desirable) model after a few decades. They can certainly polarise opinion.
Supporters would argue that the practice allows a wider group of people to enjoy the ownership experience. Also, a continuation buyer is more likely to use their purchase on road or track, simply because it’ll be worth less than an original example.
On the other hand, detractors would claim that these interlopers destroy the exclusivity of the genuine article, confuse the used market and drag values down.
Shelby American clearly isn’t too bothered about the cynics, as it has just announced the 50th Anniversary Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe. The ‘50th Anniversary’ part of that name commemorates the Daytona Coupe winning the FIA International Championship for GT Manufacturers in 1965.
Adding to the controversy is the planned build volume. Only six Daytona Coupes were constructed in the 1960s, but now Shelby intends to make a total of fifty continuation copies.
That figure will be split between ‘authentic’ aluminium-bodied and ‘updated’ fibreglass-bodied versions.
The former, which costs $349,995 (around £224,210 or €322,625 at current exchange rates), is effectively an exact recreation. Period features such as leaf spring suspension remain, however its tubular chassis is strengthened and disc brakes are fitted for improved safety.
A starting price of $179,995 (approximately £115,300 or €165,930) means the fibreglass variant is a much cheaper option. As well as modern coilover suspension and ventilated brake discs, the specification gains various luxuries including electric windows, air conditioning and power steering.
Deposits are being accepted now. Prospective customers need to be aware of two crucial details, though. Firstly, the amounts quoted above exclude an engine; secondly, the 2015 Daytona Coupe is being sold as a component car which requires final assembly.
Related posts:
Shelby bids the old Mustang farewell
Shelby Cobra CSX7000 289 FIA Continuation
Shelby G.T.500CR
Supporters would argue that the practice allows a wider group of people to enjoy the ownership experience. Also, a continuation buyer is more likely to use their purchase on road or track, simply because it’ll be worth less than an original example.
On the other hand, detractors would claim that these interlopers destroy the exclusivity of the genuine article, confuse the used market and drag values down.
Shelby American clearly isn’t too bothered about the cynics, as it has just announced the 50th Anniversary Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe. The ‘50th Anniversary’ part of that name commemorates the Daytona Coupe winning the FIA International Championship for GT Manufacturers in 1965.
Adding to the controversy is the planned build volume. Only six Daytona Coupes were constructed in the 1960s, but now Shelby intends to make a total of fifty continuation copies.
That figure will be split between ‘authentic’ aluminium-bodied and ‘updated’ fibreglass-bodied versions.
The former, which costs $349,995 (around £224,210 or €322,625 at current exchange rates), is effectively an exact recreation. Period features such as leaf spring suspension remain, however its tubular chassis is strengthened and disc brakes are fitted for improved safety.
A starting price of $179,995 (approximately £115,300 or €165,930) means the fibreglass variant is a much cheaper option. As well as modern coilover suspension and ventilated brake discs, the specification gains various luxuries including electric windows, air conditioning and power steering.
Deposits are being accepted now. Prospective customers need to be aware of two crucial details, though. Firstly, the amounts quoted above exclude an engine; secondly, the 2015 Daytona Coupe is being sold as a component car which requires final assembly.
Related posts:
Shelby bids the old Mustang farewell
Shelby Cobra CSX7000 289 FIA Continuation
Shelby G.T.500CR
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