Shelby Daytona coupe at Le Mans in 1965. Images courtesy Ford Motor Company.
It’s one of the most beautiful, influential and intimidating race cars of all time. That’s why the Shelby Cobra Daytona coupe deserves a belated birthday bash, especially after turning the big 5-0 in 2014. The prestigious Goodwood Revival in England will have all many of the six coupes ever built on hand in September for an unprecedented workout, with all getting track time and two competing in the RAC Tourist Trophy race, an integral part of the revival.
Daytona coupes under construction at Shelby’s Venice, California, factory in late 1963.
Designed by the acclaimed Peter Brock for Carroll Shelby, the coupe takes its name from its debut in the 1964 Daytona Continental, where Dave MacDonald and Bob Holbert snatched the pole and dominated the first third of the race. At the time, the World Championship for sports cars was contested under a closed GT formula. With drivers including Dan Gurney, Phil Hill and Chris Amon, the Daytonas grabbed a class victory at Le Mans in 1965, which set Shelby up to claim the season championship. They proved that Americans could succeed at Le Mans, adding urgency to the Ford GT program that followed.
At Sebring in 1965.
The Goodwood Revival takes place from September 11 through 13 on the grounds of the Goodwood Estate in Chichester, West Sussex, England. Tickets must be purchased in advance. For more information, visit the Revival’s website at GRRC.Goodwood.com.
UPDATE (5.June): The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum has clarified that its Daytona Coupe, CSX2287, will not be participating in the reunion.