Shelby Cobra 'Daytona' Coupe
Pictured above is serial number CSX2287, Shelby America's prototype 289 Cobra Daytona Coupe. It was designed by Peter Brock to challenge Ferrari's legendary 250 GTO's in the 1964/65 World GT series. It was the only Daytona built completely in the United States, the five others being built in Italy. In November of 1965, the car was brought to the Bonneville Salt Flats, and set 25 USAC/FIA world records. The car was then sold into private ownership, and was later purchased by infamous record producer Phil Spector. Susequently, the car disappeared for over 30 years, resurfacing in the early 2000's following the bizarre death of a reclusive California woman. After many legal battles concerning ownership, the car ended up with the Simeone Foundation in Philadelphia where it is now on display.
 | The same Matchbox wheels used on the Lola will work again on this project. The decal set is a generic roundels and numbers set from H.O. Slot Car Racing. Left over Goodyear decals from the Brabham resto that will work on the tires. The wheels will be painted gold (magnesium), with silver knock-offs. The body colour used is a Tamiya Metallic Blue, closely matching "Viking Blue" used by Shelby America. The car initially raced without its twin white racing stripes, which weren't added until Lemans 65'. The rear is painted in half white, half blue with the tailights hilighted in red. Interestingly, this model sports the rear tail spoiler, which CSX2287 did without until the car experienced high speed instability at over 180 mph at Spa earlier that same year. |
The Hotwheels used in this resto was a very well used, worn out 100% Collectible edition. It was found in the recesses of one of our couches after we moved half way accross the country! Interestingly, this Hothweels car has no rivets, it's held together by one small screw, making disassembly and reassembly unusually simple. This edition of the car features a very detailed base and engine compartment, which I'll attempt to highlight using smaller brushes, and the Testors paint markers as well. Headlights and fog lights will be accented in silver. |  |
