2006 British American Cobra Daytona Coupe Replica

The Shelby Daytona was an evolution of the Shelby Cobra designed and built specifically for racing. These cars, of which only six were completed by Shelby American, harbour a racing heritage that is almost unparalleled. The Daytona was the first car from an American manufacturer to win an international championship, winning the FIA International Championship for GT Manufacturers in 1965. With a handful of original race cars and a small amount of Shelby official continuations, the large majority of Daytonas available on the market are replicas, the quality of which will naturally vary.

This Cobra Daytona Coupe is a very well engineered 'evocation' that cost its first owner nearly £90,000 in 2006. Commissioned by him and built with a British American 427c.i. (7-Litre) V8 engine, it's obvious where the money went. One look under the bonnet, specifically the box section chassis and it's plain to see that the engineering is of a very high standard.

It was used by him until 2010 when unfortunately an accident occurred and the insurance company deemed it a 'Category D Insurance Loss' meaning 'damaged but repairable'. It wouldn't take much with a car of this nature to convince an insurance company that it's better to pay up and run away. In 2010, it was purchased by our vendor, who had always hankered after a Daytona and decided to have it repaired. The damage was solely to the front right-hand side of the bonnet and images are available of the work being carried out. At the same time the body colour was changed to its current striking shade of red and the whole repaint is to an exceptionally high standard. The whole of the underneath was also restored at the same time (it's quite low and road rash is inevitable).

A new clutch has been fitted and the carburettor has recently been cleaned and rebuilt. The exhaust manifolds have been thermally wrapped and the side exits are properly recessed into the sills as per the original six works Daytonas. The interior is exceptional and the starter button is actually an original Supermarine Spitfire item which was pointed out by our vendor, who recently treated himself to a flight in one. The full glass tailgate opens offering some storage unlike the original plexiglass items which were pop-riveted on and the car sits on correct Halibrand wheels.

The Daytona has a V5C which is expected back before the auction due to the removal of the registration 6 RBW. It has been MOT’d in the past but will require some modifications if road use is a requirement in the future. The odometer currently indicates just 2,410 miles.

This must surely be one the best Cobra Daytona replicas to be offered for while, on the button, superbly built and offered without reserve.