2016 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe review: Retro Road Test

The fearsome AC Cobra dominated sports car racing in the 1960s. Except, that is, at high-speed circuits such as Le Mans. Why? Because, while monstrously powerful, the Cobra was also far from aerodynamic. The answer? Make a slipperier, closed-roof version of the roadster. Enter the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe.

To say the Daytona did the job is putting it mildly. It toppled Ferrari to take the 1965 FIA Sports Car Championship title. To say it’s rare today also puts it mildly. Shelby only built six cars and prices – if you can persuade somebody to sell – have soared deep into seven figures.

The answer? Make a recreation of the famous legend. Enter the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe CSX9000 Series, imported into the UK by Le Mans Coupes of West Sussex. And we have driven it.

What are its rivals?

Some are sniffy about replica cars, but we think it depends on how well they’re done. This is a very well-done replica, built by Hi-Tech Automotive Services in South Africa. The car was officially sanctioned by Carroll Shelby himself before he died, so it’s also an official Shelby product.

Today, it could be a period-style alternative to a brawny, big-engined GT such as a Mercedes-AMG GT or Jaguar F-Type V8. Or perhaps even the now-defunct Morgan Plus 8.

You could try a classic TVR, or even cross your fingers for the new TVR Griffith to finally arrive. Then there are other ‘evocations’ of original legends. Le Mans Coupes will happily sell you a new Ford GT40, for example.

What engine does it use?

You can have various engines with your Daytona Coupe – all V8s, from either Ford (like the original car) or General Motors. We tested the modern Chevrolet Corvette LS3-engined version, which musters a very healthy 520hp.

This is the same engine fitted to Corvettes up to 2013, then later used by the brawny Vauxhall VXR8. And it’s installed in a car that weighs just 1,250kg. Gulp.

What’s it like to drive?

Getting in, plenty feels different to modern cars: the spongy seats, the humongous transmission tunnel, the clock-packed and toggle-laden dashboard, the upright windscreen. Oh, and the glorious view down the bonnet. The engine roars vocally and menacingly into life, the gearbox is heavily no-nonsense and even the pedals are stiff. It’s intimidating at first alright.

But then you realise the capabilities of the car. There’s light and reasonably accurate steering, a compliant ride, well-telegraphed handling and, above all, that fantastic engine. It’s astonishingly torquey and just pulls, pulls and pulls. Simply put your foot down and go. Free-breathing, it responds instantly and feels like it will never let up. It’s just wonderful.

The Daytona Coupe is a bona fide muscle car that will give you a workout. However, the notoriety that bedevilled the original AC Cobra is, if you’re level-headed, kept at bay in this recreation, so you can drive it without a lurking fear of being bitten.

Reliability and running costs

This is a simple car made from solid components, including a near-bulletproof GM crate engine. It’s also hand-built by technicians with decades of experience of – and total emotional commitment to – their craft. All of which bodes well for reliability.

Running costs will be dominated by the V8’s thirst (although the long-striding sixth gear makes it relatively economical on a long run). Servicing bills won’t be too fearsome either – Le Mans Coupes are happy to help there.

You should be able to strike a deal for car insurance and the quality of this replica will keep retained values buoyant. A scan of US prices suggests they often sell second-hand for a similar price to a new one – perhaps even more.

Could I drive it every day?

It has air conditioning. A radio. Power steering, electric windows and central locking. A cushioned ride. And so much torque, you almost never need to change gear.

Sure, there are compromises, such as the period ergonomics, manly gearbox and heavy brakes, plus a total lack of electronic infotainment or safety aids, but the sheer usability of the Daytona Coupe against expectations may surprise. The coupe body even gives it a decent boot.

Certainly it’s not a car to save only for high days and holidays. The Shelby is such a grin-inducer, any excuse to take it out should be grabbed, safe in the knowledge you won’t have to fry in a pool of sweat for your efforts.

How much should I pay?

Depending on spec, you’ll pay upwards of £160,000 for a Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe from Le Mans Coupes. But it will be built from scratch to your very own requirements.

Inevitably, if you want to spend more, there is a whole host of options to tailor the car to your taste, including a choice of engines.

What should I look out for?

The cheery people at Le Mans Coupes will take you through the full process of considering and buying a Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe, including everything you need to look for. If it’s not for you, they will tell you; the build process takes months, so they don’t want anyone to have any nasty surprises half-way through.

The key thing to be aware of is that this is a newly built classic car. It’s had modern components bolted on, but is still a pure 1960s design – lack of electronic gadgets and all. A Porsche 911 Turbo is faster, more refined, easier to use and more practical. But is it as charismatic and fun?

Should I buy one?

Looking for a head-turner that will cheer others as much as it delights you? This beautiful machine might just be your perfect car. It’s a tantalising collectable that is packed with character, yet has abilities and long-striding comfort that can still surprise.

It’s undoubtedly a challenge to drive, but far from an insurmountable one. And as a possession to have in your garage, the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe is seriously tempting for any committed petrolhead.

One more reason to buy one: it’s incredibly well finished. Paint quality is gorgeous and panel fit is ultra-precise, while the bodywork and interior are both also made to a high standard. You’ll get huge satisfaction simply from staring at it, and that alone may be reason enough for some to buy one.

Pub fact

There are only six original Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupes because that’s all the company could afford to build. It was created by star designer Peter Brock and was very much a leap of faith; not many people understood sports car aerodynamics in those days (contemporary engineers snorted at Brock’s chopped ‘Kamm’ tail, for example).

Impressively, Peter Brock was involved in creating this Daytona Coupe recreation as well – along with the original chassis designer, Bob Negstad.