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1965
Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe
Written by Keith Fudge
Watch out Dennis! After reading this installment,
there may be several people applying for your job! This week, your host,
Dennis Gage, had the rare privilege of tearing up the Louisiana asphalt
in a 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe. We found Dennis and Jim Spiro, the
owner of this truly rare vehicle, on the beautiful grounds of the Oak
Alley Plantation, located between New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
Jim gave us a brief history of this vintage
racer, including a rather astounding bit of information concerning the
car’s previous owner. As it turns out, this Shelby Daytona was Carroll
Shelby’s personal car for approximately twenty years. As if this fact
isn’t amazing in itself, Jim went on to describe some of the accomplishments
and characteristics of this vehicle, the first American car to win the
World Manufacturer’s Championship in 1965.
This particular Shelby Daytona is one of six
authenticated models in existence, and it was the third car completed
in production. It’s chief racing rival was the Ferrari 250GTO, and finally,
on July 4, 1965, America had a car that could take the Ferrari at the
finish line The distinctive chopped-tail designed by Pete Brock made the
Daytona instantly recognizable in the racing world and when Dennis and
Jim popped the hood, we saw the ponies that make this Shelby run! Under
the hood is all business with a 289 c.i. engine that produces approximately
390 horsepower. Later, when Dennis and Jim climbed inside the car, it
was no frills as well. The Spartan-like interior is strictly designed
for racing and the three functional air vents on the hood of the car are
the primary sources of the rather “warm” air that circulates through the
interior.
As Jim and Dennis toured the countryside, the
sensation of power created by this vehicle could not be denied, and perhaps
the most amazing aspect of this rare car is the treatment that it receives
from its owner. Jim drives the car often and in fact, views himself as
a hobbyist rather than a collector. Congratulations, Jim. Cars such as
this one are made to be driven!
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