Superformance 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe- Shelby's Daily Driver

Certain racecars transcend time. They're world-beaters during their reign, and they evoke an emotional response from many an automotive racing enthusiast. What the cars look like, how they performed at famous racing venues around the globe, what teams drove them to victory, the personalities behind those racing teams, and fond memories from our collective pasts-all of these things contribute to the lofty reputation these inanimate four-wheeled mechanical conveyances attain in our hearts and minds, and in the auto racing history tomes. The Ford GT40 and the Shelby American Type 65 Daytona Cobra coupe are prime examples of racecars that will always be etched in the hearts and souls of American gearheads. We dream to one day build and own a re-creation of one of these racing icons (if not both).

Not so coincidentally, Carroll Shelby and his Shelby American Racing Team was heavily involved with both of these supercars. The Shelby American Team won 1st and 2nd place with Ford GT40 Mk IIs in 1966 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In combination with the 289 Cobra roadsters, Shelby American utilized the six Type 65 Shelby Daytona coupes to earn the 1965 FIA World Manufacturers Championship. In '64, Shelby American Racing teammates Bob Bondurant and Dan Gurney raced a Type 65 Daytona coupe to 1st place in the GT class and 4th overall at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Since gearheads around the globe have worshipped these two machines from afar, it figures that the man intimately involved with the '60s-era GT40 and the Daytona coupe would also have a soft spot in his heart for them. Indeed, the number 98 Guardsman Blue coupe that Superformance brought to the 2008 KIT CAR Performance Day was Carroll Shelby's personal automobile for three years. Superformance's CEO, Lance Stander, is now the proud owner. To his credit, Lance wasn't afraid to let KIT CAR put his Shelby-owned supercar through the acceleration, braking, skidpad, and slalom exercises. He knows firsthand how well the Superformance/Shelby Daytona Cobra coupe is built. Lance is also aware of how thorough Superformance/Shelby Dealer Olthoff Racing, in Mount Ulla, North Carolina, is in installing drivetrains in the turnkey-minus cars.

Three lucky drivers took turns putting the coupe through its paces at the '08 Performance Day: Superformance CEO Lance Stander, Camaro Performers Editor Nick Licata, and Editorial Director Brian Brennan. Read all about how well the Shelby Daytona Cobra coupe did here. We warn you though once you do you'll likely be contacting your local Superformance or Shelby American dealer for a test drive of your own.