Full details & bid : bringatrailer.com
A Phoenix from the Ashes: This remarkable vehicle began its life in September 1964 as a Shelby Cobra roadster, delivered new in Los Angeles, California. Following multiple body repairs and significant damage from a 1989 fire, the stripped-down chassis, number CSX2501, was acquired in 1998 by renowned Cobra specialist Mike McCluskey. Over the subsequent 15 months, McCluskey meticulously reconstructed the car, crafting aluminum coachwork that faithfully replicated the iconic lines of the Shelby Daytona Coupe. This transformation was commissioned by a California owner, marking the beginning of this Cobra’s extraordinary second life. After time spent with a New York collector, the car was imported to France and purchased by its current owner in 2024.
Daytona Coupe Inspiration: The genesis of the Daytona Coupe lies in Carroll Shelby’s quest to conquer Ferrari on the high-speed straights of FIA GT World Championship races, where the aerodynamic limitations of the Cobra roadster were evident. Peter Brock penned the sleek, low-drag aluminum bodywork, characterized by a low-profile hood, sharply raked windshield, and a distinctive Kamm tail with a ducktail spoiler. Christened “Daytona” after its maiden race, the fixed-roof Cobras achieved legendary status with GT class victories at prestigious events like Le Mans, Daytona, Sebring, and the Nürburgring in 1965. Mike McCluskey, entrusted with the restoration of three original coupes, also embarked on building his own Daytona Coupe coachwork onto eight Cobra roadster chassis, eventually creating several Shelby-sanctioned coupe replicas from the ground up.
Chassis History and Transformation: The SAAC registry meticulously documents the history of CSX2501, detailing damage in the late 1960s that necessitated a replacement rear clip. Further misfortune struck in 1982 with a T-bone accident, followed by its near-destruction in a 1989 fire. After changing hands multiple times in its damaged state, the remnants found their way to Mike McCluskey, who commenced the ambitious Daytona Coupe build in 1998. Notably, the registry also indicates that the car was incorrectly identified as CSX2457 between the late 1960s and 1995.
McCluskey’s Aluminum Artistry: McCluskey is reported to have meticulously refurbished and modified the roadster chassis to align with the specifications of the original coupe frames. He then hand-fabricated the aluminum body panels, reportedly using the same gauge of aluminum as the original Daytona Coupes. The striking blue livery with white number-15 roundels pays homage to the original Daytona Coupe driven to a class victory at Sebring in 1965 by the formidable duo of Bob Bondurant and Jo Schlesser. Exterior features include faired-in Lucas tri-bar headlights, covered fog lamps flanking the grille, a Raydyot driver-side mirror, a Monza-style fuel-filler cap with an internal lock, and the iconic quad side-pipe exhaust system.
Aerodynamic and Detail Elements: The McCluskey conversion incorporates period-correct aerodynamic enhancements, including plexiglass side windows with sliding sections, a riveted lift-up rear window for access, A-pillar wind deflectors to manage airflow, and quarter-window scoops strategically placed to direct cooling air to the rear brakes. A February 2025 appraisal report, available in the photo gallery, provides paint-meter readings and close-up images detailing any imperfections in the finish.
Upgraded Brakes and Classic Suspension: In a departure from the original Girling disc brakes found on Cobra roadsters and Daytona Coupes, this McCluskey build features upgraded Wilwood ventilated disc brakes, offering enhanced stopping performance. The four-wheel independent suspension retains the classic transverse leaf springs and Koni shock absorbers at both the front and rear, providing a blend of period-correct feel and controlled handling. Steering is managed by a precise rack-and-pinion system. The car rides on staggered-width 15” Halibrand wheels, secured by three-eared knock-offs and wrapped in Goodyear Eagle Sport Car Special tires (26.5×8.0-15 front, 26.5×10.5-15 rear).
Driver-Focused Cockpit: The interior is purposeful and driver-centric, featuring a pair of fixed-back bucket seats trimmed in black leather, equipped with Belt Makers latch-and-link lap belts for safety. The floors and door panels remain untrimmed, emphasizing the car’s raw and functional nature. A roll bar provides added safety, and a fire extinguisher is mounted on the rear shelf. AC-branded brake and clutch pedals, along with a drilled accelerator pedal and toggle switchgear, complete the performance-oriented ambiance. Brackets for a spare wheel are present on the rear shelf, although a spare wheel is not included. Air conditioning has been discreetly added for driver comfort.
Instrumentation and Controls: The riveted wood-rimmed steering wheel, featuring a classic open hub, sits in front of a black-painted dashboard housing a suite of Smiths instruments, including a 180-mph speedometer and a 10k-rpm tachometer. Stewart-Warner gauges provide critical information on oil pressure, coolant temperature, amperage, oil temperature, and fuel pressure. The five-digit odometer displays 2,300 miles, but the actual chassis mileage remains unknown due to the car’s extensive rebuild.
Potent Ford V8 Power: Under the long hood resides a potent 289 cubic inch Ford V8 engine, topped by an impressive array of quadruple Weber 48 IDA carburetors and an isolator pan. Additional performance-oriented features include dual Facet electric fuel pumps, a canted radiator with an electric cooling fan for optimal cooling, an oil cooler mounted beneath the car to manage engine temperatures, and a fuel cell for safety. Power is efficiently transferred to the rear wheels through a robust BorgWarner T-10 four-speed manual transmission. The car is also equipped with a hydraulic jacking system for ease of maintenance.
Documentation and Registration: The sale includes a comprehensive appraisal report from February 2025, which offers an analysis of the car’s condition and accuracy, along with a copy of the original bill of sale for Shelby Cobra CSX2501, its SAAC registry entry, and a letter from Mike McCluskey verifying his construction of the Daytona Coupe body on the 2501 chassis. It is important to note that, according to the selling dealer, the car cannot be road-registered in France until 2028. While the car was previously issued provisional registration in France, it expired in 2022. It was also previously registered as a 1965 Ford in New York and is accompanied by a California title marked “Export” listing it as a 1964 Cobra.
Summary:
- 1964 Shelby Cobra roadster converted to a Daytona Coupe by Mike McCluskey.
- Aluminum coachwork replicating the original Daytona Coupe design.
- Powered by a 289ci Ford V8 engine with quad Weber 48 IDA carburetors.
- BorgWarner T-10 four-speed manual transmission.
- Wilwood ventilated disc brakes.
- Leaf-spring suspension with Koni shock absorbers and rack-and-pinion steering.
- Staggered 15” Halibrand wheels.
- Fixed-back bucket seats in black leather.
- Includes a February 2025 history and appraisal report.
- Offered on dealer consignment in France with an expired provisional French registration.
Disclaimer: Information provided is for general informational purposes only and is based on available details. Potential buyers are advised to conduct their own thorough inspection and verification of any vehicle.
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