Michael SatterfieldThe Shelby Daytona Coupe turns 50 this year, to celebrate Shelby American has reissued a limited-edition anniversary model. The raw aluminum version is more keeping to the original car, with leaf spring suspension, no-frills interior, and hand-built coachwork. The cost of that authentic experience stats at $349,995.
Shelby Daytona Coupe: A Legendary Milestone
The Shelby Daytona Coupe celebrates a milestone year, a half-century since Carroll Shelby’s bold bid to wrest the FIA World Championship from Europe’s dominant marques. Only six of the streamlined GT racers were built in 1964–65, each crafted to outpace Ferrari’s 250 GTO on high-speed circuits and ultimately clinch the GT Manufacturers’ crown in 1965, the only time an American team has done so.
To honor that achievement, Shelby American revived the legend with a strictly limited run of fifty 50th Anniversary Shelby Daytona Coupes. These continuation cars were offered in two distinct builds that speak to very different buyer desires.
Aluminum Version Set to Be Major Collectors’ Item
The most faithful homage to the original is the raw aluminum Shelby Daytona Coupe continuation. Built from period-correct blueprints, these coupes feature a traditional tube chassis, transverse leaf-spring suspension, minimalistic racing–style interior, and hand-formed coachwork that closely mirrors the 1960s originals. They arrive as rolling chassis so owners can select their preferred drivetrain, with prices starting around $349,995 before engine and transmission.
For enthusiasts seeking the Daytona look with greater everyday usability, Shelby also offered a fiberglass-bodied version. This iteration retains the Coupe’s aerodynamic silhouette while adding creature comforts such as air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, and modern four-wheel disc brakes. Early pricing for the fiberglass build began near $179,995 (engine and transmission not included), making it a more accessible way to experience Daytona heritage on the road or at vintage events.
Both versions carry unique Shelby American CSX serial numbers in the CSX9950–CSX9999 range and were showcased at high-profile automotive gatherings such as Monterey Car Week.
Today the original Daytona Coupes and their modern continuations are prized by collectors around the world, with original 1960s cars valued in the multi-million dollar realm and licensed continuation variants commanding six-figure prices at auctions and private sales.
For more information visit ShelbyAmerican.com.
Quick Facts: 50th Anniversary Shelby Daytona Coupe
- What it is: A limited run of Shelby American continuation Daytona Coupes created to mark the 50th anniversary of the Daytona Coupe’s 1965 GT championship success.
- Production run: 50 cars.
- How they are delivered: Built to order and delivered as a rolling chassis, with the drivetrain selected by the buyer.
- Body options: Aluminum or fiberglass.
- Starting price, aluminum: $349,995, excluding drivetrain.
- Starting price, fiberglass: $179,995, excluding drivetrain.
- Serial number range: Shelby American CSX9950 to CSX9999.
- Street comfort focus (fiberglass version): Period reports and partner info note available street friendly features such as air conditioning, power windows, and power brakes.
- Why the aluminum car costs more: It is the closest in spirit to the originals and far more labor intensive to produce.
FAQ
What is a 50th Anniversary Shelby Daytona Coupe?
It is a Shelby American continuation build honoring the Daytona Coupe’s 1965 GT championship success, offered as a limited run of 50 cars.
How many 50th Anniversary Shelby Daytona Coupes were made?
Shelby American announced a limited run of 50.
Is it a complete car or a kit?
These were sold as rolling chassis, meaning the buyer chooses the drivetrain and final configuration.
How much does the aluminum version cost?
Coverage lists the aluminum car starting at $349,995, not including drivetrain.
How much does the fiberglass version cost?
Coverage lists the fiberglass car starting at $179,995, not including drivetrain.
What are the CSX serial numbers for the anniversary cars?
They were assigned CSX serial numbers from CSX9950 through CSX9999.
Which version is more street friendly?
The fiberglass car was positioned as the more street oriented option, with commonly listed comfort features like air conditioning and power accessories.
Photos Courtesy of Shelby American.
