Daytona Coupe Shelby CSX2000

There are some cars which can be considered somewhat of a Holy Grail for collectors and that’s something which can be applied to this, frankly extraordinary looking, Daytona Coupe Shelby CSX2000 which is going up for sale with Hillbank Motor Corporation. Given its rarity and exceptional condition, don’t expect to get much change out of half a million dollars if you want to make this your next classic car addition.

The Daytona Coupe Shelby CSX2000 from Hillbank Motor Corporation is about as breathtaking as anything on four wheels can get in our opinion here at Coolector HQ and whilst the $495k price tag is a smidge outside of our budget, it certainly doesn’t hurt to look. Jaw-dropping in the extreme, this Daytona Coupe is definitely going to be the crowning glory of some collector’s line up of vintage vehicles (providing they’ve got deep pockets).

Interesting Backstory

In 1964, Carroll Shelby asked renowned fabricator John Ohlsen to increase the length of the chassis of one of the six Daytona Coupes (CSX2286) to replace the 289 c.i.d. Ford engine with a NASCAR inspired big block. The experimental racing vehicle was designed to be Shelby’s “secret weapon” for the 1964 Le Mans race and taking one look at it would likely have filled the other racers with fear.

The Daytona Coupe Shelby CSX2000 from Hillbank Motor Corporation ($495k) weighed in at about 2,200 pounds with world class aerodynamics and the power of a big block, which meant this car had tremendous performance potential. Unfortunately, the truck carrying CSX2286 to Le Mans was involved in an accident that damaged the Shelby too much to be repaired in time for the race. Dan Gurney and Allen Grant drove CSX2286 at Le Mans with the 289 engine the next year, but the Cobra did not finish the race.

The continuation big block Daytona Coupes follow the same specs as the Ohlsen modified race car. Each new Coupe featured a 3-inch lengthened chassis and hood to accept a powerful aluminium 427 medium-riser big block motor, which will be supplied by the Shelby Engine Company. The powerful 550+ horsepower engine will be mated to a period-correct 4-speed manual transmission. Each will be assigned a Shelby CSX2000 (CSX2620-CSX2625) series serial number for documentation in the official Shelby Registry.

Stunning Features

Throughout the glorious looking machine, there are an array of impressive features which includes a stainless steel fuel tank, Shelby-branded leather seating surfaces, Shelby dual plan intake manifold, 3:54 Rear Differential with Cooler and Shelby Aluminium 356 T6 CNC FE Block. This is a vehicle that won’t disappoint aesthetically or in terms of performance.

This is a one in a million opportunity to own a very rare collectible Shelby heritage race car and just like the six small block cars built in the 1960s, these 427 powered Daytona Coupes will be a long-lasting tribute to another innovative Shelby race car that would have caught the racing world off guard. These Coupes will be every bit as much a ‘secret weapon’ as Carroll had hoped for in 1964 and, if you happen to have half a million dollars burning a hole in your pocket, you’ve just found what to spend it on.