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Initially marketed as a limited production piece in 1997, the first in a series of six historic racers, the Daytona Cobra Coupe appeared without much fanfare. It quickly gained prominence in the 1/18th scale market however due predominantly to the exquisite detail found throughout the model. Each of the replicas features a finely detailed interior with seven superb dash gauges, soft-feel seats and fire extinguisher. But, tilt the front hinged hood for the real action! From the photoetched radiator (both front and shrouded top), wire mesh screens and jewelry-like chains tethering the hood, to the plumbed and wired engine, the detail is fantastic. The battery cables are in place, fuel lines are evident and even the headlights are wired. The transverse-leaf front suspension and air jack system are well depicted with the hood opened and the remarkable tire tread patterns show painstaking attention to accuracy. The rear hatches carry infinitesimal rivet detail and the wheels even display metal valve stems. Flipping the car upside-down rewards the looker with an accurate view of the rear suspension and another wire mesh screen for the driveline. The precise fit and meticulous finish are highlighted by the various historically accurate nuances built into each of the six individual pieces.
This model has the larger rainguards and is unique in that it does not have the bungee cord spare tire security. It has a more standard locking nut arrangement. Quite possibly the most beautiful of the Daytona series, the #26 car is in Guardsman Blue livery as it raced and won at Reims in July 1965. Called the Championship Coupe, the racer piloted by Bob Bondurant and Jo Schlesser, won Shelby American Corporation the Manufacturers' Championship. Sixth of six, this replica completes the Exoto series with the single caveat seen below.
NOTE There are TWO other Cobra Daytona Coupe models from Exoto. One is finished in brushed bare metal while the other version is more highly polished. The high polished version has been released but to date the brushed version has not.
(10/7/1999)
(10/07/1999)
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