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Exoto has revisited one of its most revered models to date, the Cobra Daytona Coupe. How do you tamper with near perfection? You make it even better. To me, this particular version of the, now, world famous and legendary racer, is more important than the others, and speaking personally for a brief minute, I have them all. The reason is that this iteration has received the master’s touch in subtle but effective changes to the already outrageous detail found on the previous models. And secondly, because in 1:1 form, this was the personal car owned by Mr. Shelby for many years. According to Cobra history, he kept the #98 on the car during his ownership with the markings that were reminiscent of the Sebring or Daytona liveried racecars.
The model rekindles the passion of holding and looking over each detailed crevice of the original diecast brought to production by Exoto in 1997. A close comparison could be made between this elegant replica and the #26 B. Bondurant/J. Schlesser - Rheims Winner, Diecast Zone #EX18006. Both models in Guardsman Blue, you see the first difference, upgraded finish. No doubt learned over the years of incredible model production, the paint is smoother and more even than on the previous Coupes. On the subject of paint finishes, the interior now sports full black paint instead of the intrusion of Guardsman Blue. Doorsills, inner rear fender halves, front under-cowling, inner door edges and even the door hinges are coated to minimize the look of a model, making the appearance much more realistic. Staying inside, the foot pedals and footrest are absolutely awesome in photo-etched metal, embossed with, “AC” stampings. The seats are now more realistically textured and feature photo-etch and fabric full race-type seat belts. Exoto left no stone unturned; you will even find better detailing on the simulated aluminum side window slide-rails. This is a better departure from the silver coated original versions. There is also a blackened center hub on the knock-offs, perfectly replicating the 1:1 car. The velocity stack centers are more accurate in a brass finish as are the carbs themselves.
An altogether gorgeous package, the upgrades present another Daytona Coupe diecast well worth having. Price will be $169.95
(05/23/2003)
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