1965 Shelby Cobra for sale $169,900

Classic cars are all about passion. Some of the nicest classics we feature are those built by folks who invest a large amount of time and money into a project they simply love. And much to the surprise of casual onlookers most gearheads dream builds dont always involve Ridler finalists or a bizarre pile of one-off parts that serves as garage floor décor. Instead theyre filled with impressive well-done customs which wrap modern power everyday livability and top-notch track manners in about five times the curb appeal of a factory-fresh sports car. This SEMA-featured Shelby was painstakingly crafted into a world class piece of automotive art during a professional high dollar build. And thanks to 50/50 weight distribution and a supercharged Mast small block it provides an athletic pro-touring driving experience that creates the perfect platform for serious track days. Looking for a hot collectible that makes exotic European sports cars look downright melancholy? This killer Daytona is your one-way ticket to pure exclusivity!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Factory Five Racing has long been applauded for their great fiberglass work and this Type 65 is no exception. The cars virtually flawless profile a true replica of the original Shelby Daytona is a 1-piece hand-laid Vinylester shell that was laminated to 3/16ths rotor-trimmed and covered in a .015-inch gel coat. That gel thoroughly massaged by the professionals at Competition Specialties of Walpole Massachusetts lays excellent groundwork for glowing Ferrari Red 2-stage. Since pretty much every Shelby worth its salt needs some kind of war paint the car was graced with bold Graphite racing stripes. And ultimately this super slick coupe rolled out of Littlefield Customs in Charlestown Rhode Island with a mission to turn heads and drop jaws at the 2014 SEMA Show.

A clever descriptor for this wicked custom might be better than best. Thats because even though the car is an excellent example of what was arguably Carroll Shelbys best creation its 6% larger footprint features a roster of better technology. That increased level of sophistication begins with a mesh grille that devours air between LED-trimmed British-style headlights and modern fog lamps. Behind that maw an aggressive scoop funnels air through the cars serious radiator while modern windshield wipers clear a DOT Safety Glass windscreen. Behind that glass polished bullet-style racing mirrors reflect tinted sliding Lexan which perfectly complements a tinted DOT Safety Glass hatch. Below those mirrors rowdy side-pipes frame original-style brake ducts chrome vintage-style bonnet latches and a familiar Monza-style fuel filler. And behind that filler a radical angled rear-clip seats Lucas-style taillights beneath a functional deck spoiler.

ENGINE

What good is all that show if you cant back it up with a little go? Tilt this Shelbys sculpted cowl and youll find the forerunner to virtually all the technology still featured in Chevrolet sports cars: GMs potent Generation IV small block. Officially known as the Mast Motorsports 416 Black Label S/C that brutal mill utilizes a 6.8 liter LS3 block to twist impressive 9.5 to 1 compression into 820 dyno-proven horsepower and 713 lb./ft. of torque. And despite consistently delivering