American Icon Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe That Beat Ferrari 250 GTO In 1965 Sells For Record $42.9 Million

The legendary 1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe, chassis CSX2300, has sold for a record-breaking $42.9 million at the Gooding Christie’s Pebble Beach Auctions during Monterey Car Week 2026, making it one of the most valuable American cars ever offered at auction.

Because of its rarity, racing history, and connection to Carroll Shelby, auction house Gooding & Company had estimated that chassis CSX2300 could fetch more than $25 million before crossing the auction block on August 14 during Monterey Car Week 2026.

Created specifically to challenge Ferrari’s dominant 250 GTO in international GT racing, this iconic 1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe is one of only six original Cobra Daytona Coupes built by Shelby American and was the third example completed in late 1963.

Power came from a naturally aspirated 4.7-litre Ford V8, producing around 390 horsepower in competition specification and allowing the Daytona Coupe to exceed 185 mph (298 km/h).

CSX2300 made its racing debut at the 1964 Tour de France Automobile and continued racing during the 1965 season, when it helped Shelby American secure the FIA World Manufacturers’ Championship by defeating Ferrari and ending the Italian marque’s dominance in the category.

Following its global racing career, chassis CSX2300 was acquired by Carroll Shelby himself in 1975—the man whose ambition created the car and whose organization developed it. Shelby kept the Daytona Coupe until 1998, making it the only original Cobra Daytona Coupe ever personally owned by its creator.

Before crossing the auction block at Monterey, CSX2300 had benefited from more than two decades of conscientious stewardship and regular use by its previous owners, helping preserve the car that played a pivotal role in establishing Carroll Shelby as one of America’s greatest automotive legends.

“The consignment of this Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe—the only American-built FIA World GT Champion, and the sole example of the six produced to later be owned by its creator—represents the pinnacle of American automotive achievement,” said Gooding Christie’s President, David Gooding.

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