The 1:18-scale Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe (1965 Le Mans #9) by Spark is now available for pre-order. Pre-order period closes Friday, August 28, 2026. Manufacturer's estimated release date: February 2027.

The 1:18-scale Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe (#9, 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans) by Spark is a collector-grade resin model that celebrates one of the most important American sports racing cars ever to compete at Le Mans. Faithfully replicating the Cobra Daytona Coupe (CSX2286) driven by Dan Gurney and Jerry Grant during the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans, this highly detailed model captures a machine that helped elevate Shelby American's place in endurance-racing history to legend status.

Spark has meticulously recreated the classic shape of the Cobra Daytona Coupe, from its flowing aerodynamic bodywork and signature Kamm-tail rear design to its authentic Shelby American race livery, competition wheels, and cockpit details.

Orders ship from our California facility within 1–2 business days, and every purchase is protected by our 30-day return policy.

Product Overview 

Product Type: Collectible scale model car
Vehicle: Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe (1965 Le Mans #9)
Drivers: Dan Gurney and Jerry Grant
Race: 24 Hours of Le Mans
Color: Blue and white

Scale: 1:18
Approximate Length: ~10 inches (25.4 cm)
Material: Resin
Manufacturer: Spark
Item Number: 18S1222
Display: Clear acrylic display case
Condition: New in original manufacturer packaging
License: Officially licensed Shelby product

Key Collectible Features

• Premium sealed-body resin construction
• Authentic Shelby American racing livery
• Realistic racing wheels with Goodyear-branded tires
• Accurate Cobra Daytona Coupe body shape
• Collector-quality paint and graphics application
  

The Cobra Daytona Coupe at Le Mans - Losing the Battle, Winning the War

Part corporate mandate, part vendetta, Carroll Shelby and Ford's quest to defeat Ferrari on the international sports car racing stage came to a head in 1965. Though future glory in prototypes was still a year away, Shelby's lithe new Cobra Daytona Coupe was well placed to contest the FIA's 1965 International Championship for GT Manufacturers, effectively the world championship for sports cars. The Cobra Daytona Coupe represented the ultimate evolution of the Cobra racing program, engineered specifically to defeat Ferrari's aging 250GTO in international GT competition with sleek bodywork dramatically improving top speed over the Cobra roadster.

Six Daytona Coupes would appear at the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans, the pinnacle event of the 1965 championship, with the Shelby American-entered #9 Daytona Coupe entrusted to American racing star Dan Gurney and co-driver Jerry Grant. Gurney was already recognized as one of the most versatile and talented drivers in motorsport, capable of winning in sports cars, Formula One, NASCAR, and IndyCar competition. Together, Gurney and Grant pushed the Daytona Coupe to an early and commanding lead in class, but as night fell at Le Sarthe, mechanical problems began to mount, resulting in the retirement of the car at 7:30 a.m.

Though Le Mans would prove disappointing, the 1965 season would ultimately become one of the greatest achievements in Shelby and Ford Racing history. The Daytona Coupe program would secure the FIA World Sportscar Championship for GT Manufacturers, ending Ferrari's long-running dominance and delivering the first world championship won by an American constructor. Today, the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe remains one of the most significant competition cars ever built, revered by collectors, historians, and racing enthusiasts alike.

Frequently Asked Collector Questions

Does this model have opening parts?
No, this is a sealed resin model with no opening parts, allowing for maximum accuracy in body shape and surface fidelity.

Does it include a display case?
Yes, this model comes in a clear acrylic display case.

Is the model new?
Yes. It is brand new and unopened in Spark’s original packaging.

How quickly does it ship?
Orders ship from our California warehouse within 1–2 business days.

Who This Model Is Ideal For

• Shelby Cobra and Ford Performance enthusiasts
• Le Mans and endurance-racing fans
• Historic motorsport collectors
• 1:18-scale model car collectors
• Collectors seeking historically significant GT racing icons
  
• Not intended for children under 14 years - not a toy

✅ Will ship from Model Citizen Diecast's California offices upon release
✅ Secure packaging for collectors
✅ 30-day return policy