2018 Shelby 427 Daytona Coupé Continuation “Secret Weapon"

In 2018, Shelby American announced plans to produce a series of six continuation models of the Shelby 427 Daytona Coupe, based on a race car project from the 1960s that was never realized.

The story behind these continuation models is rooted in an ambitious plan by Carroll Shelby in 1964 to modify a Daytona Coupe. Shelby instructed a fabricator to lengthen the car's chassis to accommodate a 427ci big block V8 engine, replacing the standard 4.7-liter V8. The goal was to compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, but the car never made it to the race. The truck carrying the modified coupe was involved in an accident, damaging the car beyond repair in time for the event.

Now, Shelby American has recreated this "Secret Weapon" by installing a 550hp 427ci engine sourced from the Shelby Engine Company, paired with a period-correct four-speed manual transmission. These continuation models pay homage to Shelby's ambitious racing plans while offering a unique piece of motorsport history.