USA's most expensive Car auction again

Although it was hand-made in Modena, Italy, by Carozzeria Grand Sport, the Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe has always been an iconic American car. Built mid-sixties to challenge the FIA's GT class, the Shelby and its team were the first Americans to beat Ferrari on its home turf, taking the famous victory on July 4th, 1965. And now the very car that helped Carroll Shelby build his name and legend - the 1965 CSX2601 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe returns to the auction block on Saturday, August 15, 2009 in Monterey, California, USA.

Collector car specialist auction house Mecum Auctions attempted to sell the car at its 22nd Dana Mecum Original Spring Classic Auction in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA in May, but the car didn't reach its ridiculous reserve. It was expected to bring between $10 million and $15 million USD but in the end bidding stopped at a measly $6.8 million USD. Apparently a post-auction bid of $7.5 million was received, but Mecum thinks it can get more with the right crowd in attendance.

Dana Mecum, president of Mecum Auctions said in a recent interview "Many vintage race cars have a strong American racing history to share – including this vehicle’s sister car the CSX 2299, but no car can claim a finer race hour than the Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe CSX2601,” Mecum continued with acute patriotism “The legacy of its World Manufacturer’s Championship win stays with us more than four decades later, reminding us of one the proudest moments in U.S. race history and a competitive spirit of victory against all odds.”

The Daytona Cobra Coupe was also licensed for the road, and at one point the CSX2601 car was owned by an American businessman who owned a string of gas stations. He used the car to drive the daily 300 mile trip to collect receipts.

Source : NZV8