n2a Motors previews it's Stinger Corvette

n2a Motors has made a name for itself in recent years, producing unique coach cars like the 789 and the Anteros. Now they are releasing renderings and clay models of it's next project, dubbed the "Stinger."

The Stinger takes visual cues from the 1963-1967 Corvettes and applies them to a C6 Corvette complete with modern chassis and drivetrain. The composite body panels, custom interior, wheels, and exhaust system are all added on. The standard Corvette with a 430hp V8 is used as a base model, with the option of using a Z06 or ZR1 as well.

n2a is currently taking deposits to reserve a serial number, with production planned to start in October of this year.


PRESS RELEASE:

n2a Motors announced today that it is accepting deposits on the Stinger, the latest model in their line of critically-acclaimed coachbuilt automobiles. Slated for January 2010 delivery, the Stinger is inspired by the
2nd generation 1963, '65, and '67 Corvette Sting Rays and is built atop the 2009/2010 C6 Corvette chassis.

The '63-67 Corvettes are among the most revered, iconic, and beautiful cars in automotive history. The Stinger pays homage to the historic 2nd generation Corvette with a sleek, carbon-composite body featuring the front end and hood scoop from the 1967 Corvette, a mid-section reminiscent of a '65 Corvette, and the famous split-window rear end of the '63 Corvette, and has a level of performance and safety that engineers of the era could never have dreamed possible. Utilizing a new Corvette donor car, the Stinger achieves 0-60 in 4.3 seconds with a 430 hp/424 lb.-ft. torque LS3 V8 engine rated at 16 MPG city and 26 MPG highway. Since the chassis and safety equipment remain unmodified, GM's 100,000 mile powertrain warranty remains completely intact and the Stinger can be serviced at any GM dealership.

n2a Motors starts by removing the donor Corvette's body panels and installing the new carbon-composite Stinger body, a process that takes over 800 hours for n2a's coachbuilding craftsmen to complete. The interior is entirely new with re-contoured leather seats, leather dash, wool carpeting, and leather-wrapped interior panels. Wheels and cat-back exhaust are removed and replaced with n2a's custom-made components. The n2a moniker stands for "no two alike," referring to n2a Motors' policy of building unique vehicles for each customer. No two vehicles will be built with identical color combinations, ensuring that each customer receives a unique car customized to his or her tastes.

n2a Motors has reserved serial numbers 001,002, and 003 for ZR1-based Stingers. Featuring the 638-hp LS9 engine, the ZR1 is the fastest and most powerful Corvette ever produced. Stingers built on the ZR1 platform rocket from 0-60 in 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 205+ mph. Serial numbers 004-010 are reserved for Z06-based Stingers, which are 505 hp with a 0-60 time of just 3.7 seconds. n2a Motors is accepting deposits to reserve a serial number and a place in the production order. Production is expected to commence October 1st.

The Stinger is n2a's third model, following the successful 789 and Anteros models that debuted in 2007 and 2008, respectively. Both are built on the C6 Corvette platform and utilize carbon-composite bodies, a carry-over from n2a's background in stealth technology prototyping for military contractors.
About n2a Motors

n2a Motors was founded in 2004 to revive the art of American coachbuilding. The n2a moniker stands for "no two alike," referring to n2a Motors' policy of building unique vehicles for each customer. No two vehicles will be built with identical color combinations. Kanter Concepts, n2a's parent company, produces concept cars for Detroit and foreign automakers and stealth technology prototypes for military contractors.

Chevrolet Chevelle collection to be auctioned at Mecum

Mecum auctions, based out of Marengo, Il, will be broadcasting it's latest on Discovery HD in May. They've already procured several desirable rides, such as an original Shelby Daytona Coupe for the 22nd annual event.

Also going up on the block will be Dana Mecum's personal Chevelle collection. The cars will be sold as a group, meaning the winning bidder will be taking home a total of eight Chevelles ranging from a 1965 SS hardtop with a 327ci V8 to a numbers-matching 1970 convertible with a 450-hp LS6 V8 and four-speed transmission.

PRESS RELEASE:

MARENGO, Ill. - Mecum, the high-performance and collector car auction specialists, is giving collectors a chance to own an elite collection of Chevrolet Chevelles when they are auctioned at the 22nd Dana Mecum Original Spring Classic Auction, May 13-17, 2009, in Indianapolis, Ind.

Dana's Chevelle Collection is an unparalleled assembly of high-performance convertibles and hardtops. The collection will be sold as a group on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. EST. The sale will be broadcast live on national TV during "Mecum Auto Auction: Muscle Cars & More" on HD Theater - Discovery Communications' first 24-hour high-definition cable network.

* Lot S121 - 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 2-Door Hardtop 327/350 HP, 4-speed. Very popular among collectors today, this carefully preserved classic has low miles and remains in its original and unrestored condition.

* Lot S122 - 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Z16 2-Door Hardtop 396/375 HP. This big block muscle car was the original Z16 prototype for GM, making it the very first SS396 Chevelle. It boasts a 4-speed manual transmission and Rally Red exterior.

* Lot S123 - 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Convertible 396/350 HP, 4-speed manual. The car was originally built for display at GM's Corporate Headquarters showroom in Detroit.

* Lot S124 - 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle COPO Hardtop 427/425 HP, 4-speed manual. As one of 323 vehicles produced, this rare L72 Central Office Production Order is the only black 4-speed manual ever built.

* Lot S125 - 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Convertible 396/375 HP L78 Engine. Featuring a 4-speed manual transmission and documented with Protect-O-Plate and Build Sheet, it is believed to be one of six existing SS396 L78 of 1970 vintage with its combination of original equipment, including power windows, tilt steering, White stripes and Cowl Induction.

* Lot S126 - 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Convertible 454/450 HP LS6 Engine, 4-speed manual. This well-documented Fathom Blue Chevelle is numbers matching and has a 100% original engine, M-22 transmission and rear end. It was the first LS6 convertible in the Diamond Certification Registry.

* Lot S127 - 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Hardtop 454/450 HP LS6, Automatic. With 32.9 actual miles, collectors would be hard-pressed to find a better example of an unrestored original LS6 that this gem, which is described as the lowest-mileage, highest-horsepower muscle car in existence.

"These Chevelles are highly valued in the market today because of their high horsepower and special options," said Dana Mecum, president of Mecum Auction. "The LS6, for example, is the most powerful engine offered in a production car and is on the A-list of the most sought-after collector cars in the world. With such remarkable caliber and variety of historically significant, rare vehicles coming up for sale at the Original Spring Classic, that auction is the ideal stage for this collection to be showcased."

The Chevelle Collection joins other high-profile vehicles - including a 1967 Camaro Cherokee - at the must-attend Original Spring Classic Auction at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The event is open to the general public and tickets are available at the door for $10. For more information, visit www.Mecum.com. The Original Spring Classic Auction is expected to feature 1,250 vehicles and will be broadcast live on Mecum's popular television series, "Mecum Auto Auction: Muscle Cars & More" on HD Theater - Discovery Communications' first 24-hour high-definition cable network, offering compelling real-world and motorized content.

The Mecum Auction Company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars, muscle cars and Corvettes for more than 20 years. In spring 2008, the company sold its 50,000th car. Consignment, Bidder, event and accommodation information is available online at www.Mecum.com or by calling 815.568.8888.

More Chevrolet Camaro: Video of first Camaro built, convertible back on again?

On again, off again. Just a few days after it was reported that it may have died a premature death, the new Chevrolet Camaro convertible appears to be back on the track to production.

The drop top is once again scheduled for a 2011 release, one year after the hardtop pony car started rolling off Oshawa assembly line. Motor Trend reported back in November that the convertible Camaro was in trouble due to GM's cash crunch, and last week we learned from The Detroit Bureau that financial problems at a German supplier for the car's roof was threatening the model's timetable.

For its part, General Motors insists that the topless Camaro has always been scheduled for one year after the coupe began production, but now Motor Trend is now saying that the Camaro Convertible will probably not arrive until the first quarter of 2011 (likely as a 2012 model).

To get you back in the here and now, check out the video above of the very first Camaro rolling off the production line. The car is a black SS with red leather interior, and the proud new owner is none other than Rick Hendrick of Hendrick Motor Sports.

14,000 orders have already been placed for the rebirth of Chevy's pony car thus far.

Chevrolet Corvette Competition Sport in action at Sebring - Video

The Competition Sport is a new model offered by Chevy that celebrates the Corvette's racing success, and it's more than just a couple of badges and stripes. Keith Cornett of Corvette Blogger got to experience the car first hand while riding shotgun during a a hot lap session. Check out the video that highlights Keith's wild ride.

Dodge Challenger outsells Mustang for month and YTD

Could it be, the perennial best selling pony car for many years has given up the crown to a fairly new "challenger?" All puns aside, it is a fact for the month of February and so far this year.

The Mustang was outsold for the month by 293 units, as the Challenger racked up 3,283cars sold. And the competition is only going to get stiffer, with the new Chevrolet Camaro going into production back on March 16th.

To be fair, part of the reason Mustang sales are slowing down are probably due to the fact that the new, redesigned model is bowing soon. Automakers also typically slow production before they introduce a new model as well.

It will certainly be interesting to see how this all pans out once all three cars are filling up dealer's lots and ushering in the new muscle car era.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro news galore

With the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro set to hit the streets soon, there have been numerous news items surfacing regarding the new pony car, some good and some not so good. We decided to include all of them in one convenient post for your general consumption.

First up is the reveal of the order guide. GM officially started taking orders for the Camaro on October 13th of last year, but not all of the available options were finalized at the time. Some 40 pages long, the guide reveals every standard feature and available option for the Camaro.

After you're done chewing on the order guide for a while, you can head over to Chevy's website and use the Camaro configurator.

Next in Camaro news is word that the V6 model is rated at a miserly 29mpg highway. The direct injected 3.6L is also rated at an official 304 horsepower and is standard in the LS and LT models. City mileage is 18mpg, and both figures come from a six speed automatic equipped model (17mpg with a stick). V8 models are rated at 16mpg city and 25 highway (24 with the stick). For those interested (i.e. everyone), the SS has run an unofficial 4.7 second 0-60 time.

And finally, the bad news. The crew at the freshly-minted Detroit Bureau is reporting that while the Chevrolet Camaro has started rolling off off production lines, there are some serious hitches with future model plans that could result in a substantial delay – or outright cancellation – of two hotly-anticipated models.

According to Paul Eisenstein (veteran auto journalist and founder of TheCarConnection), the Camaro convertible and Z28 are both in jeopardy. As the story goes, budget crunches for both General Motors and its suppliers could grenade products that were seen as foregone conclusions.

For those waiting on a 'vert or a Z, you might want to plan on ponying up for a RS or SS and taking a look to the aftermarket for some upgrades.

Pontiac SLP Firehawk G8 GT details and pricing released

As controversy swirls around it, SLP (Street Legal Performance) is going ahead and launching it's newest Firehawk, based on the Pontiac G8 GT. All previous Firehawk models were based on the Firebird, a fact that has some SLP purists upset.

The car itself is a nice piece of work. To the stock V8 engine, SLP adds a supercharger that's similar to the one featured on the Corvette ZR1, a stainless exhaust system and a cold air induction system. All that's good for 500 horsepower. Other mods include new 19-inch alloys painted gun metal gray and a sport suspension package. The car's most striking design element will surely be the flat black-painted hood, grille surrounds and rear spoiler – an obvious nod to the factory muscle cars from the late '60s and early '70s.

All in all the package will add $18,995 (plus $4,995 for an upgraded brake kit) to the base price of $32,440. The package will be available through your local Pontiac dealer on April 1st.

PRESS RELEASE:

Toms River, NJ - Firehawk, arguably one of the most legendary names in the history of Pontiac Muscle Cars is again united with a vehicle worthy of that unique badge: the 2009 G8-GT based Firehawk. Produced and available at SLP Performance Parts, Inc. (SLP), and select Pontiac dealerships nationwide, Firehawk offers the all-around powertrain performance, superior handling and braking, with headturning styling and value, true to its distinctive nameplate.

Following in the footsteps of SLP's famed Firebird Firehawk is a daunting challenge. But one test drive will convince skeptics that the 2009 Supercharged Firehawk has recaptured and refined the special magic of the first generation Firehawk.

Available only on the 2009 G8 GT in any factory color, the Supercharged Firehawk's performance and curb appeal are enhanced by a positive displacement supercharger, using the same technology as the supercharger GM supplies on the new ZR-1 Corvette, and highlighted by an aggressively styled flat-black painted hood treatment, reminiscent of early Muscle Cars.

To compliment Firehawk's front-end appearance, the rear deck lid spoiler benefits from subtle but effective styling revisions, including a flat black paint finish. Helping transfer Firehawk's power-to-thepavement are Bridestone's P245/40R19 Potenza RE050A Pole Position tires* and the lightweight Firehawk 19"x8" 5-spoke alloy wheels.

*Note: These tires are required for the Firehawk alteration and are included with Pontiac's RPO Code PDX – Sport Package.

Throughout Firehawk's development process, our objective was to engineer the very highest quality performance, handling and braking improvements that would provide the performance enthusiast with a well-balanced package. Not only will Firehawk outperform its competition, it's built to ensure long-term customer satisfaction.

Depending on the driver, road surface conditions and outside air temperature, the Supercharged Firehawk will generate 0-60 mph times of 4.3 seconds and 1/4 mile times of 12.6 seconds @ 115 mph, based on preliminary testing.

Every Firehawk begins life as a Pontiac G8 GT. When Firehawk production begins on April 1, 2009, G8 GTs are shipped to SLP's Toms River, NJ facility where they will be converted into Supercharged Firehawks, dyno-tested, and available for pick up or delivery.

Firehawk Standard Content Includes:

• SLP TVS 1900 500 HP Series Supercharger Package
• SLP PowerFlo® Stainless Steel Exhaust System
• SLP Blackwing® Cold Air Induction System
• SLP Sport Suspension Package
• Flat Black Painted Hood and Grille Surrounds
• Painted Lower Fascia Grille Inserts (Body Color)
• SLP Rear Spoiler Painted Flat Black
• Firehawk 19" 5-spoke, Gun Metal Painted Alloy Wheels w/Machined Spoke Face and Firehawk Logo Center Caps
• Firehawk Badges
• Firehawk Car Cover
• Firehawk Leather (faux) Portfolio
• Firehawk Birth Certificate
• Firehawk Numbered Dash Plaque and Key Fobs (2)
• Firehawk Floor Mats
• Firehawk Embroidered Headrests

Optional Firehawk Content:

• Competition Brake Package

For more information on how to order a Firehawk, contact SLP at (810) 724-8703 or email info@slp-firehawk.com

2010 Ford Mustang Roush 427R

We didn't anticipate that it would take too long for the first special edition version of the new Mustang to see the light of day, and here is the first example. Roush is the first to unveil it's own version of the new Mustang, the 427R.

The meat and potatoes of the new Mustang is still intact, but the standard V8 receives a supercharger to bump power up to 435hp and 400lbft of torque. Other power enhancers include a more efficient intake and better cooling.

The appearance package is rather subtle, with some stripes, front fascia, front splitter, rear fascia, side sills, a three piece rear wing, and 18 inch wheels (20 inchers are optional). A lot of time has been spent tuning the suspension, which features new springs, shocks, and sway bars.

The details that make a special edition special are also present, including fender badges, rear decklid emblem, aluminum pedals, embroidered floor mats and a serialized engine bay plaque. In addition to the standard features, customers can also choose from numerous upgrades including reupholstered leather seats, short-throw shifter, performance exhaust, and more.

PRESS RELEASE

The ROUSH 2010 427R™ Mustang will be the first in the lineup of new ROUSH® 2010 Mustangs to have a ROUSHcharger® installed which boosts the horsepower to 435 and offers 400 lb.-ft. of torque. This is the first time that ROUSH has been able to offer a supercharged vehicle at the launch of a new body style.

Under the hood customers will see many differences in the ROUSH 2010 427R Mustang compared to previous years. One of the biggest changes is that the long air induction tube that wrapped around the engine was eliminated making a much cleaner appearance under the hood. The intercooler reservoir has more than twice the volume of previous generations, and the intercooler itself is a single core cross-flow radiator which means more efficient cooling. It is substantially larger than on prior model years, and is now raised higher off the ground which should offer much less potential for road debris damage. Even the hoses on the ROUSH 2010 427R have seen an upgrade; they are all now 100 percent molded rubber with abrasion resistance and have imprinted markings for things like the clamp locations. This makes for even more of a true OEM appearance under the hood, and ROUSH has taken this factory appearance to the degree of matching the Ford grain on the OEM radiator reservoir and duplicated it on the one used by the intercooler. Although much of the 4.6L, 3V powertrain components are a carryover from that used on the 2005-2009 ROUSH Mustangs, customers will notice much more refinement and OEM-level quality materials and appearance on the new ROUSHcharged™ engines. This new 427R™ is be covered by a 3-year/36,000 mile warranty.

The 2010 427R™ includes an appearance package which is comprised of several components such as a new front fascia and front splitter, rear fascia, side splitters, and a three-piece rear wing. The new rear fascia is a one-piece design which improves the fit and finish; the part is injection-molded by ROUSH Manufacturing in an OEM-level TPO plastic which, in the black color with decorative grain, will help reduce rock chips. The vehicle rides on 18-inch cast chrome wheels with high-performance Cooper Zeon tires, with a new 20-inch cast chrome wheel as an available option.

This package also includes an all-new suspension package to greatly enhance the handling of the vehicle and turn that daily commute into a slalom course. The ROUSH chassis engineering team has driven tens of thousands of miles on the streets and tracks to create the best blend of comfort and handling, and claim that this is the best suspension package they have come up with yet for the Mustang. A ROUSH wheel hop reduction kit will be included with all vehicles that have the upgraded ROUSH suspension package installed at the factory.

"I've driven every generation of ROUSH Mustangs and there is no question that these cars keep improving over the years. Our engineering teams never sit back and say,'That's it. We are done working on this now.' They continually refine the components, whether it is in the engine, suspension, or any other part of the car. They are always thinking and testing and improving and creating the ultimate Mustang for the muscle car enthusiast. I think that there is no doubt that the ROUSH 2010 Mustang is our finest effort yet," Roush stated, adding that he will shortly be using one as his personal vehicles while traveling the NASCAR circuit.

Core Components - $14,156 + S&H
ROUSHcharged 4.6L powertrain system
ROUSH Front Fascia with Driving Lamps
ROUSH Front Chin Spoiler
ROUSH Side Rocker Splitters
ROUSH Rear Valance
ROUSH Rear Decklid Spoiler
ROUSH Fender Badges and Rear Decklid Emblem
ROUSH Front Windshield Banner
ROUSH 427-R Striping Kit
ROUSH Four-Piece Performance Pedals
ROUSH Embroidered Floor Mats
ROUSH Center Console Badge/Button
ROUSH Billet Aluminum Shifter Handle with Grips (Manual Transmission Only)
ROUSH 18-Inch Cast Chrome Wheel With High Performance Tires
ROUSH Suspension System
ROUSH Engine Build Plaque
ROUSH 427R Serialized Engine Bay Plaque

Optional Components
ROUSH White Face Gauges - $320
ROUSH Exhaust - $710
ROUSH Rear Quarter Window Louvers - $370
ROUSH Convertible Light Bar - $910
ROUSH Sport Leather Seating - $1,725
ROUSH Vent Pod With Boost Gauge - $435
ROUSH 20-Inch Cast Chrome Wheel & Tire Upgrade - $1,115
Locking Lug Nuts - $60
ROUSH Short Throw Shifter - $310
ROUSH Short Throw Shifter With Chrome Shifter Arm And White Ball Knob - $410
ROUSH Short Throw Shifter With Chrome Shifter Arm And Black Ball Knob - $410
ROUSH Trunk Mounted Tool Kit - $355
ROUSH Illuminated Door Sill Plates - $220
ROUSH Door Sill Plates (Non-Illuminated) - $57
ROUSH Big Brake Upgrade - $2,877
ROUSH Sport Brake Kit - $1,450
ESCORT Passport 9500ci Radar/Laser Defense System - $2,200

First 2010 Shelby GT500 and a pair of concept Mustangs to be auctioned at Palm Beach Barrett-Jackson

It just wouldn't be a proper Barrett-Jackson auction without some Mustangs going up for sale, and the upcoming Palm Beach auction will be no exception. Along with the very first 2010 Shelby GT500, which was originally supposed to be auctioned off in Scottsdale in January, will be two concept Mustangs that debuted at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show.

The two concepts, both a coupe and convertible, ushered in the current retro design of the Mustang. Each features a 400hp V8 and 5 speed transmission, and Brembo brakes. And both hold a special place in history as cars that accurately previewed a production car.


PRESS RELEASE:

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., March 16, 2009 – Ford Motor Company will celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Mustang by auctioning the first retail 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 and a pair of Mustang GT concept cars during the 7th Annual Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Collector Car Auction on April 9-11, 2009. The three historic Mustangs will be sold for charity and are among 400-plus collector vehicles to be auctioned at No Reserve during the automotive lifestyle event at the Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds. SPEED will provide live, high-definition TV coverage of the auction once again.

"It's rare for a concept vehicle, especially one as iconic as the Ford Mustang, to be sold to the public," said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson. "Giving enthusiasts an opportunity to take home the ultimate keepsake is an admirable way to mark the 45th anniversary of the Mustang, which will be celebrated a few days after our event."

All proceeds above MSRP from the sale of the Shelby GT500 will be donated to The Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation. The two Mustang concepts will be auctioned to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

"During the last three years, Ford and Barrett-Jackson have raised more than $2 million for charity through the auction of Ford vehicles," noted Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company's president, The Americas. "Ford and Barrett-Jackson will continue this important tradition at this year's Palm Beach auction. The winning bidders for these fantastic Mustangs will be contributing to worthy causes while purchasing automotive history."

The first 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 (Lot #665) is the latest in high-performance cars and features a color scheme and equipment personally chosen by Carroll Shelby. Clad in Kona Blue with white stripes, this GT500 has world-class handling, aggressive styling, and extreme levels of horsepower and torque that are unparalleled in its segment.

The two Mustang concepts on the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach docket debuted at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and have traveled to more than 50 auto shows around the world. The fresh design foreshadowed a new direction for the 2005 model year that is still relevant in today's Mustangs.

The Redline Red Metallic Ford Mustang GT convertible concept (Lot #655) features a distinct "showbar" with a rim of billet-aluminum trim picking up where the instrument panel and console trim leave off. The dazzling red car is pure muscle from its 20-inch wheels and cross-drilled Brembo brakes to the sharp accent line that runs the length of the body and culminates in a "C-scoop" behind the door cutline. The convertible's interior, awash in supple red and charcoal leather, includes perforated surfaces on the seat backs, as well as a billet-aluminum shifter for the 5-speed automatic transmission, 4-point racing-style seatbelts and unique instrument gauges that resemble a fine watch with its face removed.

"This car began with a significantly modified Ford Thunderbird rear-wheel-drive architecture," noted Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. "The platform was sectioned to achieve the proper proportion and the front-end geometry is all original. This is truly a piece of history that represents the transition to an entirely new Mustang."

The Tungsten Silver Ford Mustang GT coupe concept (Lot #655.1) has a glass roof and lush red and charcoal leather interior accented by billet-aluminum hardware. Its upward rake angle makes the car appear to be in motion even while at a standstill. The styling matches its convertible sibling. The functional hood scoops help the supercharged engine breathe as it churns out nearly 400 horsepower.

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company

Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the "World's Greatest Collector Car Events™" in Scottsdale, Palm Beach and Las Vegas. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.

Shelby Daytona Coupe up for auction in May

A copy of the legendary 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe will hit the block on May 22 at the 22nd annual Spring Classic auction in Indianapolis. The auction will be shown live on Discovery's HD theatre, with the Daytona Coupe selling at 8:00pm on Friday, May 18. Mecum fully expects the car to exceed the highest amount paid at a public auction for an American automobile, which is, to our knowledge, the Shelby Cobra Super Snake sold at Barrett-Jackson in 2007 for a total of $5.5 million. The auction house even hopes to reach the eight figure mark. The current record holder for any car is a 1961 Ferrari California Spyder that sold for $10.89 million at RM's auction last year.

The Daytona Coupe being sold, chassis CSX2601, is the fourth of just six built, winning three of eight FIA races it competed in. One of those victories was at Reims in France that earned the points needed for Shelby to clinch the World Manufacturers Championship in the GT III class. The car has been fully restored to its original condition and sports its Reims livery. Bob Bondurant, who piloted the Daytona Coupe to its wins back in 1965 and also owned it shortly thereafter, was reunited with the car at his high performance driving school in Chandler, AZ this weekend. He was joined by Peter Brock, who designed the Coupe, and the two shared stories of the development and racing of the car. Afterwards, Bondurant even put the car through its paces on the track, the first time he had driven it in more than twenty years.

[Source: Mecum Auction]

PRESS RELEASE:

MARENGO, Ill. – High performance collector car specialists Mecum Auction will offer collectors a chance to own a piece of American race history when they auction the 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe CSX2601 at the 22nd Dana Mecum Original Spring Classic Auction taking place May 13-17, 2009, in Indianapolis, Ind.
And when this Crown Jewel of American Racing powers across the auction block, Mecum anticipates the championship race car to garner the highest bid ever paid at public auction for an American automobile – eight figures and counting. The Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe will be sold on live national TV Friday, May 15, 2009, at 8:00 p.m. during the company's series, "Mecum Auto Auction: Muscle Cars & More," on Discovery Communications' popular HD Theater.

The 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra was one of six cars built by Carroll Shelby to compete against the dominating Ferrari in the F.I.A. (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile) World Manufacturers Championship for GT race class. An experimental coupe body designed by Pete Brock was built on an existing Cobra chassis, immediately increasing the top speed by 25 mph. That car won its first race, the 1964 Daytona Continental (prompting Shelby to adopt the name), and five more coupes were built, including CSX2601.

After competing at Daytona, Monza, Spa and Nurburgring, CSX2601 made history when it clinched the 1965 World Manufacturers Championship for the United States and Shelby American on July 4 in Reims, France.

"Many vintage race cars have a strong American racing history to share – including this vehicle's sister car CSX 2299 – but no car can claim a finer race hour than the Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe CSX2601," said Dana Mecum, president, Mecum Auction. "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."

Driving the car – and America – to victory on that fateful July afternoon was legendary driver Bob Bondurant.
"I won a lot of races with this Daytona Cobra Coupe, but when I crossed the finish line at the Reims race track I yelled 'Yes!' It was a fantastic feeling," Bondurant shared. "I always wanted to race in Europe against the world's best drivers. Winning that World Championship was the crowning achievement of my career. I think it's wonderful that the car is being showcased 40 years later."

The Daytona Cobra Coupe didn't just race, however. At one point, a North Dakota businessman with six gas stations owned the car, and each day, he'd drive the 300-mile round trip to collect station receipts in this race-trimmed Cobra.

"This car is a true slice of Americana, representing a different time in America's past when driving a full-blown race car on the roads didn't turn heads," added Mecum. "The Daytona was also leased to Paramount Pictures for use in the Howard Hawks cult classic 'Redline 7000'."

Now fully restored and wearing its famous Reims livery, the Shelby Daytona Cobra CSX2601 headlines the Original Spring Classis Auction, which is expected to feature 1,250 vehicles.

Held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, the auction is open to the general public with tickets are available at the door for $10. It will be broadcast live on Mecum's popular television series, "Mecum Auto Auction: Muscle Cars & More" on HD Theater – Discovery Communications' first 24-hour high-definition cable network, offering compelling real-world and motorized content.

The Mecum Auction Company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars, muscle cars and Corvettes for more than 20 years. In spring 2008, the company sold its 50,000th car. Consignment, Bidder, event and accommodation information is available online at www.Mecum.com or by calling 815.568.8888.

Video: 2010 Ford Mustang breaks longest drift record

Drifting is a Japanese sport. Or at least it was. It's only natural that big, V8 powered, rear wheel drive American cars have burst on the scene. They are just great drifting machines.

As if the 2010 Ford Mustang doesn't have enough hype preceding it as it is, one has just claimed the world's longest drift record to boot. Vaughn Gittin Jr. piloted a 2010 GT to the record at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway with a two minute drift taking 6,285 feet, or 1.19 miles to complete.