(Shelby image from AutoFiends.)

The car is one of only six made that year and was built by Carroll Shelby in order to provide competition to the Ferrari in the GT race class.  On July 4, 1965, that goal was achieved when the car won the 1965 FIA World Manufacturer’s Championship for Shelby American.  The car was driven that day by Bob Bondurant, and the race took place in Reims, France.

Exotic car enthusiasts are closely watching the auction of the car, which is expected to fetch something in the neighborhood of $15 million.  The vehicle, which has the best racing record of all Shelby Daytona Coupes, is a highly-prized part of American automotive history.  Mecum Auctions declares that the exotic car embodies the “American competitive spirit of victory against overwhelming odds.”

Owning a piece of racing history may not be a reality for most of us, but we can still drive an exotic vehicle.  Renting an exotic car is a fun and easy way to experience the thrill of the road without the hassle and expense of ownership.  You can rent a convertible in Dallas, drive a Lamborghini in Fort Worth, or just explore West Texas in a luxury car.

(Dallas Bentley rental photo courtesy of DFW Elite Auto Rental. Photo by Josh Davis of Fort Worth, TX. All rights reserved.)

Another great option for exotic car fans is joining an exotic car club.  Rather than buying an exotic car that you only drive occasionally, you can have access to an entire garage of exotic vehicles.  If you need to drive a Mercedes to impress a client but want to drive a Bentley Continental for the weekend, an exotic car sharing club might be the perfect option for you.

Besides making automotive history, the 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe was featured in the Howard Hawkes movies “Redline 7000.”  The car has been fully restored and is decked out in its Reims livery, all set to be the showpiece of some lucky (and wealthy) person’s exotic car collection.

If you’re going to be in Indianapolis this week, the 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe goes up for auction at 8:05 pm on Friday.  HT to the guys at AutoFiends.com.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance web content writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.