Equipment
This car was first run at the Le Mans where it blew its engine but at Monza a few weeks later, Bob Bondurant and Allan Grant piloted this car for an 8th overall, first in GT class. In July that year at Spa, Bondurant was 2nd overall, first in GT class, and the same performance was repeated at Nurburgring. With one race left, Bondurant and the Daytona coupe competed in the 12 Hours of Reims in France, and despite a valiant effort from Modena with a field of seven Ferrari GTOs, Bondurant again pulled in first in the GT class securing America and Shelby the FIA World Championship.
Condition
This car has been restored back to its livery as it appeared at Reims, its history had been verified. Restoration work was top shelf all the way, excellent fit and finish, and while the original engine''s existence isn''t known, it is powered by a vintage Shelby powerplant. In excellent condition all around, there is little that could be done to improve this car.
Market commentary
Driven to the block by Bondurant, with designer Brock and co-driver Grant all in attendance, the room was electric. Bidding opened at two million, progressed to six then slowed to $50,000 jumps. After several long minutes, the bidding closed at $6,800,000, and it was relegated to the Bid Goes On, available for somewhere way north of $8 million. With CSX 2300 sold for $4.4 million by RM in Monterey in 2000 the bid here was reasonable; $8 million is at least highly optimistic, even with this Daytona''s much more significant and important racing history. It will try again at Mecum''s new Monterey auction in August where accuracy of the adage shopworn will be tested.