Daytona Sportscar

The Daytona Sportscar (sometimes referred to as the 'Daytona Coupe') is an Australian built reproduction of the Shelby Daytona coupé from 1964. It was built by Richard Bendell, designed by Ross Holder and the chassis builder was Michael Borland.[1] So far eight have been built, by Victorian race car builder Borland Racing Developments, with the first car built in 2001. It has competed in several Australian tarmac rallies since, including Targa Tasmania and Targa West.

For the Australian kit car maker, see Daytona Sports Cars. For cars called Daytona Coupe, see Daytona Coupe (disambiguation).

Daytona Sportcar
Overview
ManufacturerBorland Racing Developments
Production2001–present
AssemblyBraeside, Victoria
Body and chassis
ClassGrand tourer
Body style2-door Coupé
PlatformFR
Dimensions
Curb weight1,100 kg (2,425 lb)
Peter Brock's Daytona Coupé - photo taken the day before the accident in which he was killed

As well as the Shelby Daytona, the car bears some resemblance to the Ford Shelby GR-1, a 2005 concept car which was based on the same 1964 model.

Specifications

Weighing 1,100 kg (2,425 lb), it is powered by a 6.0 litre (360 in³) LS1 Gen. III V8 engine, which is also used in the Holden Monaro. Top speed is 290 km/h (180 mph).[2] The chassis is a purpose built space frame.[3] As well as the engine, the car uses mainly Holden Commodore SS components including the brakes, wheels, differential, steering column and controls. It has traction control and ABS braking systems.[1]

Fatal accident

Australian racing car champion Peter Brock was killed driving a Daytona (coincidentally the original Shelby Daytona was designed by another Peter Brock) owned by Richard Bendell in the Targa West rally on 8 September 2006, when it left the road and hit a tree sideways, in the driver's door.

In an interview the day before the crash, Brock said of the car:

It's a beautifully designed local car with a retro body on it, so it appeals to people who want a car which looks like the old 60s-style sports car, but underneath it's two-thirds the weight of a Holden VE SS (Commodore)[2]

See also

References
  1. "Targa Report 15/05/06". peterbrock.com.au. Retrieved 10 September 2006.
  2. "I've got to get to grips with his car: Brock". The West Australian. 9 September 2006. p. 6.
  3. "Peter Brock Heads West". Targa West '06 Spectators Guide.
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