Shelby GT500

vs

Shelby Cobra Daytona

USA vs USA — 1967 vs 1965

Shelby GT500 (1967)
Shelby Cobra Daytona (1965)
Specifications
GT500 428 Cobra JetCobra Daytona Coupe
Horsepower335 hp390 hp
Torque440 lb-ft340 lb-ft
Engine Size7,014 cc4,727 cc
0-60 mph5.5 sec4.5 sec
Top Speed135 mph190 mph
¼ Mile13.5 sec12.5 sec
Weight3,400 lbs2,300 lbs
Wheelbase2,743 mm2,286 mm
Length4,673 mm4,140 mm
Units Produced2,0486
Original MSRP$4,317
Value (Excellent)$300,000$50,000,000
Collectibility10/1010/10
Rarity7/1010/10
The Verdict

Numbers favor the 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1967 Shelby GT500 428 Cobra Jet offers better value, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.

Overview

Shelby has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1967 Shelby GT500 428 Cobra Jet with the 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe holds a clear advantage in raw power with 390 hp compared to 335 hp, a 55-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Shelby GT500 uses a V8 OHV (Ford 428 Cobra Jet) displacing 7,014 cc, while the Shelby Cobra Daytona relies on a V8 OHV 16V with 4,727 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe edges ahead at 4.5 seconds versus 5.5 seconds. The Shelby Cobra Daytona carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1100 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 6 units built, the 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe is considerably scarcer than the Shelby GT500's 2,048 examples. On the collector market, the 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe commands a significant premium over the 1967 Shelby GT500 428 Cobra Jet, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.