2005 Shelby GR-1 Concept Coupe

Prior to 1964, Shelby had been working with Pete Brock and Bob Negstad to design a car that would go compete, and win, against Ferrari in the GT class. What would result from their collaboration would become known as the Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe. In all, six examples would be built between 1964 and 1965. The car would earn a number of notable victories including Sebring, Le Mans, Monza, Nurburgring and Reims. The car would even go on to set a number of speed records on the salt flats of Bonneville. The project would come to an end when Shelby would be pulled over to the Ford GT40 project, once again, with the aim of beating Ferrari.

Although the Shelby Daytona project would be lost, it would not be forgotten. And forty years after the first Daytona's would be produced the idea would come back around to make a modern version; to use the old Shelby Daytona as inspiration for a modern design.

Since even the Daytona would inextricably linked to Shelby and Cobra it would be fitting that one year after the debut of the Ford Shelby Cobra Concept the new Ford Shelby GR-1 would be introduced. Its name obviously diverges from the Shelby Daytona name, but the influence of the car in the design of the new concept is more than obvious.

Only three sketches would be needed before a design would be decided upon. The flat, low and wide nose hints of the modern GT40. This point is further hinted at by the large rectangular radiator inlet and the squared-off look of the nose. However, an overall look of the car lends to immediate thoughts of the Daytona. And small intricate design details further enhance the correlation.

The aerodynamic headlight covers and fender design give the car the high fender look used in the Daytona, however. The long nose with slot-venting is also very reminiscent of the Daytona. But perhaps nothing of the new design translates the old into the new more than its far-aft positioning of the passenger compartment and the Stubby Kamm-like tail.

The first representation of the design would debut at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in August of 2004. It would only be a clay model of the concept. However, an actual rolling platform model would be designed. And it would be that platform model that would be offered at this year's RM Auctions in Monterey, California. Offered by the Ford Motor Company, the proceeds from the sale would go entirely to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Although not a working concept, the model is more than capable of catching attention and serving as an example of modern and contemporary representation of classic design.

Completed in a striking silver metal finish, the concept would have the look of pure water flowing around the rugged, and yet, gorgeous long nose and teardrop-shaped passenger compartment. Out of the sketches would come a design that would be able to capture the racing successes of the Daytona in its design. Therefore, the GR-1 has a mean competitive look to it. But it wouldn't be all brawn. Its styling and design would also give the brawny car an elegance that gets into one's mind. Therefore, the car's design seems just as ready for competition as it does for being admired amongst a concours of classics. The platform model was expected to raise $150,000-$200,000 at auction to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Sources:
'Featured Lots: Lot No. 120: 2005 Ford Shelby GR-1 Concept Platform Model', (http://www.rmauctions.com/featurecars.cfm?SaleCode=MO11&CarID=r234&fc=0). RM Auctions. http://www.rmauctions.com/featurecars.cfm?SaleCode=MO11&CarID=r234&fc=0. Retrieved 18 August 2011.

Wikipedia contributors, 'Shelby Daytona', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 23 May 2011, 17:42 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shelby_Daytona&oldid=430543303 accessed 18 August 2011

By Jeremy McMullen