Shelby plans to sell 50 brand-new Cobra Daytona Coupes

I'm not in the business of spending other people's money; it's just not classy.

I will make an exception in this case, however, because if you've got an extra couple hundred thousand dollars kicking around, I've got the perfect investment for you.

With the 50th anniversary of the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe's FIA World Championship upon us, Shelby American has announced it plans to build 50 period-correct Cobra Daytona Coupes—and they're available on a first-come, first-served basis.

From the leaf spring suspension and tube chassis to the wooden-rimmed steering wheel, the cars are built to the original specifications, with modern safety and performance improvements incorporated, including modern disc brakes and a beefed-up frame.

Each repro Cobra Daytona Coupe is a built-to-order component vehicle that comes a a rolling chassis that can be finished by a customer or an authorized dealer.

Available in both aluminum or fibreglass bodies, the Cobra Daytona Coupe starts at US$179,995 in fibreglass, or US$349,995 for the metal-clad car.

And that doesn't include a drivetrain.

Shelby American says an aluminum block 289-cubic-inch engine that can include a Cobra Daytona Coupe's serial number is also available for another US$25,499 to US$31,499.

That may seem like a lot of cash to drop on a reproduction car, but keep in mind that only six original Cobra Daytona Coupes were built, making the model one of the most coveted in the world.