Students Build Modern Shelby Daytona Coupe Tribute In Just 5 Months

A group of students from the Espera Sbarro school just pulled off something pretty amazing. Instead of simply sketching a modern version of the legendary 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe, they actually built one from scratch. It’s called the Heritage ESX, and it's a wild, working prototype that mixes old-school race car vibes with fresh design and engineering.

It took just five months for 25 students to dream it up, design it, and make it real. They didn’t just build a shell either. This thing drives!

Up front, it’s got aggressive LED headlights mounted high on the fenders. If they look familiar, it’s because they came off a Ford Puma, which makes the clever parts-hunting even cooler. Underneath those are round LEDs and a vented hood that gives the car a proper performance look.

From the side, the proportions are spot on. The Espera Sbarro Heritage ESX’s got that long front end and tight rear you expect from a proper sports coupe. Big fenders, side vents, and fat tires complete the look. It sits on white 19-inch wheels and has all the stance and attitude you'd want.

At the back, things get bolder. There’s a chunky ducktail spoiler, quad taillights, and more vents, all wrapped up in a deep blue paint job with racing stripes and a big number 60 on the side. It's dramatic and definitely turns heads.

Inside, the Espera Sbarro Heritage ESX mixes vintage with modern. There’s a big center screen, carbon fiber details, and even a couple of old-school stopwatches on the passenger side for that race-ready feel. The gear shifter sits high on the center console, and the steering wheel keeps that retro look.

Underneath it all is a custom tubular chassis and a 5.0-liter Ford V8 paired with a six-speed manual. No exact numbers on power just yet, but since the car weighs just over 1,100 kilos, it’s safe to say it’s quick.

For now, it’s a one-off. It won’t go into production, but you will be able to see it at the Le Mans Classic in July.