Heritage ESX: French Design Students Reimagine the Shelby Cobra Daytona on a Tight Budget

A Modern Tribute to an American Icon

When it comes to legendary cars that have shaped automotive history, few can rival the iconic status of the Shelby Cobra Daytona. Revisiting such a classic is no easy feat, yet a group of talented design students from Espera Sbarro School in France has managed to do just that. Despite strict budget constraints and a deadline of less than five months, these 25 students brought a modern interpretation of the Shelby Cobra Daytona to life, capturing the admiration of car enthusiasts worldwide.

Design Origin and Philosophy

Under the guidance of Franco Sbarro, the founder of both the reputable Espera Sbarro School and the Sbarro automotive brand known for its extraordinary concept cars and replicas, the team set out to honor the legacy of the Daytona. The resulting car, aptly named the Heritage ESX, stands as a testament to ingenuity, craftsmanship, and pure passion for the automotive world. The Heritage ESX blends iconic visual cues with cutting-edge design, reflecting its American motorsport roots while boasting a distinctly modern edge.

Vehicle Specifications and Engineering

Beneath the retro-inspired bodywork lies an in-house engineered tubular chassis, meticulously crafted to ensure both lightweight agility and rigidity. Weighing in at only 1,150 kg (2,535 lbs), the Heritage ESX channels the spirit of its race-bred predecessor without the need for an existing production chassis—despite initial appearances suggesting possible Dodge Viper underpinnings. Instead, the entire framework is a student-built marvel.

 

Performance: Powertrain and Dynamics

At the heart of the Heritage ESX beats a Ford 5.0-liter "Coyote" V8 engine, borrowed from the modern Mustang GT. Mounted in a front-mid configuration for optimal weight distribution, the engine delivers a thrilling 450 horsepower to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. This potent powertrain, combined with the car’s lightweight nature, ensures exhilarating acceleration, dynamic handling, and a resonant engine note that pays homage to classic American muscle.

Design and Interior

Visually, the Heritage ESX echoes the original Daytona Coupe with its sleek proportions and distinctive side-exit exhausts, but incorporates contemporary elements such as carbon fiber accents. Lighting components, including the headlamps, are sourced from the Ford Puma crossover for a subtle modern twist. Inside, the cabin takes strong inspiration from vintage race cars, from the steering wheel to the center console, yet offers modern amenities like a digital dashboard and strategically placed chronometers reminiscent of racing heritage.

 

Market Position and Exclusivity

Set to make its official debut at the Le Mans Classic from July 3rd to 6th, the Heritage ESX is positioned as a unique one-off showpiece—a statement of passion and talent rather than a mass-market model. While it won’t enter serial production, the Heritage ESX stands as an inspiration for car enthusiasts and showcases the incredible potential of young automotive designers under real-world constraints.

 

Comparisons and Legacy

Last year, the same student team garnered attention for their ES-25 concept, which paid tribute to 1980s Formula 1 Brabham racers and featured an Audi V6 engine. The Heritage ESX, however, represents a leap forward in ambition and execution, merging American muscle with French creativity in a vehicle destined to be remembered.

 

In the world of automotive design, the Heritage ESX serves as a shining example of what can be achieved with vision, teamwork, and a relentless commitment to honoring automotive history.