Few cars manage to blend Hollywood legacy with real racing success, and this 1995 Ford Mustang Cobra Daytona does exactly that. Driven by the legendary Paul Newman, this rare race car is now heading to auction as part of a special collection from Roush. With 750 horsepower and a history tied to endurance racing and cinema, it stands as one of the most unique Mustangs ever built.
Back in 1995, the car gained attention during the famous Rolex 24 at Daytona. Just weeks before the race, Paul Newman’s movie Nobody’s Fool was released in theaters. Paramount Pictures stepped in with a creative idea.
Instead of traditional advertising, the studio used the race car as a moving billboard. It added promotional graphics from the film onto the car’s body, turning it into a high speed marketing machine on the track. This unique collaboration connected Hollywood with motorsports in a way that still feels rare today.
Newman was not just a celebrity behind the wheel. He shared driving duties with top names like Tommy Kendall and Mark Martin, leading the team to a class victory despite being 70 years old at the time.
Under the hood sits a 6.0 liter naturally aspirated V8 built by Roush, producing an incredible 750 horsepower. Power flows through a five speed manual transmission to the rear wheels, delivering a raw and demanding driving experience.
This is not a modern performance car filled with electronic aids. There are no stability systems, no traction control, and very limited safety features. Driving it requires full focus and skill, making even a short drive intense and unforgettable.
After its victory, the car was preserved at the Daytona Hall of Fame, while its original body panels were carefully stored. Recently, those original panels were reinstalled, still carrying marks, scratches, and even dust from the race over 30 years ago. This gives the car a level of authenticity rarely seen in restored race machines.
Now listed through Mecum Auctions, this Mustang offers collectors a chance to own a piece of both racing and film history.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.