Still bearing the dirt and scuffs from its 1995 Rolex Daytona 24 Hours GTS-1 class victory, Paul Newman's 750 hp Ford Mustang Cobra race car is now heading to auction. This Roush-built machine secured a significant class win and third place overall in one of motorsport's most grueling endurance events, according to Robb Report.

Despite its race-worn state, with original body panels still showing the marks of its demanding 24-hour competition, this Ford Mustang race car is expected to fetch a premium value at auction. Its price will be driven by its unique historical and celebrity provenance.

Mecum Auctions will present the vehicle at their Nashville 2026 sale on Saturday, September 26. This offers collectors a rare acquisition: motorsport glory and a direct link to a Hollywood legend, according to Robb Report. The auction is poised to attract a premium from those valuing both motorsport authenticity and Paul Newman's enduring legacy, potentially setting a new benchmark for race-worn celebrity vehicles.

Authentic Power and Race-Worn History

  • Paul Newman piloted a Roush Mustang Cobra to victory in Daytona's GTS-1 class, securing a notable achievement in endurance racing, according to Carscoops.
  • The vehicle's Roush-built 6.0-liter V8 engine generates approximately 750 hp, a testament to its raw performance, according to Carscoops.
  • Crucially, the original body panels from the 1995 race, still bearing dirt and scuffs, have been intentionally refitted to the car, preserving its authentic race-day appearance, according to Carscoops.

The decision to refit the original, scuffed body panels for the 2026 auction marks a definitive shift in the collector car market. This challenges established norms, where vehicles typically undergo extensive restoration. Instead, this strategic choice prioritizes tangible race history and Paul Newman's direct association over aesthetic perfection. The car's imperfections become integral to its value, transforming it from a mere artifact into a living testament to a specific motorsport moment. A growing segment values a car's authentic narrative and 'battle scars' as irreplaceable assets, rather than flaws, particularly for legendary vehicles with significant celebrity provenance.