They Constructed This Impressive V8 Coupe In Just Five Months Without A Factory Or A Budget | Carscoops

      Believe it or not, the Espera Sbarro Heritage ESX is a unique prototype that was designed and constructed by students.

      The Heritage ESX serves as a contemporary tribute to the Shelby Daytona Coupe, equipped with a Ford-sourced V8 engine.

      This prototype was created by students participating in the Espera Sbarro UTBM training program.

      It showcases features like custom bodywork, a handcrafted interior, and a multi-tubular chassis design.

      Imagine if one of motorsport’s most legendary silhouettes made a surprising return, not as a concept or tribute, but as a fully functional, full-scale vehicle. That’s exactly what transpired when students at the Espera Sbarro school transformed a bold idea into a tangible, roaring reality.

      Rather than merely conceptualizing a modern version of the 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe, they constructed one. The outcome is the Heritage ESX, a fully operational prototype that honors the original's racing heritage while embracing contemporary design.

      A Recognizable Shape, Refined for Today

      This is not a replica, a kit car, or a restomod. It is an “educational prototype” conceived, designed, and built from scratch by a team of 25 students over the span of five months. The Heritage ESX features the recognizably proportions of the Daytona Coupe, yet its design feels like a natural progression, blending retro elements with modern aesthetics.

      At the front, LED headlights positioned on the fenders give a nod to Ford GT style. A closer inspection reveals these units were cleverly sourced from the updated Ford Puma, a subcompact European SUV. Above these, circular LEDs are nestled between the bumper intakes, and a vented hood adds another practical enhancement.

      From the side, the classic long dash-to-axle ratio is immediately noticeable. The rear haunches maintain an appealing curvature, while side gills and exhausts fit the spirit of the original. The aggressive stance is completed by 19-inch alloy wheels finished in white and fitted with generously sized tires.

      The rear end is a more angular reimagining of the iconic sports coupe, featuring a large integrated ducktail spoiler, quad taillights, and additional vents on the sides. As a finishing detail, the vehicle is painted blue with white racing graphics that display the number 60.

      The two-seat cabin resembles the original’s layout but incorporates modern touches such as carbon fiber accents and a centrally mounted display. On the passenger side, a pair of analog stopwatches evoke a vintage motorsport feel, while a three-spoke steering wheel and a high-mounted gear knob on the center console complete the driver-centric design.

      Constructed for Performance, Not Just Show

      The Heritage ESX's custom bodywork is based on a multi-tubular chassis. Under the hood, it features a Ford-sourced 5.0-liter V8 engine that drives the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. While no specific power and torque figures have been disclosed, the car weighs 1,150 kg (2,535 pounds), suggesting a lively performance.

      As with many “educational prototypes,” it is likely that this vehicle will remain a one-off, although discussions on social media expressed a desire to see a limited production run. After the completion of this year’s Espera Sbarro UTBM Stylist Prototypist training course, the prototype will be presented at the Le Mans Classic from July 3-6, 2025.

      In the meantime, you can take a closer look at the images and short videos below.