NICHOLAS WATTS ORIGINAL | Signed Carroll Shelby & Dan Gurney | 1964 Le Mans Daytona Coupe | Museum Piece

Personally Signed by Carroll Shelby & Dan Gurney

Original Owner • Publisher of the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation Edition

There are automotive paintings, and then there are pieces that become part of the history they depict.

Offered here is one of the most important motorsport artworks I have ever owned—and one that I have been privileged to steward since its creation.

This is the original acrylic-on-board painting by internationally acclaimed motorsport artist Nicholas Watts, measuring an impressive 36" x 48", professionally framed to 42" x 54", and personally autographed by two of the most legendary figures in American racing history: Carroll Shelby and Dan Gurney.

More than simply depicting a historic race car, this painting commemorates one of the defining moments in American motorsports—the victory of the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe at the 1964 24 Hours of Le Mans, where Dan Gurney and Bob Bondurant captured the GT Class win and finished an extraordinary 4th overall against the world's finest prototype race cars.

A Historic Subject

The Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe was created for one purpose: to defeat Ferrari on the world stage.

In 1964, that dream became reality at Le Mans. Driven by Dan Gurney and Bob Bondurant, the Daytona Coupe dominated the GT field and announced to the world that American engineering, determination, and innovation could challenge Europe's established racing powers.

That victory would become a pivotal step toward Shelby American's capture of the 1965 FIA World Championship for GT Manufacturers, ending Ferrari's reign and forever securing the Daytona Coupe's place among the greatest competition cars ever built.

The car portrayed in this painting is not merely a race car—it is one of the most celebrated and valuable American racing machines in existence.

Personally Signed by Legends

This original painting bears the authentic signatures of:

Carroll Shelby (1923–2012)

Le Mans winner, automotive visionary, creator of the Shelby Cobra, GT350, and GT500, and one of the most influential figures in motorsport history. Shelby's name remains synonymous with performance and racing excellence around the world.

Dan Gurney (1931–2018)

One of the most versatile drivers in racing history, Gurney achieved victories in Formula One, NASCAR, IndyCar, Can-Am, and endurance racing. His 1964 Le Mans class victory in the Daytona Coupe remains one of the crowning achievements of American road racing.

Having both signatures on a single original artwork elevates this piece far beyond traditional automotive art.

Provenance & Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation Connection

I am the original owner of this painting and was also the publisher of the limited-edition print series created from the original artwork.

In 2005, I donated the entire limited-edition release to benefit the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation, an organization founded by Carroll Shelby to provide financial assistance to children requiring life-saving and critical medical care.

As a result, this original painting is directly connected to a charitable effort that helped support the Foundation's mission and Carroll Shelby's legacy of giving back to children and families in need.

Very few motorsport artworks can claim such a direct and meaningful association with both the racing achievements and philanthropic legacy of Carroll Shelby.

Exhibition History

For more than two decades, this original painting has been exhibited at automotive events, collector gatherings, and racing-related expositions, where it has been admired by enthusiasts, collectors, and Shelby aficionados alike.

The painting itself remains in pristine condition, displaying no visible signs of wear, fading, restoration, or damage.

The frame, while still presenting beautifully, has naturally acquired a few minor hairline scratches from its travels and exhibition history over the past 21 years.

Please note: The value and asking price are based entirely upon the original Nicholas Watts painting, its historical importance, provenance, and dual signatures. The frame is included as a courtesy and is not being assigned additional value.

Investment-Grade Motorsport Art

Finding an original Nicholas Watts painting is uncommon.

Finding one depicting the legendary 1964 Le Mans-winning Shelby Daytona Coupe is considerably rarer.

Finding one personally signed by both Carroll Shelby and Dan Gurney is extraordinary.

Finding one that remains in the hands of its original owner and carries documented ties to the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation is virtually impossible.

This is not simply a painting—it is a tangible piece of American racing history.

Whether displayed in a private collection, automotive museum, executive office, luxury garage, or Shelby collection, this masterpiece represents one of the most significant intersections of fine art, motorsport achievement, and automotive heritage.

A truly once-in-a-generation acquisition for the serious collector.

SHIPPING COST INCLUDES CRATING, SHIPPING AND INSURANCE. IT CAN ALSO BE PICKED UP IN CARMEL, CALIFORNIA TO AVOID SHIPPING CHARGES.