After an exhaustive search for information on the origin and production figures for the DATO 45 Carrera Shelby Cobra Logo watch, I finally have a couple of clues. I'm a "car guy" and frequent various vintage car races and shows/auctions across the US. Last January I was fortunate enough to talk to the legendary Carroll Shelby while he was at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale. I asked Carroll about the origin of the Carrera. He apologized in advance that his memory is not what it used to be (he's 84 and has survived two major organ transplants), but remembered doing "something" with chronographs to commemorate the season finale win at Riverside for the 1966 SCCA Trans-Am title. Ultimately, Ford went on to win the manufacturer's championship Series. He didn't remember how many were commissioned, but did say that there were only "a handfull". [how many Carrera's can you fit in your hand?]

I always thought the Cobra logo represented the AC bodied Cobra of the same vintage. Mr. Shelby informed me that the logo on my Carrera is the Mustang style - not the AC Cobra style which would support the theory that this is one of the watches he was referring to. The timing seems about right (i.e. circa 1966). I welcome any comments on the vintage of this particular Dato 45 model.

While in Scottsdale, I watched serial #000001 2007 Shelby GT500 sell for .6 million. All proceeds went to Mr. Shelby's childrens foundation. Viva la Shelby!