Automotive

Shelby to produce Limited Edition 50th Anniversary 427 Cobra

Shelby to produce Limited Edition 50th Anniversary 427 Cobra
Those prices are both quoted without drivetrain, and to retain the lines of the car around the bonnet area, (not to mention the spirit of the beast), you'll need to fit a normally-aspirated big block engine which will run from US$50,000 for a 400 horsepower set-up, through to over 700 hp at around an extra US$70,000. In other words, a 700 hp 427 Shelby Cobra, with full paperwork will set you back US$250,000 and will probably begin appreciating in value before you get your hands on it.
Those prices are both quoted without drivetrain, and to retain the lines of the car around the bonnet area, (not to mention the spirit of the beast), you'll need to fit a normally-aspirated big block engine which will run from US$50,000 for a 400 horsepower set-up, through to over 700 hp at around an extra US$70,000. In other words, a 700 hp 427 Shelby Cobra, with full paperwork will set you back US$250,000 and will probably begin appreciating in value before you get your hands on it.
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Those prices are both quoted without drivetrain, and to retain the lines of the car around the bonnet area, (not to mention the spirit of the beast), you'll need to fit a normally-aspirated big block engine which will run from US$50,000 for a 400 horsepower set-up, through to over 700 hp at around an extra US$70,000. In other words, a 700 hp 427 Shelby Cobra, with full paperwork will set you back US$250,000 and will probably begin appreciating in value before you get your hands on it.
1/21
Those prices are both quoted without drivetrain, and to retain the lines of the car around the bonnet area, (not to mention the spirit of the beast), you'll need to fit a normally-aspirated big block engine which will run from US$50,000 for a 400 horsepower set-up, through to over 700 hp at around an extra US$70,000. In other words, a 700 hp 427 Shelby Cobra, with full paperwork will set you back US$250,000 and will probably begin appreciating in value before you get your hands on it.
Each will be documented in the ‘World Registry’ alongside the original 343 built by Shelby American in the 1960s, and the 50th Anniversary 427 Cobra will be available with either a fiberglass body for US$120,000, or an aluminum bodied car (pictured) for $180,000.
2/21
Each will be documented in the ‘World Registry’ alongside the original 343 built by Shelby American in the 1960s, and the 50th Anniversary 427 Cobra will be available with either a fiberglass body for US$120,000, or an aluminum bodied car (pictured) for $180,000.
Each will be documented in the ‘World Registry’ alongside the original 343 built by Shelby American in the 1960s, and the 50th Anniversary 427 Cobra will be available with either a fiberglass body for US$120,000, or an aluminum bodied car (pictured) for $180,000.
3/21
Each will be documented in the ‘World Registry’ alongside the original 343 built by Shelby American in the 1960s, and the 50th Anniversary 427 Cobra will be available with either a fiberglass body for US$120,000, or an aluminum bodied car (pictured) for $180,000.
Each continuation Cobra will be painted Guardsman Blue with Wimbledon White stripes, equipped with a premium black leather interior and other special touches and the car will make it's public debut at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 12, 2015.
4/21
Each continuation Cobra will be painted Guardsman Blue with Wimbledon White stripes, equipped with a premium black leather interior and other special touches and the car will make it's public debut at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 12, 2015.
Each continuation Cobra will be painted Guardsman Blue with Wimbledon White stripes, equipped with a premium black leather interior and other special touches and the car will make it's public debut at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 12, 2015.
5/21
Each continuation Cobra will be painted Guardsman Blue with Wimbledon White stripes, equipped with a premium black leather interior and other special touches and the car will make it's public debut at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 12, 2015.
Special badges on the exterior and interior signify the model
6/21
Special badges on the exterior and interior signify the model
Each will be documented in the ‘World Registry’ alongside the original 343 built by Shelby American in the 1960s, and the 50th Anniversary 427 Cobra will be available with either a fiberglass body for US$120,000, or an aluminum bodied car (pictured) for $180,000.
7/21
Each will be documented in the ‘World Registry’ alongside the original 343 built by Shelby American in the 1960s, and the 50th Anniversary 427 Cobra will be available with either a fiberglass body for US$120,000, or an aluminum bodied car (pictured) for $180,000.
Those prices are both quoted without drivetrain, and to retain the lines of the car around the bonnet area, (not to mention the spirit of the beast), you'll need to fit a normally-aspirated big block engine which will run from around another US$50,000 for a 400 horsepower set-up, through to over 700 hp at around an extra US$70,000. In other words, a 700 hp 427 Shelby Cobra, with full paperwork will set you back US$250,000 and will probably begin appreciating in value before you get your hands on it.
8/21
Those prices are both quoted without drivetrain, and to retain the lines of the car around the bonnet area, (not to mention the spirit of the beast), you'll need to fit a normally-aspirated big block engine which will run from around another US$50,000 for a 400 horsepower set-up, through to over 700 hp at around an extra US$70,000. In other words, a 700 hp 427 Shelby Cobra, with full paperwork will set you back US$250,000 and will probably begin appreciating in value before you get your hands on it.
Each continuation Cobra will be painted Guardsman Blue with Wimbledon White stripes, equipped with a premium black leather interior and other special touches and the car will make it's public debut at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 12, 2015.
9/21
Each continuation Cobra will be painted Guardsman Blue with Wimbledon White stripes, equipped with a premium black leather interior and other special touches and the car will make it's public debut at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 12, 2015.
Each continuation Cobra will be painted Guardsman Blue with Wimbledon White stripes, equipped with a premium black leather interior and other special touches and the car will make it's public debut at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 12, 2015.
10/21
Each continuation Cobra will be painted Guardsman Blue with Wimbledon White stripes, equipped with a premium black leather interior and other special touches and the car will make it's public debut at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 12, 2015.
Those prices are both quoted without drivetrain, and to retain the lines of the car around the bonnet area, (not to mention the spirit of the beast), you'll need to fit a normally-aspirated big block engine which will run from around another US$50,000 for a 400 horsepower set-up, through to over 700 hp at around an extra US$70,000. In other words, a 700 hp 427 Shelby Cobra, with full paperwork will set you back US$250,000 and will probably begin appreciating in value before you get your hands on it.
11/21
Those prices are both quoted without drivetrain, and to retain the lines of the car around the bonnet area, (not to mention the spirit of the beast), you'll need to fit a normally-aspirated big block engine which will run from around another US$50,000 for a 400 horsepower set-up, through to over 700 hp at around an extra US$70,000. In other words, a 700 hp 427 Shelby Cobra, with full paperwork will set you back US$250,000 and will probably begin appreciating in value before you get your hands on it.
Each will be documented in the ‘World Registry’ alongside the original 343 built by Shelby American in the 1960s, and the 50th Anniversary 427 Cobra will be available with either a fiberglass body for US$120,000, or an aluminum bodied car (pictured) for $180,000.
12/21
Each will be documented in the ‘World Registry’ alongside the original 343 built by Shelby American in the 1960s, and the 50th Anniversary 427 Cobra will be available with either a fiberglass body for US$120,000, or an aluminum bodied car (pictured) for $180,000.
Each continuation Cobra will be painted Guardsman Blue with Wimbledon White stripes, equipped with a premium black leather interior and other special touches and the car will make it's public debut at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 12, 2015.
13/21
Each continuation Cobra will be painted Guardsman Blue with Wimbledon White stripes, equipped with a premium black leather interior and other special touches and the car will make it's public debut at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 12, 2015.
Each continuation Cobra will be painted Guardsman Blue with Wimbledon White stripes, equipped with a premium black leather interior and other special touches and the car will make it's public debut at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 12, 2015.
14/21
Each continuation Cobra will be painted Guardsman Blue with Wimbledon White stripes, equipped with a premium black leather interior and other special touches and the car will make it's public debut at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 12, 2015.
Each continuation Cobra will be painted Guardsman Blue with Wimbledon White stripes, equipped with a premium black leather interior and other special touches and the car will make it's public debut at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 12, 2015.
15/21
Each continuation Cobra will be painted Guardsman Blue with Wimbledon White stripes, equipped with a premium black leather interior and other special touches and the car will make it's public debut at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 12, 2015.
Each continuation Cobra will be painted Guardsman Blue with Wimbledon White stripes, equipped with a premium black leather interior and other special touches and the car will make it's public debut at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 12, 2015.
16/21
Each continuation Cobra will be painted Guardsman Blue with Wimbledon White stripes, equipped with a premium black leather interior and other special touches and the car will make it's public debut at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 12, 2015.
Special badges on the exterior and interior signify the model
17/21
Special badges on the exterior and interior signify the model
Each will be documented in the ‘World Registry’ alongside the original 343 built by Shelby American in the 1960s, and the 50th Anniversary 427 Cobra will be available with either a fiberglass body for US$120,000, or an aluminum bodied car (pictured) for $180,000.
18/21
Each will be documented in the ‘World Registry’ alongside the original 343 built by Shelby American in the 1960s, and the 50th Anniversary 427 Cobra will be available with either a fiberglass body for US$120,000, or an aluminum bodied car (pictured) for $180,000.
Special badges on the exterior and interior signify the model
19/21
Special badges on the exterior and interior signify the model
Each continuation Cobra will be painted Guardsman Blue with Wimbledon White stripes, equipped with a premium black leather interior and other special touches and the car will make it's public debut at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 12, 2015.
20/21
Each continuation Cobra will be painted Guardsman Blue with Wimbledon White stripes, equipped with a premium black leather interior and other special touches and the car will make it's public debut at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 12, 2015.
Each will be documented in the ‘World Registry’ alongside the original 343 built by Shelby American in the 1960s, and the 50th Anniversary 427 Cobra will be available with either a fiberglass body for US$120,000, or an aluminum bodied car (pictured) for $180,000.
21/21
Each will be documented in the ‘World Registry’ alongside the original 343 built by Shelby American in the 1960s, and the 50th Anniversary 427 Cobra will be available with either a fiberglass body for US$120,000, or an aluminum bodied car (pictured) for $180,000.
View gallery - 21 images

There aren't many cars that you can say will be an instant collectible before they're off the showroom floor, but this is one of them. Most petrolheads know the legend of Carroll Shelby and the big block Cobra he created in January 1965 – now there will be 50 more of the iconic roadster created for the 50th anniversary. Each will be documented in the "World Registry" alongside the original 343 built by Shelby American in the 1960s, and the 50th Anniversary 427 Cobra will be available with either a fiberglass body for US$120,000, or an aluminum bodied car (pictured) for $180,000.

Those prices are both quoted without drivetrain, and to retain the lines of the car around the bonnet area, (not to mention the spirit of the beast), you'll need to fit a normally-aspirated big block engine which will run from around another $50,000 for a 400 horsepower set-up, through to over 700 hp at around an extra $70,000. In other words, a 700 hp 427 Shelby Cobra, with full paperwork will set you back $250,000 and will probably begin appreciating in value before you get your hands on it.

The anniversary Shelby Cobras will be sold as component vehicles that can be finished by a customer or an authorized dealer. Each car is built to order and delivered as a rolling chassis, less drive train, with a 1965 MSO. The 427 Shelby Cobras retain everything from the authentic style suspension to the graceful body lines, but are upgraded to contemporary standards. Shelby American uses the same leather that one would find in high end cars, modern brake discs and a stronger frame.

Special badges on the exterior and interior signify the model
Special badges on the exterior and interior signify the model

The 50th Anniversary Editions will carry serial numbers CSX4500 to CSX4599 though there will be unique differences. Special badges on the exterior and interior signify the model. Premium materials are used on the seats, carpets and dash. A 23 gallon racing style fuel tank, powder coated frame, racing brakes and custom gauges are standard. The paint/stripe schemes are unique and a special optional engine package is being developed by the Shelby Engine Company.

Each continuation Cobra will be painted Guardsman Blue with Wimbledon White stripes, equipped with a premium black leather interior and other special touches and the car will make it's public debut at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 12, 2015.
Each continuation Cobra will be painted Guardsman Blue with Wimbledon White stripes, equipped with a premium black leather interior and other special touches and the car will make it's public debut at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 12, 2015.

Each continuation Cobra will be painted Guardsman Blue with Wimbledon White stripes, equipped with a premium black leather interior and other special touches and the car will make it's public debut at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 12, 2015.

"The big block Shelby Cobra changed the way the world viewed American manufacturers when Carroll Shelby introduced it in January 1965," says Joe Conway, Co-CEO of Carroll Shelby International and CEO of Shelby American.

"While the small block cars were successful, the all new FE-powered Cobra took everything to the extreme. Far more powerful and sophisticated, the big block Cobra represented the bold American spirit. Shelby American’s goal was to create the world’s first hyper car and the Cobra lived up to its potential."

Each will be documented in the ‘World Registry’ alongside the original 343 built by Shelby American in the 1960s, and the 50th Anniversary 427 Cobra will be available with either a fiberglass body for US$120,000, or an aluminum bodied car (pictured) for $180,000.
Each will be documented in the ‘World Registry’ alongside the original 343 built by Shelby American in the 1960s, and the 50th Anniversary 427 Cobra will be available with either a fiberglass body for US$120,000, or an aluminum bodied car (pictured) for $180,000.

"Shelby American built the big block Cobras specifically to conquer all other sports cars, both American-made and European. With an all new coil spring independent suspension, larger passenger compartment, upgraded brakes, wider track, fatter tires and a big block Ford engine, the Cobra rocked the world."

"In its first year of production, the big block Cobra captured the SCCA’s coveted 'A Production' championship. The Cobras also ran rampant in sanctioned drag racing series nationwide."

Special badges on the exterior and interior signify the model
Special badges on the exterior and interior signify the model

"The 427 Cobra is the purest expression of Carroll Shelby’s vision of a performance car," said Akos J. Feher, Shelby American Vice President of Operations. "He believed in combining big horsepower with inspired engineering. The big block Cobra featured an all new coil over suspension that would allow the lightweight frame to handle a powerful American big block engine. The car just exudes masculinity. The Cobra’s ‘no holds barred’ attitude is still part of the DNA of every car we build today."

"Genuine Shelby Cobras are very rare and desirable," said Gary Patterson, Shelby American Vice President of Strategic Sales and Media Relations. "We wanted to honor Cobra’s unique heritage, while incorporating a few upgrades that Carroll personally approved before his death in 2012. These 50 limited edition cars keep the flame sparked by the race-winning Cobras burning bright. There just isn’t anything like a real Shelby Cobra."

Source: Shelby American

View gallery - 21 images
7 comments
7 comments
Martin Hone
The final sentence says it all....
"These 50 limited edition cars keep the flame sparked by the race-winning Cobras burning bright. There just isn’t anything like a real Shelby Cobra."
Stuart Wilshaw
It's totally environmentally unfriendly ticks all the wrong green boxes; but I would just love to have one!
Greg Riemer
I would love one. I remember seeing an original when I was a kid. I fell in love with it. The first model I ever built was a Shelby Cobra. I have only one question is the Aluminum Body still being built by hand by AC in England. Its weird the greatest American sports car is actually a British car. The same is true for the legendary Ford GT-40.
Jeff Nolan
the only authentic Shelby Cobras were the 998 produced in the 1960's, of which 343 were 427s. Everything since then is a replicar or kit, even CSX... and that's why they don't come with a motor. If these cars came complete from the manufacturer, they would be subject to EPA, DOT, and many other regulations that govern safety, emissions, and all other aspects of a factory vehicle.
They may come with a 1965 MSO but when you go to register it, in my case in CA, the vehicle will be a Specialty Constructed Vehicle (SPCN) with a "year first registered" that won't be 1965.
As for your coverage of the motor requirements, you are simply off base by a wide margin here. Why would anyone go through the cost and hassle of getting a side oiler big block when this will never be a numbers matching car? On top of that, modern aftermarket crate motors that displace 427 cubic inch are available built on Dart 351 blocks that are then stroked. For $12k you get a 580hp 427 that is 140 lbs lighter than a big block and comes with a warranty from the engine manufacturer.
Anything more than 600hp in these cars is insane. The cars weigh roughly 2,200 lbs so the power to weight ratio is already off the chart, but without ABS, traction control, AWD, and many other modern supercar features, it's simply too dangerous. You really don't know what it is like to drop the throttle in a car like this with 600 horsepower, even with 300+ series tires you will cut them loose in 3rd gear.
At any rate, the CSX cars are special in the Cobra world because they offer aluminum bodies. The Shelby connection to CSX means something and in terms of resale they hold up really well, but they still are not original Cobras... and that is the difference between an $850k Cobra or $2.5m for a 427SC and a $130k replicar.
John Birk
Give an electric Tesla P-85D which has 4WD, electronic stability control, seats 5 passengers in comfort and according to Motor Trend will do 0 to 60 in 3.1 seconds and all this at less than half the price.
antiguajohn
Henry D
Good article, but your engine prices are wayyyy off. You can buy any number of factory engines from ford or chevrolet for a fraction of $50k or $70K, all with equal or more power.
Ronny Alexander
Jeff Nolan's comments about authentic Cobras is off a bit. Whereas i would agree with him if he replaced 'authentic' with 'originally manufactured'. Both Shelby American and Superformance have rights to produce vehicles that are registered and titled as Shelby vehicles. Superformance gained that right by contract with Shelby, and Shelby American is the continuation company of Carroll Shelby's genius, so they also have the natural right to produce vehicles that bear the Shelby manufactured vehicle plate. oh how i would love to have one of these! the mirror finish aluminum car is pretty to look at, but i reckon a hazard on the road, reflecting sunlight all over the place! id take mine in drrp blue, please. TYVM