The Shelby Cobra Caravan is Reborn
IRVINE, Calif. – June 28, 2018 – Shelby Legendary Cars, the official distributor of authentic 1960’s Shelby continuation Cobras, Daytona Coupes and GT40s, has announced a newly-formed alliance with the Original Venice Crew, the Gardena, California-based team building a limited series of Shelby GT350 Competition Models. This agreement will make the classic sports cars available to a new global audience of auto enthusiasts as the famous “Shelby Cobra Caravan” from 1965 is reborn.
With the agreement, Shelby Legendary Cars will offer the OVCs Shelby GT350 cars from its Irvine, California showroom. The Original Venice Crew will install powertrains for customers of Shelby Legendary’s continuation Cobras.
“We could not be more fired-up by our relationship with Original Venice Crew,” said Lance Stander, CEO of Shelby Legendary Cars. “We’ve been extremely proud to offer Carroll Shelby’s iconic Cobra and GT40 based motorcars. By adding the OVC Shelby GT350 to our showroom, our motorsport menu is that much more visceral. Whether you recall this historic era, or simply want to recapture that time and place in your garage, the addition of OVC’s Mustang completes the historic picture, while significantly expanding our offering of cars.”
With the agreement, Shelby Legendary Cars will assume the retail sale of OVC Shelby Mustangs in its Irvine, California, showroom. At the same time, the Original Venice Crew will undertake the installation of drivetrains in those continuation Cobras sold by Shelby Legendary Cars. OVC is well-versed in Cobra construction. Team members were part of the Shelby operation in 1965, when development of the original 427 Cobra was completed. Ted Sutton, one of the founding members of the OVC, was an integral part of the team putting the big block Ford on the track and – subsequently – into Shelby showrooms.
“The original Cobra Caravan, which Carroll launched to commemorate the Manufacturer’s Championship win in 1965, included a GT40, Daytona Coupe, Cobra and Shelby Mustang,” said Jim Marietta, CEO of Original Venice Crew. “With the addition of our Shelby GT350 comp model to the Shelby Legendary Cars showroom, the Caravan, so to speak, is again complete. And we couldn’t be happier in our involvement with the continuation Cobras.”
Shelby Legendary Cars currently offers Shelby Cobras, Daytona Coupes and GT40s, all of which feature continuation CSX serial numbers and are registered in the Official Shelby Register. Lance Stander is the company’s CEO, while Deborah Stander serves as its CFO.
The Original Venice Crew began production of a limited series of 1965 Shelby GT350s in the fall of 2017. OVC is comprised of former Shelby American employees Jim Marietta, Ted Sutton and Peter Brock. Production begins with the same 1965 K-Code Mustang, equipped with a 289 V-8 and Borg Warner 4-speed, that served as the basis for the Shelby GT350 that year.
About Shelby Legendary Cars
Shelby Legendary Cars continues the heritage of Shelby American’s world famous 1960’s Cobras, Coupes and GT40’s. The company is keeping the Shelby flame alive with licensed vehicles that include a documented Shelby serial number, just as though production never ended. The current vehicle lineup includes the nimble small block Shelby Cobra roadster in both street and racing (FIA) configurations, the mighty big block Cobra roadster, the world champion Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe and the Le Man-winning GT40. Each one honors the 1960s era cars with authentic chassis, bodies and powertrain options. Additional information is at www.shelbylegendarycars.com or www.Superformance.com or by calling (800) 297-6253.
About the Original Venice Crew
Founded by Jim Marietta, the Original Venice Crew (OVC) is the only company authorized by both Carroll Shelby Licensing and Ford Motor Company to build continuation Ford Shelby G.T.350 Competition Models with the optional independent rear suspension and Shelby series serial number. Founded and operated by three of the people who built the first Shelby G.T. 350 Competition Model (5R002) over 50 years ago, the company will manufacture just 36 of these new “Competition Model” 1965 cars in the Shelby facility in Southern California. Each car has production versions of aerodynamic and design enhancements by Peter Brock. These new enhancements were not integrated into cars during in 1964/5 due to cost considerations and market timing pressures. Documentation of the cars will be submitted to the Shelby American Automobile Club Registry and Shelby American Registry administered by Carroll Shelby International. Additional information is at www.ovcmustangs.com.
SHELBY AMERICAN TO OFFER LIMITED NUMBER OF NEW FORD-POWERED SERIES 2 EXOTIC SPORTS CARS
- Only 4 total hand-built sports cars will be built annually for enthusiasts worldwide
- The Shelby Series 2 is a major evolution of the famed 1999 sports car
- Series 2 is engineered for Ford V8 power with other customer installed options available
- Shelby will sell the car in component form; it can be finished by Wingard Motorsports
GARDENA, Calif. – May 17, 2018 – Nineteen years after the Shelby Series 1 was introduced, Shelby American, Inc., has reentered the modern sports car arena with the sizzling new Shelby Series 2 roadster. Beginning in June 2018, four of the handcrafted, limited edition sports cars will be available per year as a component roller configured for the Carroll Shelby Engine Company 427 aluminum FE big block or Windsor small block coupled to a custom designed ZF 5 speed transaxle.
“Carroll Shelby’s first ‘clean sheet’ car, was the Shelby Series 1,” said Joe Conway, CEO of Shelby American. “Carroll always intended for that innovative chassis to be the first in a line of modern sports cars, which is why he called it the Series 1. The new Shelby Series 2 is the evolution of that minimalist car, offering breathtaking performance in a modern two seat roadster.”
The Series 2 story began with a dream in the 1990s. Carroll Shelby had built many vehicles in partnership with several companies based on a chassis or design from those carmakers. Around 1996, he decided to produce a car that was pure Shelby.
Though it was a fresh design, the Shelby Series 1’s front engine, rear wheel drive layout was fairly traditional. The styling was lauded for being both sporty and aggressively handsome because it melded “big roadster” proportions with a variety of classic cues.
Crafted of lightweight composite materials, the Shelby Series 1 only weighed about 2850 pounds, including its well-appointed leather trimmed interior, top and air conditioning. The all-aluminum monocoque chassis was then, and is still, one of the stiffest chassis in the world, with the engine mounted aft of the front suspension for a nearly perfect 49/51 weight balance. The naturally aspirated Aurora 4.0-liter DOHC V-8 engine was rated at 320 horsepower connected to a rear mounted 5-speed manual transaxle; a supercharged option increased horsepower to about 460. A total of 249 were built.
The new Shelby Series 2 emerged through a unique agreement between Shelby and Wingard Motorsports to create a handful of cars with the choice of an aluminum, carbon fiber or one of the first titanium car bodies. Wingard can finish out the roller for customers, too.
“Several years ago, Wingard Motorsports purchased the remaining Shelby Series 1 chassis and parts,” said Gary Patterson, Shelby American President. “Working with Shelby, founder Bob Wingard revised the car to reduce weight by maximizing the integration of billeted aluminum and carbon fiber components. He further refined the suspension, braking and drivetrain to allow an increase of more than twice the horsepower of the original car. The Series 2 is now more than 12% lighter and will support over 800 horsepower.”
The Shelby Series 2 is built on the original aluminum honeycomb monocoque frames with next generation hardware. It uses an inboard cantilevered suspension design for the front and rear, which minimizes the sprung wheel weight. Penske Shocks fine-tuned the suspension at their facility in Charlotte. The car has a big brake system with 6-piston calipers on all corners and custom 19” mono block performance wheels with Pilot Cup 2 tires.
Standard drivetrain configuration is for a 5 speed ZF transaxle torque tube coupled to a multi-disc clutch system mated to a Carroll Shelby Engine Company 427 FE or 427 Windsor motor. Other engine options can be supported, as well as multi-point seat belts and 4 or 6 point roll bars. However, the Shelby Series 2 will not come with cup holders.
Each commissioned Series 2 will be a unique and “one-of-one.” Custom interiors designed to accommodate most drivers with an incredible six inches of peddle adjustment will include carbon fiber Carroll Shelby signature seats. Aluminum bodies will be available in a brushed, polished or painted finish with the Shelby signature racing stripes.
“While the Shelby Series 2 is based on the first-generation car, it’s a significant leap forward,” said Patterson. “It blends old school craftsmanship and current technology, pushing the roadster into super car territory. It is the perfect car for collectors and enthusiasts globally who want the ultimate in exclusivity and to be completely engaged with the driving experience.”
The Shelby Series 2 includes a one-year warranty for parts and labor, as well as painted finishes. Shelby will offer a weekend training session at Spring Mountain Raceway near Las Vegas to new owners who want to maximize their driving enjoyment.
Each car will be built to order and bear a Shelby American CSX5500 series serial number that will be recorded in the official Shelby American Registry. For more information, visit www.Shelby.com.
ORIGINAL VENICE CREW” ANNOUNCES CHALLENGE FOR CHARITY
LOS ANGELES – May 17, 2018 – The Original Venice Crew (OVC), which builds the official continuation 1965 Ford Shelby G.T. 350 Competition Model, has thrown down the gauntlet in the name of charity to Aston Martin and Jaguar. During a press event in Southern California today, OVC CEO Jim Marietta reignited the rivalry with these two European automakers. The Original Venice Crew is challenging them to race their continuation heritage classic cars against the classic Shelby continuation model.
Marietta is asking both Aston Martin and Jaguar to bring their continuation builds to Willow Springs Raceway in Southern California. There, with drivers designated by their respective teams, the three cars will compete for 10 laps, winner take all. If either the Aston or Jaguar beat the 1965 Shelby OVC G.T.350, the Original Venice Crew will donate $100,000 to the charity of the winner’s choice. And if the Original Venice Crew were to win, the OVC team will donate $35,000 to the Carroll Shelby Foundation among other charities.
“During an illustrious racing career where Shelby drove and won in anything and everything, Carroll developed a profound preference for cubic inches over cubic money,” said Jim Marietta. “That preference was infused into every vehicle rolling out of Shelby American’s shop, beginning with the Cobra and soon thereafter, the Shelby G.T. 350. It is with Shelby’s ‘everyman’ sensibility that we issued a challenge to both Jaguar and Aston Martin. The field of play is a race course, the proceeds go to charity, and while we can’t go back in time, we intend to relive the history.”
The group who built the first series of Shelby American racecars based on Ford’s iconic ‘65 Mustang fastbacks and hail as the “Original Venice Crew,” is producing a limited series of the famous racers in Southern California. These new, specially-authorized versions of the 1965 Shelby G.T. 350 Competition Models can be optioned with a race-focused independent rear suspension originally designed in 1964 by Ford Advanced Vehicles. Only 36 of these very special cars will be built, each incorporating several aerodynamic and design enhancements by the Shelby American designer Peter Brock. The continuation cars are licensed by both Carroll Shelby Licensing and the Ford Motor Company.
“Much like the first Shelby Cobra, the 1965 Ford Shelby G.T. 350 C/M changed the performance car landscape,” said Ted Sutton, one of the Original Venice Crew. “By adapting lessons that our team learned racing Cobras and Daytona Coupes, we turned a ‘mule into a racehorse’ as Carroll Shelby said. Three of us who created the first Shelby G.T. 350 Competition Model in the Venice, California, race shop reunited in 2015 for a very special project. We agreed to build the car that we envisioned in 1965, but couldn’t due to time, expense and other restraints.”
At roughly the same time as OVC began reconstructing Shelby G.T. 350’s, enthusiasts at Jaguar and Aston Martin were revisiting their competitive histories. The results of those examinations are continuation examples of both the Le Mans-winning D-Type Jaguar and Aston Martin’s DB4 GT.
Some 62 years after the last D-Type Jaguar was built in 1956, Jaguar Classic has restarted production of the iconic D-type race car in the Coventry factory in England. From both a design and alphabetical standpoint, Jaguar’s D-Type served as a bridge between Jaguar’s Le Mans-winning C-Type of the early ‘50s and the production E-Type, which made its debut in 1961. Dominating the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 1955 thru 1957, the D-Type Jaguar serves as a reminder of Britain’s postwar success. It also illustrates how racecar design – at that time – could influence the engineering of a production car. Just 25 examples of the D-Type will be built, fully a third of the 75 original D-Types completed. Notably, Carroll Shelby had little direct experience with the D-Type, other than the occasional dusting of one.
Shelby was much more closely connected to Aston Martin, having shared the 1959 Le Mans win in an Aston Martin DBR-1 with driver Roy Salvadori. However, it is not the DBR-1 that Aston Martin is recreating. The DB4 GT continuation car is the quintessential grand tourer built for competition, providing an absolutely unique combination of performance and luxury. It was a car rarely, if ever, equaled at the time of its introduction in 1959. And like Jaguar, only 75 examples were built between its launch and the end of ‘production’ in 1963.
With cost of both the continuation Jaguar and Aston Martin well into seven figures, the price tag of the OVC Shelby Mustang, which starts at $250K, is modest in comparison. The ‘us vs. them’ and cubic inches vs. cubic money are only two of the pillars for the challenge proposed by the Original Venice Crew.
Regardless of who wins the event, the OVC challenge represents a unique way to turn back the clock, a chance to revisit a moment in time, like Camelot, when only dialog was analog. While the world still has, and hopefully will always have, classic Astons, Jaguars and Shelby Mustangs, the intervening 50 years have civilized the resulting vehicles. While the challenge is intended to recall the past, the planned proceeds will go far in moving the selected charity forward.
About the Original Venice Crew
Founded by Jim Marietta, the Original Venice Crew (OVC) is the only company authorized by both Carroll Shelby Licensing and Ford Motor Company to build continuation Ford Shelby G.T.350 Competition Models with the optional independent rear suspension and Shelby series serial number. Founded and operated by three of the people who built the first Shelby G.T. 350 Competition Model (5R002) over 50 years ago, the company will manufacture just 36 of these new “Competition Model” 1965 cars in the Shelby facility in Southern California. Each car has production versions of aerodynamic and design enhancements by Peter Brock. These new enhancements were not integrated into cars during in 1964/5 due to cost considerations and market timing pressures. Documentation of the cars will be submitted to the Shelby American Automobile Club Registry and Shelby American Registry administered by Carroll Shelby International. Additional information is at www.ovcmustangs.com.
Shelby Legendary Cars Announces New California Showroom
March 20, 2018 News, Shelby Legendary Cars
IRVINE, Calif. – March 20, 2018 – Shelby Legendary Cars, the official licensed builder of authentic 1960’s Shelby continuation Cobras, Daytona Coupes and GT40’s, announced today that the company has moved to a new location in Irvine, California, that features a larger showroom and customer reception area. The new California location, which is located near Shelby Legendary Cars’s original headquarters, reflects the company’s national expansion efforts to meet growing demand for Shelby heritage cars.
“This is an exciting new chapter in Shelby history,” said Lance Stander, CEO of Shelby Legendary Cars. “Our team takes immense pride in being entrusted with Carroll Shelby’s legacy through our continuation Cobras, Daytona Coupes and GT40s. Our new location validates that the cars we’re building are aligned with the Shelby brand and its rich heritage. Of course, this is as much an opportunity to reflect on our successes, as it is to continue our mission to bring enthusiasts and fans a genuine Shelby experience.”
The new Shelby Legendary Cars is located at 1 Whatney in Irvine, California, only a few miles from the company’s first location. The new building, which is over 50 percent larger than the original, features a bigger showroom and customer service area. Guests can view a variety of Shelby vehicles on display, as well as work with a company representative to build the continuation car of their dreams.
“We not only want to build the very best continuation Shelby vehicles, but provide a wonderful buying and ownership experience,” said Deborah Stander, president of Shelby Legendary Cars. “In addition to our new California headquarters, we opened a second location in Mesa, Arizona, in October 2017. We’re also in the early stages of procuring a location on the East Coast. These new locations are allowing us to keep up with the growing demand for our cars, as well as provide a customer experience worthy of the Shelby brand.”
Shelby Legendary Cars currently offers genuine Shelby Cobras, Daytona Coupes and GT40s that feature continuation CSX serial numbers and are registered in the Official Shelby Registry. Earlier this year, the company announced a limited run of Bob Bondurant edition Shelby FIA Cobra roadsters and Daytona Coupes. Each will bear a CSX2000 series serial number and will be supplied as a turnkey, minus the engine and transmission. Those who purchase one of these continuation cars will enjoy a day of training at the Bondurant Racing School in Arizona. Over 500,000 students have learned from Bondurant’s expertise since it opened on February 14, 1968.
About Shelby Legendary Cars
Legendary Shelby Cars continues the heritage of Shelby American’s world famous 1960’s Cobras, Daytona Coupes and GT40’s. The company is keeping the Shelby flame alive with licensed vehicles that include a documented Shelby serial number, just as though production never ended. The current vehicle lineup includes the nimble small block Shelby Cobra roadster in both street and racing (FIA) configurations, the mighty big block Cobra roadster, the world champion Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe and the Le Man-winning Ford GT40. Each one honors the 1960s era cars with authentic chassis, bodies and powertrain options.
Barrett-Jackson is Gearing Up for First-ever Yearlong Charity Initiative
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Jan. 9, 2018 – Barrett-Jackson Chairman and CEO Craig Jackson today announced details of the company’s 2018 charitable initiative, “Driven Hearts.” The yearlong multifaceted campaign, which will help raise money and much needed awareness, will benefit the American Heart Association (AHA), kicks off at the 2018 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction January 13-21, 2018, at WestWorld of Scottsdale.
“A number of our treasured friends in the collector car community have passed away recently as a result of heart issues, including two men very close to Barrett-Jackson,” said Craig Jackson. “Both of these men exemplified the philanthropic spirit of car collectors and contributed much to Barrett-Jackson’s charitable efforts on the auction block. In honor of all our loved ones affected by heart disease, we are committed to supporting the American Heart Association’s efforts by helping raise money, bring awareness and promote heart health.”
Driven Hearts will take many forms at Barrett-Jackson events throughout 2018, including the auction of a very special 1988 Chevrolet 35th Anniversary Edition Corvette at the 2018 Scottsdale Auction. The car was once gifted on the auction block to Craig and Nellie Jackson by Dave Ressler, a noted Corvette enthusiast. The sale will not only honor Ressler’s memory, but will benefit the AHA for a cause that can save others’ lives.
“Barrett-Jackson has long been known for its charitable contributions and corporate culture,” said Barrett-Jackson President Steve Davis. “It’s something that separates Barrett-Jackson from everyone else in the industry. We’ve created an incredible platform to do really great things for very good causes like the American Heart Association, which can help so many people who are close to us. There’s nothing more fulfilling than that.”
The announcement also debuted the first state-issued Barrett-Jackson themed license plate through the Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division (ADOT-MVD). The six-character license plates, available for purchase at www.servicearizona.com or in person at any MVD office, will cost $25, with $17 from each plate sold benefiting the AHA. ADOT representatives will also be on-site during the 2018 Scottsdale Auction so guests can purchase plates throughout the nine-day event. Each plate is also customizable for an additional $25 annual fee.
Additional aspects of the Driven Hearts initiative include Barrett-Jackson’s partnership with Hotels for Hope, which enables fans traveling to Barrett-Jackson events to book rooms through Barrett-Jackson.com, with a portion of every actualized hotel room night booked going to the AHA. Barrett-Jackson drivers will also be sporting the “Driven Hearts” logo on their shirts, and auction attendees will notice the acronym “FAST” (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911) around the Barrett-Jackson event sites, as a way of bringing attention to the warning signs of stroke.
“Heart disease and stroke are the world’s No. 1 and No. 2 killers, and the generous support of Barrett-Jackson through their Driven Hearts campaign is making a big difference in our work to fight these devastating illnesses,” said American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown. “From educating people about the importance of heart healthy lifestyles to raising awareness about the warning signs of heart attack and stroke, the American Heart Association is honored to work together with Barrett-Jackson to create a healthier future for everyone.”
“To watch the automotive community come together and see the impact it has on lives is the most fulfilling part of what we do,” said Barrett-Jackson Vice President of Brand Strategy Carolyn Jackson. “It’s so profoundly rewarding to be able to participate in so many very special moments that take place on our auction block. We’re excited to embark on this Driven Hearts campaign, and we hope others will come along for this important ride.”
The 2018 Scottsdale Auction docket is now available to view online. Click here to consign a vehicle or visit Barrett-Jackson.com/Bid for information on becoming a bidder. Advance tickets, all-week ticket packages and information on VIP Packages are available at Barrett-Jackson.com. Also, follow Barrett-Jackson on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter for the latest news and information heading into the 2018 Scottsdale Auction.
About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions®, is the leader in collector car and automotive lifestyle events, which include authentic automobilia auctions and the sale of high-profile estates and private collections. The company produces auctions in Scottsdale, Arizona; Palm Beach, Florida; at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut; and Las Vegas, Nevada. With broadcast partners Velocity and Discovery Channel, Barrett-Jackson features extensive live television coverage, including broadcasts in over 150 countries internationally. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit Barrett-Jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
BOB BONDURANT EDITION SHELBY COBRA AND DAYTONA COUPE TO BE INTRODUCED AT BARRETT JACKSON
- Shelby honors the 50th anniversary of Bondurant Racing School with special edition cars
- Only 50 of each Shelby Cobra and FIA roadster will be built for fans worldwide
- All cars will come with serial number sequence of CSX2750-2799
- Shelby Daytona Coupes and FIA roadsters will be introduced at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale in January
- Each special edition car purchased will include driver training at the Bondurant Racing School
LAS VEGAS – Jan. 1, 2018 – Shelby American and Shelby Legendary Cars will offer a limited number of Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupes and FIA roadsters honoring world champion driver Bob Bondurant. The continuation series will be introduced at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, from Jan. 12-21, 2018. Based on Cobras raced by Bob Bondurant, only 50 total cars will be built and each will bear a CSX2000 Shelby serial number. Owners of the new Shelby Cobra roadsters and Daytona’s will also receive driver training at the Bondurant Racing School.
“The small block Shelby Cobra roadsters and Daytona Coupes crushed Ferrari to win the FIA sportscar world championship in 1965,” said Gary Patterson, president of Shelby American. “That achievement has never been matched by another American carmaker. This glorious history is one of the many reasons that Shelby still offers the iconic Cobra’s and Daytona’s today. Our Cobras are extremely fast, very engaging to drive and retain classic good looks that still turn heads fifty years after winning it all. Given their rarity, the Shelby’s offer instant collectability.”
Carroll Shelby planned to race the Cobra from the beginning. Powered by a small block Ford engine, the cars dominated sports car racing from 1963-1966. The competition model versions were piloted by legends including Dan Gurney, Phil Hill, Dave MacDonald, Ken Miles, Allen Grant and of course, Bob Bondurant.
“Bob Bondurant was a fierce competitor in just about every form of road racing, winning in cars from Shelby American, Ferrari, Chevrolet and many other top sports car companies,” said Lance Stander, CEO of Shelby Legendary Cars. “He was one of the first and most successful Shelby American drivers during the 1960s. Bob helped America win its first and only FIA Sports Car World Championship and we felt it appropriate to honor that important achievement as he prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his world-famous driving school.”
In 1963, Bondurant joined Carroll Shelby’s racing team for the final three races of the season. He won all of them in a 289 Cobra roadster including the LA Times Grand Prix pre-race; he could not qualify in time for the grid, so he started last and still came in 8th overall against the prototypes. Bob then went to Europe in 1964 to win the GT class at Le Mans with teammate Dan Gurney in a Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe. He drove both Shelby Cobra roadsters and Daytona Coupes during 1965, winning seven out of ten total FIA World Championship races. His incredible feat secured the FIA GT Championship title for Ford and Shelby.
“I’m very proud to have been behind the wheel when we won the FIA World Championship on July 4, 1965,” said Bob Bondurant. “That victory was for everyone in America. I loved driving any version of the Shelby Cobra, from taking a roadster up a tough hill climb to hitting close to 200 mph in a Coupe on one of the high-speed tracks. The Shelby American team was incredible as they made the Shelby Cobra a dominating racecar.”
The Bondurant edition Shelby FIA Cobras roadsters and Daytona Coupes will bear a CSX2000 series serial number and will be supplied as a turn key car, minus the engine and transmission.
The FIA Shelby Cobra continuation roadster is based on CSX2345, which competed in seven FIA events, more than any other convertible. CSX2345 had five first-place wins and is the only Cobra to compete in both the 1964 and 1965 racing seasons in Europe; it was also the only roadster on the team in 1965.
The tribute Cobra roadsters include a laid-back windscreen, driver’s door knee-pad, high beam activation switch, diagonal roll bar and country of origin plaque. Available in aluminum and fiberglass, specifications include:
- Original frame configuration with 3-inch round tube main rails and a 90-inch wheelbase
- Independent front and rear suspension with upper transverse leaf springs and rack & pinion steering
- Shelby Brakes with Shelby inscribed calipers
- Shelby aluminum differential housing with Dana 44 gears and a 3.54 ratio
- 16-inch original style wood rim steering wheel
- Period correct gauges
- 14-Gallon fuel tank
The Bondurant edition Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupes are historically-accurate continuations with leaf spring suspensions, tube frames, and thin wooden-rimmed steering wheels. They also feature modernized disc brakes, aluminum bodies, updated and strengthened frames and a racing interior.
Shelby will offer the Cobras in liveries used by Bondurant during his racing career. Owners can choose between:
- Roadster CSX2345 as the #3 car when he won his class at the 1964 Grand Prix de Spa
- Roadster CSX2345 when it was the #21 in the 1965 Rossfeld Mountain Hill Climb
- Daytona Coupe CSX2601 painted as the #26 in 1964 (Viking) or 1965 (Guardsman) blue team colors
The Bondurant edition Shelby 289 FIA Cobra roadster in fiberglass will start at US$149,995.00 and the aluminum version will begin at $249,995. A roadster set up to HTTP FIA specifications and for track use only starts at $289,995. The aluminum Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe will start at $394,995. Each will be built to order and delivered with a Shelby American serial number for documentation in the Shelby American Worldwide Registry. Orders are now being accepted. For more information, visit www.shelby.com, www.Shelbylegendarycars.com or www.HillbankUSA.com.
Those who purchase one of these continuation cars will enjoy a day of training at the Bondurant Racing School in Arizona. Over 500,000 students have learned from Bondurant’s expertise since it opened on February 14, 1968.
Dallas Morning News..Three cheers for Shelby Cobra Association of Texas
Dec 25, 2017 To the Shelby Cobra Association of Texas — A heartfelt thanks to the members of the Shelby Cobra Association of Texas for their participation in this year's annual Children's Hospital Toy Drive. For the past 15 years, the members load up their late-model and vintage Shelby Mustangs and Cobras to deliver toys for those patients who cannot make it home for Christmas.
This year, we had 30 cars proceed through the streets of Plano, and they donated in excess of $5,000 worth of gifts to be distributed throughout the Children's Hospital system. A fun time was had by all who came out and the patients who came down to view the cars and festivities. This is what the Christmas season is truly about.
Win This Stunning, High Performance Shelby GT350R Mustang
Here’s your chance to win a rare Shelby GT350R – Ford’s “pony car on steroids!” This Shelby GT350R, in stunning Lightning Blue, is loaded with all the performance features including the R-model electronics package. With 526 hp and 429 ft-lb of torque, it’s equipped to perform spectacularly at the track, while surrounding you in the luxury you want for your next road trip. Performance features include:
- 5.2L Ti-VCT V8 with 526 hp and 429 lb.-ft of torque
- Advanced suspension including the MagneRide™ damping system.
- Brembo™ brakes - the most powerful brakes ever fitted to a production Mustang.
- 19” Carbon Fiber Wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.
Production of the Shelby GT350R Mustang is very limited – it’s nearly impossible to get a new R-model. Don't miss your chance to win this beautiful, modern muscle car. Enter today! Make a donation to the Shelby American Collection and you will be automatically entered into the drawing for a chance to win this car. This drawing contest is a fundraiser to support the Shelby American Collection car museum in Boulder, Colorado, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit . Our museum is dedicated to preserving the racing history and achievements of Carroll Shelby and the Shelby American Team. We are a volunteer organization and hope you will stop in to experience the museum next time you’re in Boulder!
- Start DateNov 1, 2017
- Close DateSep 1, 2018
- Drawing DateSep 1, 2018
- Drawing Time6:00pm MDT
- Drawing LocationShelby American Collection5020 Chaparral Ct.Boulder, CO 80301
EUROPEAN DEALER NETWORK KICKS OFF SALES OF SHELBY AMERICAN VEHICLES
ESSEN, GERMANY – December 1, 2017 – Executives with Shelby American Inc., and Carroll Shelby Licensing at the Essen Motor Show in Germany announced that new Shelby vehicles and licensed merchandise are now on sale through an independent European dealer network. The network of GU Auto Trade dealers for Shelby American vehicles is taking orders and the Team Shelby enthusiast club announced its intention to conduct a major European event in 2018. Carroll Shelby Licensing also revealed that the dealers will each open a Carroll Shelby’s Store in their locations to offer licensed merchandise in Europe. “We recently announced an agreement with GU Auto Trade to expand the Shelby brand throughout Europe,” said Joe Conway, Co-CEO of Carroll Shelby International and CEO of Shelby American. “In just a few months, that agreement has moved from paperwork to a network of European dealers who are stocking our vehicles, parts and merchandise. We’re keeping our promise to the enthusiasts in Europe who hunger for genuine American high performance.” Under the arrangement, current model Shelby cars and merchandise will be available through 18 dealers in 15 countries. The dealerships are taking orders and beginning to stock Shelby cars based on the Ford Mustang including the Shelby Super Snake and Shelby GTE. The 750 (flywheel) horsepower Shelby F-150 and Shelby F150 Super Snake truck, as well as the 525 (flywheel) horsepower Shelby Raptor will also be sold through dealer showrooms. All are on display as part of the first Shelby Essen exhibit in history. “Our independent dealers are already stocking Shelby vehicles in their showrooms and are adding official Carroll Shelby’s Stores inside their locations,” said Lili Gu, president of GU Auto Trade. “They will also actively support all Team Shelby club events in their regions. We will bring the exciting culture of high-octane American fun to the streets of Europe.” GU Auto Trade dealers are in countries including Germany, the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Luxemburg, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Norway, the United Kingdom and Russia. “We worked closely with GU Auto Trade to create official gear tailored to European tastes, but with a uniquely Shelby style,” said Neil Cummings, Co-CEO of Carroll Shelby International and CEO of Carroll Shelby Licensing. “Our team also helped them design new retail locations inside the dealerships unlike anything on the continent. These stores will deliver a premium experience equal to the special Shelby vehicles being sold alongside official merchandise.” Heritage vehicles including the Shelby Cobra roadster, Shelby Daytona Coupe and GT40, as well as the 1965 Shelby GT350R model built by the Original Venice Crew, will be available through the dealer network via special order. “Shelby has deep roots in Europe, dating back to when my grandfather won Le Mans as a driver in 1959,” said Aaron Shelby, board member of Carroll Shelby International. “He returned as a manufacturer to win America’s only FIA World sports car championship with the Cobra roadster and coupe in 1965. Shelby American won Le Mans with the Ford GT40 in 1966 and 1967. These cars are fan favorites at events like the Le Mans Classic, which is why we continue to offer the Shelby Cobra, Daytona Coupe and GT40 today alongside the current model vehicles.” The Le Mans Classic will be one of the cornerstones of the Team Shelby European tour in 2018. “Our enthusiast community, Team Shelby, has been steadily building around the world over the past ten years,” said Tracey Smith, Executive Vice President of Shelby International and International Director of Team Shelby. “We’re planning many events with our regional directors in Europe throughout 2018. Our most ambitious will be a 10-day tour that begins in Paris, travels to the Le Mans Classic and then ends at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The new dealer network has committed to supporting the club with events and activities during the tour.” For more information about Shelby American and the company’s vehicle line, visit www.Shelby.com; for more information about the European dealer network, visit http://shelby.eu.
Carroll Shelby Foundation gives $25,000 for NTCC automotive
September 21, 2017, The Carroll Shelby Foundation recently gave $25,000 to support scholarships for students enrolled in the Carroll Shelby Automotive Technology Program at Northeast Texas Community College. Dr. Jonathan McCullough (left), Vice President for Advancement, scholarship recipients Nathan Humphrey and Jorge Ramirez, and Ron Luellen, Director of the Shelby Auto Tech program, are pictured receiving the donation on behalf of NTCC. Shelby began supporting the NTCC automotive program in 2010. Since his death, the Carroll Shelby Foundation has carried on his legacy through annual contributions. To date, the foundation has provided more than $700,000 in scholarships for NTCC students. The car, pictured above, is a 1968 Shelby GT350H that Shelby himself purchased for the program not long before he passed away. The college restored the vehicle and students enrolled in the Shelby Auto Tech program work to maintain it. “We are so grateful for the support of the Shelby Foundation. Not only to do they provide financial support for students, but they also open doors to unique opportunities for our students and faculty,” McCullough said. To learn more about the Carroll Shelby Automotive Technology Program, visit www.shelbyautotech.com.
Continuation 1965 G.T. 350s set to begin production
September 25, 2017 First there were continuation 289 and 427 Cobras. It’s now the G.T. 350’s turn to take the center stage in the 21st Century. You read that right. Starting in October 2017, the Original Venice Crew (OVC) comprised of former Shelby American employees Jim Marietta, Ted Sutton, and legendary designer Peter Brock, will build 36 “new” 1965 G.T. 350 R-models patterned after the 36 examples built in 1965.The word we got is that the cars will be built using real 1965 Mustang fastbacks as the foundation. This means no reproduction body shells. Whether they will be real Hi-Po 289 K-code cars it still TBD. We’d wager the best donor cars might be a cross section of C-, A- and K-code 289s, but the goal is allegedly to use all K-codes, if possible. But in any case they are going to be super cool to be sure. Top Searches
Pricing for these legit modern-day 1965 G.T. 350s will start at $250,000 and options will include colors and transmissions, but the big choice will be the opportunity to have an independent rear suspension fitted to these OVC G.T. 350s. Solid 9-inch axles will also be available.Not far from where OVC worked at 1042 Princeton Drive in the Venice/Marina del Rey area in 1965, these new cars will be built at the current California Shelby location in Gardena.For now have a look at the video that both Jim Marietta and Peter Brock appear in as they describe some of the details about these upcoming G.T. 350s. Also take a look at the photo gallery that shows the 1965 and 1966 GT350s owned by LASAAC (Los Angeles Shelby American Automobile Club) club members Steve Beck, Joe Risk, and LASAAC club president Greg Barbiera among several other cars in attendance.For more on the OVC G.T. 350s, ovcmustangs.com is the place to learn more about the cars that will surely become instant classics.
Pricing for these legit modern-day 1965 G.T. 350s will start at $250,000 and options will include colors and transmissions, but the big choice will be the opportunity to have an independent rear suspension fitted to these OVC G.T. 350s. Solid 9-inch axles will also be available.Not far from where OVC worked at 1042 Princeton Drive in the Venice/Marina del Rey area in 1965, these new cars will be built at the current California Shelby location in Gardena.
SHELBY AMERICAN INTRODUCES 2018 SHELBY RAPTOR OFF-ROAD TRUCK
- Shelby Raptor is based on the latest generation Ford F-150 Raptor Truck
- Shelby adds 75 horsepower and 100 foot pound of torque, as well as a host of handling and styling upgrades to the truck
- Production will be limited to 500 total 2018 model year trucks in the USA
LAS VEGAS – Sept. 13, 2017 – Shelby American Inc.,has reintroduced its popular Shelby Raptor, beginning with a limited number of2018 model year trucks that will be available through its North American dealers. With an incredible 610+ foot pounds of torque, the super truck isbased on the newest generation Ford F-150 Raptor. Only 500 total 2018 Shelby Raptors will be available through the dealer network. “At Shelby American, performance has been our business for over 50 years,” said Joe Conway, CEO of Shelby American. “During the past two years,we’ve added several new vehicles to our lineup in direct response to customer demand, including a trio of purpose-built trucks. The Shelby Raptor builds on our rich heritage with trucks, giving enthusiasts even more ways to have high horsepower fun.” Introduced for the 2016 model year, F-150 Raptor is a major departure from the last incarnation of the truck. The stock 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 makes 450 horsepower and 510 foot pounds of torque; it is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The base truck comes with standard all-wheel drive, which features a locking center differential and an auto-shift to the rear wheels depending on the chosen drive mode. “While the Raptor is an amazing truck right from Ford, we reimagined it for those who asked Shelby for an even more extreme version,” said Gary Patterson, Shelby American President. “The Shelby Raptor is harder edged, with more grunt and handling capability. We added adjustable shocks so the driver can even tailor their ride. This truck was designed and tested for those who seek maximum adventure both on and off the road.” The Shelby Raptor has 525+ horsepower and an incredible 610+ foot pounds of torque. Shelby American also installs a new two stage shock system, bigger wheels and tires, upgraded interior and handsome exterior elements. The result is a stylish, custom appearance backed up with serious off-road credentials at an estimated MSRP of US$117,460, including the truck (average Raptor price is $68,165). Those with a 2017 model Raptor can send it to Shelby via a dealer for conversion at $49,295. “Over the past year, we worked with key partners, including Ford Motor Company, to develop a Shelby version of the truck,” said Vince LaViolette, Shelby American Vice President of Operations and Chief Test Driver. “After rigorous testing and development, we built a handful of 2017 versions that quietly hit dealer showrooms. Now we’re ready to offer the truck for the 2018 model year.” Now in production, the Shelby Raptor will be available nationwide with each truck registered in the official Shelby Registry. For more information about Shelby American and the company’s vehicle line, visit www.Shelby.com.
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