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Shelby History


"In 1962 AC shipped its first engineless cars to Shelby's California workshop where Carroll fitted an engine and transmission in less than eight hours then took it out for a test. Ford's new lightweight, thin wall, cast small block was tuned for high performance. The light weight AC body proved what Shelby had set out to do; build a forceful competitor to the Chevrolet Corvette."

"Today this famous and most recognizable sports car is once again being built for Carroll Shelby. The CSX4000/6000 series has retained its original 1960 style but has been fitted with a few modern amenities. The bodies are fiberglass and the frame has been strengthened utilizing better alloys for components. Additionally modern cooling methods have been used along with heat shields to make these cars safer and more drivable without loosing original character. The authenticity of each vehichle is documented in the Shelby registry and the chassis bears a Shelby CSX number. The MSO's also bear the Shelby name. Once you're behind the wheel of a 0-60 MPH in a four second quarter mile cobra you will know what its like to own a true American Legend."

"Before there was a car, there was a man. Carroll Shelby is the man legends are made of. His accomplishments are the envy of every kid who ever fell in love with cars, courage, driving & performance. As a 37 year old race car driver burdened by heart disease, Shelby would defy death by downing nitroglycerine pills at high speed to stay alive and win the race. Shelby's vision of what an American sports car could be has shaped an entire generation of high perfomance automobiles. To this day his legacy continues."

Carroll Hall Shelby was born on January 11th, 1923 in Leesburg, Texas. Living life in high gear, Carroll would become a flight instructor during world war II. Carrol would drive his first race in a hot rod fitted with a flathead Ford V8. He would break land speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1954. Then he would finish a respectable 2nd place driving an Aston-Martin DBR3 against C-Type Jags at Aintree. Carroll rode with the Aston-Martin team at LeMans in 1954. He would become sports illlustrated's 1956 "Sports Car Driver of the Year". Also he would become sports illustrated's "Driver of the Year in 1957. Shelby co-drove an Aston-Martin DBR 1/300 and won the coveted 24 hours of LeMans. He then proceeded to drive a Scarab at the Continental Divide Raceways in 1960.

Unable to compete with a deteriorating heart condition, Shelby set his sites on automotive design. Carroll set his eyes on creating cars that would be faster, lighter, more nimble, and able to beat the worlds best. As a result of this quest the Shelby Cobra was born. In 1965 the Shelby American team raced at the 12 Heures De Reims in France. Together they scored enough points to win the prestigious FIA World Championship of GT cars and took the title owned by Ferrari for over a decade. Shelby-American built on their success and began racing Ford GT40's in the international competition. The result being a win at the LeMans 24 hour race in 1966, 1967. Ford then requested Shelby build a high performance Mustang for street and track. In the late 90's Shelby developed the awesome Shelby Series 1, this car turned out to be the fastest car ever measured in the standing measured mile. Shelby also helped develop and fast track the Dodge Viper. These achivements all contributed to Shelby's introduction to the hall of fame in 1992. Shelby continues his vision of building high-performance cars to this day.

Why buy a Shelby?


Carroll Shelby has been building automobiles since the 60's and his experience is invaluable.

All Shelby Cobra's are built to Shelby's exacting standards delivering you the "Real Thing" at a highly competitive price.

Each hand crafted Cobra is specially prepared by highly skilled craftsmen and built for you, the discerning customer.

Shelby Cobras are constructed using all NEW high quality components.

Shelby Cobra's are race proven and street driven.

Each Shelby Cobra is issued a Shelby CSX build number which emphasizes its authenticity.

Your Shelby Cobra will be equipped with a Shelby signed dash plaque.

A Carroll Shelby signed MSO certificate (Manufacturers Statement of Origin) documents your CSX build number.

To preserve your investment each sale is recorded into the Shelby World Registry.

Shelby offers a number of forums like Team Shelby and Shelby Nation.

Distribution of Shelby’s sixties line up was awarded to Shelby Distribution; this contract covers the Shelby 427 s/c cobra, 289 Cobra, and the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe. Retail sales are through Shelby Distribution dealer network allowing customers to purchase a Shelby at an unbelievable price and at a USA location close to home.

Shelby Distribution USA
6 Autry
Irvine CA, 92618 USA
(949)900-1960 Phone
(949)900-1680 Fax
email us