The Shelby Cobra is one of the most iconic cars in automotive history, combining raw power and sleek design. While many know it as the car that launched Carroll Shelby’s career as a legendary car builder, there’s much more to this roadster’s story. Here are 10 fascinating facts about the Shelby Cobra that might surprise you:
1. The Cobra that Converted Cosby
Carroll Shelby convinced comedian Bill Cosby to ditch his Ferrari for a CSX 3015 Super Snake, the ultimate version of the Cobra 427 competition roadster. Only two were made, one of which sold for $5.1 million at Barrett-Jackson. The car was so powerful it scared Cosby, leading him to sell it.
2. Italian Inspiration
The Cobra’s design wasn’t purely American. The AC Ace chassis it’s built on was inspired by Italian styling, particularly the Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta. British enthusiast John Tojeiro created the Ace, which AC Cars adopted before Shelby added the famous V8.
3. Almost a GM-Powered Cobra
Shelby initially wanted to use a Chevrolet V8 for the Cobra, but General Motors turned him down, fearing it would compete with their Corvette. Ford stepped in, providing their Windsor V8, which helped define the Cobra’s legacy.
4. The ‘Secret Weapon’ Myth
The story of Shelby’s “Secret Weapon,” the CSX2286 Cobra Daytona Coupe, missing the 1964 24 Hours of Le Mans after a truck accident was fabricated. The car wasn’t finished in time for the race, and some speculate the story was invented to save face.
5. Ford’s Cougar Concept
Ford experimented with the Cobra’s CSX chassis, producing the Mercury Cougar II concept in 1963. It shared a striking resemblance to the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray but never made it to production.
6. Not the First Hardtop
Before the famous Cobra Daytona Coupe, AC Cars had already produced a hardtop version of the AC Ace, called the Aceca Coupe. The fastback model was available from 1954 to 1963.
7. Legal Battles Over Replicas
In the early 2000s, Shelby American and Ford took legal action against companies producing Cobra replicas, particularly Factory Five Performance and Superformance. The issue was settled out of court, allowing enthusiasts to continue buying replicas without facing astronomical prices.
8. Ford V Ferrari Cash-In
To capitalize on the release of Ford v Ferrari, Shelby American released reproduction Cobras. Fans of the movie could purchase one of three versions, blending nostalgia with modern business strategy.
9. A Dominant Force
The Cobra 427, with its Competition package, was a beast in the 1960s, achieving 0-60 mph in just over 4 seconds. For years, it was one of the most powerful American performance cars, earning it legendary status.
10. Too Much to Handle
Many original Cobra owners underestimated the car’s power and ended up crashing them. The Cobra was essentially a street-legal race car, and only the most skilled drivers could handle its raw performance. Today, accident-free original Cobras are even more valuable due to the rarity of well-preserved models.
The Shelby Cobra remains a symbol of American automotive excellence, a car that perfectly blends style, speed, and history. Whether you’re a casual fan or an avid enthusiast, these lesser-known facts add new layers to the Cobra’s already legendary story.
Shawn Henry