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