Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Project Ugly Horse: Part VI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/project-ugly-horse-part-vi/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/project-ugly-horse-part-vi/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/project-ugly-horse-part-vi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Solid Axle? What Solid Axle?

Independent Rear Suspension in Project Ugly Horse

I was fully prepared to embark on a seven-day journey down a rabbit hole of broken bolts, internet hearsay and consternation.

This should not have gone this easily. Having a long and checkered history of simple projects punctuated by much wailing and gnashing of knuckles, I was fully prepared to embark on a seven-day journey down a rabbit hole of broken bolts, internet hearsay and consternation when I finally decided to lay hands on the '89 Mustang with the goal of relieving the car of its stock rear axle. Instead, it took less than a full morning's worth of work to carve the old 7.5-inch solid axle from its moorings and mock up something, well, different.

You see, after my enablers friends at a local Ford Mustang salvage shop made mention of how easy it would be to plunk an independent rear suspension from a 2004 Mustang Cobra in the ass-end of my decrepit hatch, I became consumed with the notion. Sure, anyone with half a lick of sense and the synapses necessary to fire off a Google search will tell you the stock hardware can be made to handle quite well with a few modest modifications, but the IRS held a number of unique appeals. Chiefly, the conversion actually made financial sense.

Listen, you can't give me any look I haven't seen from my wife on a weekly basis for the past four years, and sheltered as I am from the glare of your skeptical eyes, I'll expound on the dollars and cents argument for gracing my $400 car with more than $900 worth of engineering.

Need to catch up on Project Ugly Horse? Catch up on all the earlier posts here!

Continue reading Project Ugly Horse: Part VI

Project Ugly Horse: Part VI originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1989 ford mustangcobrafordford mustangfox bodymustangmustang cobraproject ugly horseugly horseThu, 21 Mar 2013 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20512053/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/21/project-ugly-horse-part-vi/20512053/article-detail.xml 20512053 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ugly-horse-irs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ugly-horse-irs.jpg <![CDATA[Watch these old snakes roll down a big hill]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/watch-these-old-snakes-roll-down-a-big-hill/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/watch-these-old-snakes-roll-down-a-big-hill/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/watch-these-old-snakes-roll-down-a-big-hill/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Shelby Cobras at the 2012 Monterey Motorsports Reunion

Alright, these aren't just any old snakes. These are the entrants in this year's Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, and each and every car on track is an original Shelby Cobra. Nor is this your run of the mill hill, either. We shot a quick video at the infamous corkscrew at Laguna Seca for your viewing pleasure. While photos of the event do a smart job of capturing the chaos, there's nothing like seeing and hearing all the cars pour through the downhill chicane in quick succession.

With 289 and 427 beasts barking through side pipes, the pack offers up a V8 cacauphony unlike any batch of modern race cars. As you may recall, that gorgeous Daytona Coupe out front wound up going home with some wrinkled sheetmetal later in the day due to an off. Scroll down below to take in the video for yourself, and be sure to click through the gallery for more goodness.

Continue reading Watch these old snakes roll down a big hill

Watch these old snakes roll down a big hill originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cobradaytona coupelaguna secamontereymonterey 2012rolex monterey motorsports reunionshelbyshelby cobravideoWed, 22 Aug 2012 19:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20306852/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/22/watch-these-old-snakes-roll-down-a-big-hill/20306852/article-detail.xml 20306852 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/shelby-cobra-race-monterey_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/shelby-cobra-race-monterey.jpg <![CDATA[RM Auctions sees 20 cars sell for $1 million or more in Monterey]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/rm-auctions-sees-20-cars-sell-for-1-million-or-more-in-monterey/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/rm-auctions-sees-20-cars-sell-for-1-million-or-more-in-monterey/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/rm-auctions-sees-20-cars-sell-for-1-million-or-more-in-monterey/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

RM Monterey Auction 2012 - Ferrari California crosses the block

If there's a recession afoot, no one told the bidders at Saturday's RM Auctions sale. A total of 13 cars went home to new owners for $1 million or more, including a 1956 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta TdF at $6.71 million. The '56 was hardly the star of the evening, however, as 1962 Ferrari 250 GT short-wheelbase California Spyder fell under the gavel at $8.58 million. The Italian automaker only built 37 250 GT SWB Spyders with covered headlights, and this particular example has the benefit of being both Ferrari Classiche-certified and a Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance class winner.

A road-going 1967 Ford GT40 Mk I went home to the tune of $2.86 million, while the 2001 Bentley Speed 8 Le Mans Prototype took in $2.53 million. A number of race cars crossed the stage on Saturday, including a '64 Shelby 289 Competition Cobra, which sold for $1.32 million. Check out the full press release below for a complete list of the 13 $1 million-plus sales on Saturday.

The day prior, the auction house moved an additional seven examples for more than $1 million, bumping the total number of vehicles to crest the seven-digit mark to 20. As the auctioneer so poignantly underscored, "It's only money, gentlemen. You can always make more on Monday."

Continue reading RM Auctions sees 20 cars sell for $1 million or more in Monterey

RM Auctions sees 20 cars sell for $1 million or more in Monterey originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctioncar auctioncar auctionscobracompetition cobraferrariluxurymontereymonterey 2012rm auctionsMon, 20 Aug 2012 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20304266/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/20/rm-auctions-sees-20-cars-sell-for-1-million-or-more-in-monterey/20304266/article-detail.xml 20304266 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/rm-monterey-auction-2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/rm-monterey-auction-2012.jpg <![CDATA[Shelby Cobras strut as 2012 Pebble Beach featured marque]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/19/shelby-cobras-strut-as-2012-pebble-beach-featured-marque/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/19/shelby-cobras-strut-as-2012-pebble-beach-featured-marque/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/19/shelby-cobras-strut-as-2012-pebble-beach-featured-marque/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Shelby Cobra CSX2000 at Pebble Beach

Every year, the organizers behind the Monterey weekend choose a specific model to serve as the "featured marque" for events like the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Revival, Quail Motorsports Gathering and Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. This year, they honored the Shelby Cobra both as a nod to the machine's 50th anniversary and as a tribute to the recently passed Carroll Shelby.

With examples ranging from the first Cobra ever assembled to the first competition model and the legendary Dragonsnake, we can honestly say there's never been anything quite like this group parked on the green in Monterey.

In any other situation, an original '60s Cobra would be cause for a fit of jubilation. To see a whole nest of race-winning snakes coiled on the grass at Pebble? Mind-blowing. Flick through the gallery for an idea of the craziness.

Shelby Cobras strut as 2012 Pebble Beach featured marque originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cobramontereymonterey 2012pebble beachpebble beach 2012pebble beach concours deleganceshelbyshelby cobraSun, 19 Aug 2012 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20304237/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/19/shelby-cobras-strut-as-2012-pebble-beach-featured-marque/20304237/article-detail.xml 20304237 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/01-shelby-cobra-pebble-2012-1345408951_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/01-shelby-cobra-pebble-2012-1345408951.jpg <![CDATA[Shelby Cobra honored with historic display at Monterey Motorsports Reunion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/17/shelby-cobra-honored-with-historic-display-at-monterey-motorspor/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/17/shelby-cobra-honored-with-historic-display-at-monterey-motorspor/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/17/shelby-cobra-honored-with-historic-display-at-monterey-motorspor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Shelby Cobra Display in Monterey

It's been 50 years since Carroll Shelby stitched together the first Cobra. In the intervening half-century, the little British car with a big American engine established itself as an icon of the automotive industry. To celebrate the car's golden anniversary, Shelby American and Ford assembled a collection of some of the most historically significant Cobra models in existence at Laguna Seca as part of this year's Monterey festivities.

In addition to CSX2000, the first Cobra built, visitors to the track have a chance to get within whiffing distance of cars like CSX2002. The little red roadster was the third Cobra to roll out of Shelby's workshop and served as the first factory Cobra race car. Peter Brock, Ken Miles and Dave MacDonald all had a stint behind the wheel, and the car functioned as a competition test mule that would help shape future Cobra models for years to come.

A total of 12 cars make up the collection, including the very first big-block car, CSX2196. Miles plopped a 427 into a 289 chassis for the very first time in an effort to best the Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport racers competing with Shelby at the time. The trick worked, and Miles set a precedent for a long line of 427-powered snakes. Even with its big engine, CSX2196 is said to weigh in at just 1,800 lbs thanks to its light-weight "fliptop" body. Both the front and back-sections can flip up to reveal the chassis and suspension underneath. Check out the gallery for a full look at all the cars on hand. You may also take a look at the complete press release below.

Continue reading Shelby Cobra honored with historic display at Monterey Motorsports Reunion

Shelby Cobra honored with historic display at Monterey Motorsports Reunion originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 monterey motorsports reunioncobramazda raceway laguna secamontereymonterey 2012monterey motorsports reunionshelbyshelby cobrashelby cobra heritage displayFri, 17 Aug 2012 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20302934/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/17/shelby-cobra-honored-with-historic-display-at-monterey-motorspor/20302934/article-detail.xml 20302934 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/cobra-display-monterey-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/cobra-display-monterey-628.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance snakes its way down the California coast [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/17/2012-pebble-beach-tour-delegance-snakes-its-way-down-the-califo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/17/2012-pebble-beach-tour-delegance-snakes-its-way-down-the-califo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/17/2012-pebble-beach-tour-delegance-snakes-its-way-down-the-califo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance 2012

As much as we adore the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, there's a lesser-known and considerably more entertaining portion of the show: the Tour d'Elegance. Where as the councours gives onlookers a chance to take in some of the world's most rare and valuable cars as the machines sit parked on the lush green of the Pebble Beach golf course, the tour shows off the entrants as they were meant to be enjoyed. Those owners willingly hop behind the wheel and fire up their engines for a quick jaunt down 17 Mile Drive and the Pacific Coast Highway.

Let us be the first to tell you that there's nothing like the experience of seeing, hearing and feeling these cars as they saunter their way up Highway 1. Led by Sir Stirling Moss in a Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, the tour featured a hefty number of original Shelby Cobra models. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the snake that Carroll built, and as such, the V8 British-American half-breed is one of the featured models of the 2012 concours. Saturday will see 45 Cobra racers take to Laguna Seca to go fender to fender. Stay tuned. In the meantime, check out a quick video of some of the participants on the course below.

Continue reading 2012 Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance snakes its way down the California coast [w/video]

2012 Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance snakes its way down the California coast [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>300slcobramercedes-benzmontereymonterey 2012pebble beachpebble beach 2012pebble beach concours deleganceshelbystirling mosstour delegancevideoFri, 17 Aug 2012 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20302898/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/17/2012-pebble-beach-tour-delegance-snakes-its-way-down-the-califo/20302898/article-detail.xml 20302898 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/pebble-beach-tour-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/pebble-beach-tour-628.jpg <![CDATA[Shelby Cobra 289 FIA [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/02/shelby-cobra-289-fia-quick-spin-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/02/shelby-cobra-289-fia-quick-spin-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/02/shelby-cobra-289-fia-quick-spin-review-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Best Way To Remember Carroll

Shelby Cobra 289 FIA

For the ultimate rush, drive a Shelby Cobra. It is about as close as one can get to climbing on top of an American V8, wrapping gloved fingers around red-hot exhaust manifolds and then holding on for dear life as it tries to buck you off.

We just spent an hour behind the wheel of a brand-new fiberglass-body Shelby Cobra 289 FIA. The CSX7000 is a faithful recreation of the legendary race cars that circled tracks around the world from 1962 through 1965. Under the hood of this particular Jet Black sports car with a bright yellow transverse stripe is a stroked Ford Racing Boss 302. With its side pipes cackling, the 347 cubic inch eight-cylinder generates more than 400 horsepower to motive a featherweight 2,200-pound chassis. "Overpowered" is an understatement.

Continue reading Shelby Cobra 289 FIA [w/video]

Shelby Cobra 289 FIA [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carroll shelbycobrafeaturedquick spinquickspinshelbyshelby cobrashelby cobra 289 fiaThu, 02 Aug 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20291573/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/02/shelby-cobra-289-fia-quick-spin-review-video/20291573/article-detail.xml 20291573 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/shelby-cobra-289-fia-qs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/shelby-cobra-289-fia-qs.jpg <![CDATA[Puritalia releases full renderings of Cobra-inspired 427 roadster]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/02/puritalia-releases-full-renderings-of-cobra-inspired-427-roadste/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/02/puritalia-releases-full-renderings-of-cobra-inspired-427-roadste/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/02/puritalia-releases-full-renderings-of-cobra-inspired-427-roadste/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Puritalia 427

The minds at Puritalia have finally gotten around to taking the wraps off of their Shelby Cobra-inspired roadster. The Puritalia 427 is intended to serve as a modern interpretation of the legendary open-top built by Carroll Shelby.

In addition to the gaggle of photos you see here, Puritalia has also served the final specs on the machine. The 427 uses an aluminum space frame chassis with chromoly steel subframes, which help maintain stiffness while keeping the roadster as lightweight as possible. As a result, the machine tips the scales at a mere 2,403 pounds with a perfect 50/50 weight balance.

The body shell is stitched from carbon fiber, and buyers may choose between one of two engines. The base, naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 puts 445 horsepower to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission, aluminum driveshaft and limited slip differential, though a supercharged variant of the same engine is also available with a more heady 605 horsepower.

With its fully-independent suspension, adjustable shocks and sway bars, the 427 should also keep its feet planted on the ground. A set of six-piston Brembo calipers squeeze 15-inch discs up front, while four-piston clamps press 13.5-inch rotors out back. Sounds like fun to us. Head over to the Puritalia site for more information.

Puritalia releases full renderings of Cobra-inspired 427 roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Jul 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carol shelbycobrapuritaliapuritalia 427shelbyshelby cobraMon, 02 Jul 2012 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20270213/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/02/puritalia-releases-full-renderings-of-cobra-inspired-427-roadste/20270213/article-detail.xml 20270213 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/01-puriatlia-427-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/01-puriatlia-427-628.jpg <![CDATA[Puritalia teases Shelby-inspired 427]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/31/puritalia-teases-shelby-inspired-427/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/31/puritalia-teases-shelby-inspired-427/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/31/puritalia-teases-shelby-inspired-427/#commentsPuritalia 427 Teaser

It looks as if the world is about to get a little bit sexier. An Italian company by the name of Puritalia is out to offer a new take on the Shelby Cobra 427. Like the original, the new machine will offer seating for two, boatloads of horsepower and not much else. Expect to find the same 427 cubic-inch V8 under the hood, good for around 445 horsepower. Word has it a more potent supercharged iteration will serve up somewhere in the neighborhood of 605 ponies after the roadster debuts. Puritalia says the 427 will bow in a little more than a month.

Otherwise, details are pretty scarce. We have no idea how much the 427 will go for once it lands or where it will be available. Still, we're all for a modern take on one of our all-time favorite sports cars. You can head over to Puritalia's website to sign up for updates, however.

Puritalia teases Shelby-inspired 427 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 May 2012 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>427cobracobra 427puritaliapuritalia 427shelbyshelby cobrashelby cobra 427Thu, 31 May 2012 14:16:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20247890/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/31/puritalia-teases-shelby-inspired-427/20247890/article-detail.xml 20247890 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/puritalia-427-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/puritalia-427-628.jpg <![CDATA[Jay Kay's 1955 Maserati A6G/54 on the docket for Pebble Beach]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/26/jay-kays-1955-maserati-a6g-54-on-the-docket-for-pebble-beach/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/26/jay-kays-1955-maserati-a6g-54-on-the-docket-for-pebble-beach/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/26/jay-kays-1955-maserati-a6g-54-on-the-docket-for-pebble-beach/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Jay Kay's 1955 Maserati A6G/54 Frua Berlinetta

Gooding & Company has revealed the highlights of its consignments for its Pebble Beach auction during the action-packed Monterey weekend. At the top of the list is the classic 1955 Maserati A6G/54 Frua Berlinetta currently owned by Jamiroquai frontman Jay Kay. This Maserati, the show car from the 1955 Paris Auto Salon, features Frau coachwork, won Best in Show at the Salon Privé, and is expected to fetch between $1.5 and 2 million.

No less prestigious is the 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Stelvio convertible that belonged to Prince Louis Napoleon of France, grandson of Emperor Napoleon I and noted Bugatti collector of the time. Supercharged from the factory, the stunning two-tone droptop is projected to sell for $1.3 to 1.6 million.

Finally, an original 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra is on the docket, with pre-sale estimates at $750,000 - $950,000. See below for the full press release and watch this space as the classic car world gears up for Pebble Beach.

Continue reading Jay Kay's 1955 Maserati A6G/54 on the docket for Pebble Beach

Jay Kay's 1955 Maserati A6G/54 on the docket for Pebble Beach originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 May 2012 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1938 bugatti type 57c stelvio1955 maserati a6g54 frua berlinetta1966 shelby 427 cobraa6gauctionbugattibugatti stelviobugatti type 57c stelviocobragoodinggooding and companygooding companymaseratimaserati a6g54montereynapoleonpebble beachprince louis napoleonshelbyshelby 427shelby 427 cobrashelby cobraSat, 26 May 2012 16:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20243821/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/26/jay-kays-1955-maserati-a6g-54-on-the-docket-for-pebble-beach/20243821/article-detail.xml 20243821 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/webjk-maser_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/webjk-maser.jpg <![CDATA[Record number of Shelby Cobras to take part in Monterey Motorsports Reunion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/20/record-number-of-shelby-cobras-to-descend-on-laguna-seca-for-mon/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/20/record-number-of-shelby-cobras-to-descend-on-laguna-seca-for-mon/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/20/record-number-of-shelby-cobras-to-descend-on-laguna-seca-for-mon/#commentsFiled under: ,

Shelby Cobras at the Monterey Motorsports Reunion

Last year, the Monterey Motorsports Reunion announced that the Shelby Cobra would be the featured marque for 2012 in honor of the company's 50th anniversary. It's shaping up to be quite the celebration. Earlier this month it was announced that no fewer than 45 competition Cobras will be racing on the track come August, with owners from across the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Canada in attendance. In fact, demand to participate was so high that several entrants actually had to be turned away.

Shelby Cobras won't just be on the track, though. The event expects at least 200 Cobras, real and replica, to gather in the infield car corral. Shelby and Ford Motor Company will also bring a collection of historic Cobras to display in the paddock. In other words, if you're a Shelby Cobra fan then start making plans to attend right away.

You can read the official announcement from the Monterey Motorsports Reunion below.

Continue reading Record number of Shelby Cobras to take part in Monterey Motorsports Reunion

Record number of Shelby Cobras to take part in Monterey Motorsports Reunion originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 May 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 monterey motorsports reunioncobramonterey 2012monterey motorsports reunionshelbyshelby 50th anniversaryshelby cobraSun, 20 May 2012 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20240970/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/20/record-number-of-shelby-cobras-to-descend-on-laguna-seca-for-mon/20240970/article-detail.xml 20240970 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/shelby-cobra-mmr_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/shelby-cobra-mmr.jpg <![CDATA[Carroll Shelby, 1923-2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/carroll-shelby-1923-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/carroll-shelby-1923-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/carroll-shelby-1923-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Carroll Shelby driving a Cobra

It's darn near impossible to overemphasize the impact that Carroll Shelby has had on the automotive world as we know it today. Born in 1923, Shelby took part in his very first race, a quarter-mile drag, in 1952. Later that year, he'd go on to win his first road race in an MG-TC. By 1956, Shelby had garnered enough race wins to earn the title "Driver of the Year" from Sports Illustrated. He would win that award again in 1957.

Carroll Shelby was nothing if not a keen businessman. In early 1957, Shelby opened his first car dealership in Dallas, Texas. Bolstered by his success behind the wheel - Carroll won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1959, driving an Aston Martin - Shelby went on to build the iconic Cobra using a chassis built by AC Cars in England and powered by a Ford V8 engine. Officially homologated in 1962, the Cobra Roadster won its first race in January of 1963.

Driven by legendary drivers like Phil Hill, A.J. Foyt and Dan Gurney, the Shelby Cobra and its aerodynamic Daytona Coupe sibling won the Sports Car Club of America's A-production title and the United States Road Racing Championship in '63. The following year brought with it the big-block 427 Cobra, and the machine went on to deal serious blows to Ferrari, the dominant sports car manufacturer of the time.

Shelby began his long-running relationship with the Ford factory in 1965, as the Shelby GT350 hit both the street and the race track. That year, Shelby secured the FIA World Championship of GT cars. In 1966, a Shelby-backed Ford team finished in first, second and third place at Le Mans; this was the first time an American team claimed victory in the historic race, but it would not be the last - Shelby's team would go on to win Le Mans again in 1967. The Ford GT40 ended up in first place four straight years from 1966-1969.

The Shelby GT350 claimed the Trans Am racing title in 1967, and in that year, the very last 427 Shelby Cobra was built. In 1970, Ford ended its partnership with Shelby, and the man would remain mostly quiet in the automotive industry until the 1980s, when Lee Iacocca approached Carroll about building high-performance versions of Dodge products. The Omni and Charger would Go Like Hell for several years, embarrassing V8-powered Mustangs and Camaros along the way.

Carroll Shelby received a heart transplant in 1990 and would go on to reintroduce Cobra 427 S/C continuation cars and 4000-series cars throughout the 1990s. Shelby was also involved heavily with both the Dodge Viper and Ford GT programs. No wonder why Carroll Shelby was inducted into the International Motor Sports Hall of Fame in 1992.

Today, the name Shelby may be most often tied to the latest and greatest GT500 models from Ford, but it's clear that the man has impacted the performance world for decades. While he may no longer be alive, there can be little doubt that Carroll Shelby's influence will be felt by enthusiasts for as long as cars move us from one place to another.

We've collected a couple of videos that we thought were a fitting tribute to Shelby's unending legacy. Join us in watching them by scrolling down below.

Continue reading Carroll Shelby, 1923-2012

Carroll Shelby, 1923-2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carroll hall shelbycarroll shelbycobraripshelbyshelby cobrashelby historyFri, 11 May 2012 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20236761/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/11/carroll-shelby-1923-2012/20236761/article-detail.xml 20236761 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/carroll-shelby-cobra_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/carroll-shelby-cobra.jpg <![CDATA[Shelby Cobras gather for 50th anniversary reunion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/shelby-cobras-gather-for-50th-anniversary-reunion/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/shelby-cobras-gather-for-50th-anniversary-reunion/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/shelby-cobras-gather-for-50th-anniversary-reunion/#commentsFiled under: ,

Shelby Cobra 50th Anniversary Reunion

2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the Shelby Cobra, and it seems ol' Carroll and his band of hot rodders are intent on celebrating the legendary roadster for the entire year. Back in January, Shelby kicked off a series of nationwide 50th anniversary events with the debut of the Anniversary Mustangs at the Detroit Auto Show, and earlier this month, the company showed off the very first Cobra and the new 2012 Shelby 1000 at the New York Auto Show.

The most recent celebration happened this past weekend at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, California, where dozens of Shelby Cobra owners gathered for a 50th anniversary reunion put on by the Team Shelby Pacific Coast Division. All kinds of Cobras crowded into the parking lot in front of the museum, from 289-powered slab-sided Cobras to original 427 side-oiler models to the modern continuation Cobras.

In addition to the Cobras gathered outside, the NHRA museum also had a display of significant vehicles dubbed the Speed Merchants of Venice. The collection included the very first production Cobra CSX2001, generously loaned to the museum by collector Bruce Meyer, as well as a Cobra used at the Shelby School of High Performance Driving, an FIA Cobra race car, a "Dragonsnake" Cobra drag car, and an original daily driver Cobra with more than 130,000 miles.

You can see all of these and more from the Shelby Cobra 50th anniversary reunion in the photo gallery above.

Shelby Cobras gather for 50th anniversary reunion originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carroll shelbycobrashelbyshelby cobraTue, 24 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20221234/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/24/shelby-cobras-gather-for-50th-anniversary-reunion/20221234/article-detail.xml 20221234 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/shelby-cobra-50th-reunion_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/shelby-cobra-50th-reunion.jpg <![CDATA[Editors' Choice: Top Five 2012 Chicago Auto Show Debuts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/editors-choice-top-five-2012-chicago-auto-show-debuts/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/editors-choice-top-five-2012-chicago-auto-show-debuts/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/editors-choice-top-five-2012-chicago-auto-show-debuts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,



The Chicago Auto Show may be the smallest of the North American auto shows we cover (yet largest by square footage, ironically), but year after year, more and more automakers choose to show off some new metal under the lights of McCormick Place. This year saw a total of 18 major reveals (click here to see our full rundown), and while that pales in comparison to last month's Detroit show, there's still a lot of new metal to talk about here in Chicago.

So, of the 18 cars that took the stage in the Windy City, which ones were our favorite? More importantly, which one was the favorite? Follow the jump to see our top five picks for the best 2012 Chicago Auto Show debuts.

Continue reading Editors' Choice: Top Five 2012 Chicago Auto Show Debuts

Editors' Choice: Top Five 2012 Chicago Auto Show Debuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1993 ford mustang svt cobra r2013 acura ilx2013 hyundai elantra gt2013 volkswagen beetle tdiacurabeetlebest in showchicagochicago 2012chicago auto showcobracobra reditors choiceelantraelantra gtfeaturedfordhyundaiilxkiamustangtditrackstervolkswagenThu, 09 Feb 2012 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20168134/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/09/editors-choice-top-five-2012-chicago-auto-show-debuts/20168134/article-detail.xml 20168134 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/chicago-auto-show_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/chicago-auto-show.jpg <![CDATA[SVT celebrates 20 years with the Mustang that started it all]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/svt-celebrates-20-years-with-the-mustang-that-started-it-all/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/svt-celebrates-20-years-with-the-mustang-that-started-it-all/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/svt-celebrates-20-years-with-the-mustang-that-started-it-all/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

1993 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R

Ford debuted the 2013 Shelby GT500 Convertible earlier today at the Chicago Auto Show, but it wasn't the only Mustang vying for our attention on the show floor. In fact, we had a hard time keeping our eyes off this Vibrant Red beauty.

The pony car in question? A 1993 SVT Cobra R, the pinnacle of the Fox Body Mustang. The standard SVT Cobra made its official debut at the Chicago Auto Show back in 1992, and its reappearance in the Windy City was a fitting reminder of the 20th anniversary of Ford's Special Vehicle Team.

So what makes the 1993 SVT Cobra R so special? For starters, just 107 were produced, making it one of the rarest Mustangs ever built by Ford. The 235-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 is the same powerplant as the one in the standard Cobra, but the R model had less weight to push around thanks to the removal of the rear seats, radio, air conditioning and all sound deadening material. Ford also fitted the Cobra R with adjustable Koni shocks, larger front and rear brakes, 17-inch wheels shod with Goodyear tires, an external engine oil cooler and power steering fluid cooler, aluminum radiator and more.

The particular Cobra R brought to the show by Ford is literally a time capsule from the early '90s and in incredible condition. Amazingly, the odometer reads just over 4,100 miles. You can check out the car in detail in the gallery above.

SVT celebrates 20 years with the Mustang that started it all originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1993 ford svt cobra rchicagochicago 2012chicago auto showcobracobra rfordmustangWed, 08 Feb 2012 19:39:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20167520/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/08/svt-celebrates-20-years-with-the-mustang-that-started-it-all/20167520/article-detail.xml 20167520 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/1993-svt-cobra-r-chicago_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/1993-svt-cobra-r-chicago.jpg <![CDATA[Watch a Shelby Cobra do cartwheels at 130 mph]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/16/watch-a-shelby-cobra-do-cartwheels-at-130-mph/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/16/watch-a-shelby-cobra-do-cartwheels-at-130-mph/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/16/watch-a-shelby-cobra-do-cartwheels-at-130-mph/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Shelby Cobra crash

Being in a car crash can be scary enough, but doing it in a convertible at 130 miles per hour is simply terrifying. That's what the owner of a Shelby Cobra replica went through, however, during a track day at Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond, California. As he was ending the front straight of the 2.5-mile course, something suddenly broke in the front suspension or steering. The car skidded on track for approximately 60 feet, then flipped sideways multiple times, flying off the track for more than 500 feet.

Fortunately, the driver of the Cobra came away from the incident unharmed with the exception of minor injuries to his knee and ribs. If you've ever wondered why that metal roll hoop is there on the driver's side of the Cobra, just ask this guy.

Of course, the owner of the Cobra also had a GoPro camera running on his car that day, and it captured the amazing footage throughout the entire crash. The video has now gone up on YouTube, and we've posted it for you to see after the jump.

Continue reading Watch a Shelby Cobra do cartwheels at 130 mph

Watch a Shelby Cobra do cartwheels at 130 mph originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ac cobracobracobra replicacrashdash camshelbyshelby cobrashelby cobra crashvideowillow springsMon, 16 Jan 2012 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20149687/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/16/watch-a-shelby-cobra-do-cartwheels-at-130-mph/20149687/article-detail.xml 20149687 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/cobra-crash-video_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/cobra-crash-video.jpg <![CDATA[Goodwood Revival rounds out the classics with sports cars and prototypes [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/07/goodwood-revival-rounds-out-the-classics-with-sports-cars-and-pr/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/07/goodwood-revival-rounds-out-the-classics-with-sports-cars-and-pr/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/07/goodwood-revival-rounds-out-the-classics-with-sports-cars-and-pr/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

2011 Goodwood Revival sports cars

Cobras, Tigers and... Ferrari's? Oh my! If you happened to miss our post on the '60s touring cars that took to the track at the 2011 Goodwood Revival, you may not realize just how amazing vintage racing can be. And it gets even more interesting as the value and historic significance of the cars increases.

For proof, we suggest you check out the two videos after the break to see vintage prototypes like the Ford GT40, various Lolas and a smattering of McLarens take to the track. Then, to top it all off, we have the '60s sports car class, which includes such iconic masterpieces as the Shelby Cobra (in both hardtop and Daytona Coupe guises), Ferrari models that include the famous GTO and the so-called Breadvan (a short-wheelbase 250 GT), plus a slew of machinery from Maserati and Aston Martin.

Did we mention these priceless classics are racing well-to-wheel in the pouring rain? Enough already, click past the break to watch the slip-sliding action for yourself.

UPDATE: Sadly, the embedded videos are not playing, but we still hope you click on over to Axis of Oversteer to take in the historic racing action.

Continue reading Goodwood Revival rounds out the classics with sports cars and prototypes [UPDATE]

Goodwood Revival rounds out the classics with sports cars and prototypes [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 goodwood revivalcobradaytona coupeferrariferrari gtogoodwoodgoodwood revivalgt40shelbyvintage racingFri, 07 Oct 2011 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20076738/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/07/goodwood-revival-rounds-out-the-classics-with-sports-cars-and-pr/20076738/article-detail.xml 20076738 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/goodwood-revival-sportscars_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/goodwood-revival-sportscars.jpg <![CDATA[Ford marketing VP Farley pushes real Shelby Cobra around Laguna Seca]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/07/ford-marketing-vp-farley-pushes-real-shelby-cobra-around-laguna/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/07/ford-marketing-vp-farley-pushes-real-shelby-cobra-around-laguna/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/07/ford-marketing-vp-farley-pushes-real-shelby-cobra-around-laguna/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

jim farley drives a usrrc cobra around laguna seca

The 2012 Monterey Motorsports Reunion will certainly be a loud one. The featured marque will be the Shelby Cobra, which will celebrate 50 years of exciting existence. Ahead of next year's festivities, one man decided to get a taste of on-track action a bit early. That man is Jim Farley, and if his name sounds familiar, that's because his day job is Group Vice President, Global Marketing, Sales and Service at Ford Motor Company.

A well-liked, well-known car guy, Farley got to push a U.S. Road Racing Championship Cobra around Laguna Seca during California's recent Monterey Historics weekend. The rare, open-top racer had a few cameras, a lap timer and a g-meter strapped to it, which is good news for the rest of us. The Cobra produces sounds that would make modern race cars shriek in terror, and Farley does a good job of pushing it around Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Click past the jump to check it out.

Continue reading Ford marketing VP Farley pushes real Shelby Cobra around Laguna Seca

Ford marketing VP Farley pushes real Shelby Cobra around Laguna Seca originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cobrafordjim farleylaguna secamazda racewayshelbyshelby cobrashelby cobra 289shelby cobra 427videoWed, 07 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20036166/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/07/ford-marketing-vp-farley-pushes-real-shelby-cobra-around-laguna/20036166/article-detail.xml 20036166 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/cobra-laguna-seca-on-board-lap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/cobra-laguna-seca-on-board-lap.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Monterey Motorsports Reunion to feature 50th anniversary of the Shelby Cobra]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/22/2012-monterey-motorsports-reunion-to-feature-50th-anniversary-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/22/2012-monterey-motorsports-reunion-to-feature-50th-anniversary-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/22/2012-monterey-motorsports-reunion-to-feature-50th-anniversary-of/#commentsFiled under: ,

Shelby Cobras at the Monterey Motorsports Reunion

There are always at least a few Shelby Cobras at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for the Monterey Motorsports Reunion, mixing it up with Shelby Mustangs and Corvettes, but for 2012 there will be quite a few more. Laguna Seca has announced that the Cobra has been selected as the featured vehicle for 2012 in honor of the car's 50th anniversary.

Like with the Ferrari 250 GTO that celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, it's likely that many of the other events during the Monterey Car Week will be honoring the Shelby Cobra as well. We wouldn't be surprised if the Cobra was also honored at the Quail Motorsports Gathering or given a separate class at Pebble Beach. Either way, if you're a Shelby or a Cobra fan, start making plans to be in Monterey next August.

You can read more about the announcement in the press release after the jump, or get a taste of what's coming next year with our gallery of Cobra photos above.

Continue reading 2012 Monterey Motorsports Reunion to feature 50th anniversary of the Shelby Cobra

2012 Monterey Motorsports Reunion to feature 50th anniversary of the Shelby Cobra originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 monterey motorsports reunioncarroll shelbycobramontereymonterey 2012monterey motorsports reunionshelbyshelby cobrashelby cobra 50th anniversaryMon, 22 Aug 2011 17:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20023103/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/22/2012-monterey-motorsports-reunion-to-feature-50th-anniversary-of/20023103/article-detail.xml 20023103 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/shelby-cobra-monterey-motorsports-reunion_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/shelby-cobra-monterey-motorsports-reunion.jpg <![CDATA[Cobra owner sands floor the only way he knows how... with burnt rubber]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/08/cobra-owner-sands-floor-the-only-way-he-knows-how/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/08/cobra-owner-sands-floor-the-only-way-he-knows-how/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/08/cobra-owner-sands-floor-the-only-way-he-knows-how/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

shelby cobra does donuts indoors

Strip, plank or parquet, it will all start to look the same after a while. One Shelby Cobra (well, most likely a replica Cobra at least...) owner must've gotten bored with the style and color of his wood flooring, so he decided to mix things up a bit. We're not sure if he is sanding or sealing, but we do know that his Cobra is getting the job done, regardless of what his objective may be.

If you thought rubber-soled shoes left marks on a floor, we've got something to top that. Click past the jump for the clip.

Continue reading Cobra owner sands floor the only way he knows how... with burnt rubber

Cobra owner sands floor the only way he knows how... with burnt rubber originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cobracobra donutscobra indoorscobra on wood floorcobra videoindoor burnoutshelbyshelby cobrashelby cobra burnoutvideoMon, 08 Aug 2011 19:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20012631/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/08/cobra-owner-sands-floor-the-only-way-he-knows-how/20012631/article-detail.xml 20012631 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/indoor-cobra_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/indoor-cobra.jpg -1 2