Shelby Cobra
Models

Shelby Cobra Continuation: The Legacy of Carroll Shelby

The Shelby Cobra is one of the most iconic American sports cars in history. Gentleman Car offers the official Shelby Cobra Continuation range, with several configurations designed to recreate the spirit and performance of the legendary Cobra created by Carroll Shelby.

From the spectacular Shelby Cobra 427 S/C to the Shelby Cobra 289 FIA, designed for historic competition, and the 289 Street, each model offers a different driving experience and philosophy.

Built by Shelby American and assigned a unique CSX chassis number, the Shelby Cobra Continuation models are available, depending on the configuration, with an aluminium or fibreglass body. Gentleman Car assists its clients with model selection, configuration, importation and support throughout Europe.

Shelby Cobra 427 S/C

CSX 4/6000

The Shelby Cobra 427 S/C represents one of the most radical expressions of the Cobra. With its sporting character, iconic architecture and imposing V8 engine, it is aimed at enthusiasts looking for a particularly powerful and spectacular Cobra.

Body
Available in fiberglass or hand-formed aluminum.

Chassis
4-inch (101.6 mm) DOM steel ladder frame (Drawn Over Mandrel tubing), stronger than welded tubing thanks to its cold-working process.

Suspension
Independent suspension with coil-over shock absorbers. Improved cooling and modern alloy components.

Engine
The aluminum 427 FE V8, 40% lighter than the original cast-iron version, produces between 500 and 750 hp. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes less than 4 seconds.

Exterior & Interior
Shelby vinyl seats (leather optional) with custom carpeting.

Wheels & Tires
15-inch wheels as standard.

Anecdote
CSX2196 – The “Flip-Top”: Shelby’s rolling laboratory, this experimental Cobra with its fully tilting body played a key role in the development of the legendary Cobra 427.

The Shelby Cobra 427 is widely regarded as the most iconic American sports car ever built. When General Motors began developing a Big Block Corvette and Ferrari increased the output of its V12 engines, Shelby and Ford responded by installing the powerful 427 FE V8 into the Cobra.

To achieve this, Carroll Shelby completely redesigned the chassis and bodywork, developed a new independent suspension, reinforced the frame to handle the increased torque and widened the body to accommodate larger wheels and tires. Originally produced under the CSX3000 series, the Shelby Cobra 427 S/C is now available in both fiberglass and hand-formed aluminum.

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Shelby Cobra 289 FIA

CSX7000

The Shelby Cobra 289 FIA captures the spirit of the Cobras that competed in period racing and represents a particularly compelling configuration for historic motorsport enthusiasts. Gentleman Car also has content and projects directly associated with this car, particularly through the Tour Auto.

Body
Available in fiberglass or hand-formed aluminum.

Chassis
3-inch (76.2 mm) DOM steel ladder frame (Drawn Over Mandrel tubing).

Suspension
Independent front and rear suspension with transverse leaf springs. Four-wheel disc brakes.

Engine
Ford 289 Small Block V8, faithful to Carroll Shelby’s original vision of combining American V8 power with a lightweight chassis. Powered both the FIA Cobras and the 1965 World Championship-winning Daytona Coupe.

Exterior & Interior
Shelby vinyl seats (leather optional), custom carpeting and FIA-specification interior trim.
Wheels & Tires
15-inch alloy wheels as standard.

Anecdote
Before the 1964 24 Hours of Le Mans, a Cobra was clocked at nearly 300 km/h (186 mph) on Britain’s M1 motorway—an achievement that contributed to the debate leading to the introduction of UK speed limits.

Carroll Shelby’s original vision was to create a true competition version of the Cobra: the 289 FIA. Wider and fitted with dedicated racing tires, it delivered greater power, stronger acceleration and increased grip while preserving the agility that made the original Cobra so successful.

Throughout the 1960s, the Shelby Cobra 289 FIA dominated race circuits against Jaguar, Chevrolet, Aston Martin and Ferrari, helping secure the 1965 FIA World Manufacturers’ Championship alongside the Daytona Coupe. Today’s Continuation models, available in fiberglass or hand-formed aluminum, faithfully reproduce the 1964 body and chassis while incorporating modern improvements in safety and reliability.

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Shelby Cobra 289 Street

CSX8000

The Shelby Cobra 289 Street is designed primarily for road use while retaining the identity and character of the original Cobra. It is a particularly interesting alternative for those who want to enjoy the Shelby experience on the road.

Body
Available in fiberglass or hand-formed aluminum.

Chassis
3-inch (76.2 mm) DOM steel ladder frame (Drawn Over Mandrel tubing).

Suspension
Independent front and rear suspension with transverse leaf springs. Four-wheel disc brakes.

Engine
Ford 289 Small Block V8, delivering the unmistakable character and driving experience of the original 1960s road-going Cobra.

Exterior & Interior
Shelby vinyl seats (leather optional), custom carpeting and authentic 289 Street Cobra trim.

Wheels & Tires
15-inch alloy wheels as standard.

Anecdote
Early 289 Cobras featured a horn button integrated directly into the gear lever, a distinctive detail inherited from classic British roadsters of the era.

In 1962, Carroll Shelby opened a new chapter in automotive history with the legendary Shelby Cobra. Built around Ford’s Small Block V8, it embodied the perfect combination of light weight, reliability and performance, becoming an icon of American motorsport. Every Shelby that followed inherited its unmistakable DNA.

Today’s CSX8000 faithfully reproduces the original body and suspension while incorporating modern improvements in safety and performance. Available in fiberglass or hand-formed aluminum, it preserves the spirit and driving experience of the legendary Cobras of the 1960s.

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Buy a Shelby Cobra with Gentleman Car

A Shelby Cobra is much more than just a car: it’s about stepping into the history of Carroll Shelby and a true automotive legend.

As a Shelby specialist in Europe, Gentleman Car supports you at every stage of your project, from choosing the configuration to importing and registering your vehicle. Whether you’re looking for a Shelby Cobra 427 S/C, 289 FIA or 289 Street, we help you select the Cobra that best matches your expectations and driving ambitions.

Discover our available Shelby Cobras or contact Gentleman Car to create your bespoke project.