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2011 Shannons Melbourne Spring Classic Auction
Lot
12

1997 Cobra Replica Roadster

$32,500

Sold

Specifications

Engine 351cu V-8
Gearbox 4-Speed Manual
Body Work Roadster
Colour Fly Yellow
Interior Vinyl
Trim Black
Wheels Styled Steel
Brakes Disc

Description

This lot is no longer available

The Shelby Cobra is an automotive legend, an Anglo-American hybrid developed by Carroll Shelby to take on the might of Ferrari on the racetrack in the early 1960s. The combination of a traditional ladder frame (sourced from English car maker AC) with American muscle, in the form of Ford's 289-cid small-block V8, was simply unbeatable. The Cobra was clothed in simple but very attractive roadster bodywork and, thanks to the minimal weight and massive power output, could out-accelerate just about any other car. For many years values of original Cobras have been rising steadily to the point where they remain out of reach to all but the wealthiest enthusiast. However, an entire industry has grown up around recreating the Cobra, ranging from inexpensive kits through to copies so good only an expert can tell the difference. All these copies have one thing in common - they adhere to the basic principle of placing large, powerful V8 engine sitting in a simple tubular frame to ensure the most undiluted driving experience possible.