If plans for your next build include a vehicle whose entire body weighs less than most elementary school-aged kids, the gearheads at Shelby American and Classic Recreations have just the ticket.
Called the “Diamond Edition” in honour of Shelby American’s 60th anniversary of slinging speed, the total weight of this carbon-fibre hewn shell is just 88 pounds. Only ten will be produced, each carrying a price tag of $1.2 million. Granted unique CSX serial numbering by Shelby Licensing from CSX4521 through CSX4530 — that’s a big deal to collectors, by the way — these units are an extension of Carroll Shelby’s vision and follows the company’s 1967 carbon fibre bodied GT500CR Mustang which was released about one year ago.
The Cobra body has been completely engineered in autoclave-cured carbon fibre including the floor and doors, allowing it to achieve these featherweight proportions. The new Shelby Cobra race car is engineered to mate with a Ford Performance Gen-3 Coyote engine, producing over 800 horsepower when combined with the optional VMP Supercharger. This should give it a similar power-to-weight ratio as the Saturn V rocket or the rotation of Earth itself. It will also feature an independent rear suspension, a T56 Magnum Tremec transmission, and Wilwood six-piston brakes.
Body shell of new Shelby Cobra Photo by Shelby
Body shell of new Shelby Cobra Photo by Shelby
Body shell of new Shelby Cobra Photo by Shelby
Body shell of new Shelby Cobra Photo by Shelby
Body shell of new Shelby Cobra Photo by Shelby
Body shell of new Shelby Cobra Photo by Shelby
Body shell of new Shelby Cobra Photo by Shelby
Body shell of new Shelby Cobra Photo by Shelby
In typical cover-yer-butt American litigious fashion, the Shelby website reminds us all that this vehicle is for “off-road use only” and not street legal. This means these ten Cobras will likely turn a wheel in anger solely at a racetrack, a spot where owners can legally wring what will surely be extreme performance characteristics from this lightweight snake. Despite this mission statement, Shelby boasts this thing has been reimagined to include updated technology and more comfort, the latter of which apparently refers to an extended cabin for extra legroom. Your 6’6” author can confirm that not having to fold oneself into a driving position does indeed make for a better day at the track.
The Diamond Edition carbon fibre Cobra race car will be produced entirely in the United States but is intended for distribution to moneyed gearheads around the world.
Keyword: Lightweight Snake: Body shell of new Shelby Cobra weighs just 88 pounds