Shelby Legendary Cars – the company that builds licensed versions of the Cobra, Coupe and GT40 – has announced that it is to build a new limited-run version of the alloy-bodied Shelby Cobra, known as the CSX2000 Tribute Series Roadster.
Unveiled at the Peterson Museum on 10 August, the new model is billed as the ultimate salute to Carroll Shelby. His Ford small block powered Shelby Cobra roadster (CSX2000) was the first step in Shelby’s success, and the Tribute Series aims to recreate this original prototype right down to the last detail.
My grandfather, Carroll Shelby, revered the first Shelby Cobra (CSX2000), and what that car represented.
Original factory blueprints were used for the aluminum bodies, and the cockpit, interior, and authentic leaf spring suspension – with a correct Salisbury rear end and inboard brakes – are identical to those on the prototype Shelby Cobra. Just ten will be built, each one coming as completed rolling chassis, configured for a small block Ford V8 with a Borg Warner T10 transmission.
‘My grandfather, Carroll Shelby, revered the first Shelby Cobra (CSX2000), and what that car represented,’ said Aaron Shelby, Board Member of Carroll Shelby International. ‘I’m honored that Carroll’s legacy will live on through this limited run of cars. Other than the patina on the original 1962 car, it’s virtually impossible to discern any differences between it and the Tribute Shelby Cobra roadster. It feels like I stepped into Dean Moon’s So Cal shop to watch Carroll and his band of hot rodders create an international performance icon.’
‘This car project began in 2023 as a salute to the 100th anniversary of Carroll Shelby’s birth,’ said Shayna Stander of Shelby Legendary Cars. ‘While intended to introduce the roadster late last year as part of the worldwide Carroll Shelby Centennial Celebration, it was too important to rush the hand built aluminium car. We wanted the details to be perfect, which required even more time. The result was certainly worth the wait for a tribute true to the man himself.’
Find out more about the Shelby Cobra CSX2000 Tribute Series Roadsters here.
