A Ford Shelby Cobra prototype car built 17 years ago will go under the hammer in California in August. Prices aren’t discussed, but around $1.5 million sounds realistic.
The car was one of Carroll Shelby’s design studies inspired by the legendary AC Cobra. Small and lightweight, it packs an impressively sized 6.4-liter V10 engine rated at 645 PS (636 hp / 474 kW) and 679 Nm (500 lb-ft) of torque. If not for an artificial speed limiter set to 160 kilometers per hour (100 mph), the car could go all the way up to 330 km/h (205 mph), its creators claim.
Compared to many other concepts produced by the American marque, this roadster has the advantage of being drivable as a daily car thanks to being based on the mass-market Ford GT. At least, in theory: in its current form, it is not street-legal and may require further modifications to get a number plate.
The concept was the first collaboration between Carroll Shelby and Ford since the 1960s. Shelby himself did not participate in its creation, but represented the project.
The current owner is none other than Chris Theodore, designer and one of the developers of the Cobra V10. According to reports, he bought it for U.S. $825,000 four years ago.