Shelby | CAR REVIEW | Shelby or Carroll Shelby International was founded in 2003 from custom performance vehicle manufacturer Shelby American when, founder and owner, Carroll Shelby took the company public, and additionally forming Shelby Automobiles as a subsidiary from which to continue manufacturing vehicles and parts.
Shelby GT-350, 2010 |
In 2009, "Shelby Automobiles" was officially renamed to "Shelby American", bringing back the original company name to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the 427 Cobra and GT350. Carroll Shelby Licensing, Inc. is the second wholly owned subsidiary that forms Carroll Shelby International, which is based at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Clark County, Nevada.
Shelby GT-500 Super Snake, 2010 |
Shelby American currently manufacturers component automobiles, including the small block Cobra, the big block Cobra, the Shelby GT350 and the GT500 Super Snake. Since 2005, Shelby American has been releasing new models every year.
Shelby GT-350-SR, 1969 |
Shelby or Carroll Shelby International was previously working with Texas-based Unique Performance to create new Mustang-based Shelby cars such as the GT350SR and GT500E. On November 1, 2007, Unique Performance was raided by the Farmers Branch Police Department due to VIN irregularities and subsequently declared bankruptcy, which effectively ended the Shelby continuation "Eleanor" production and the relationship.
Shelby 427 Cobra, 1967 |
Shelby American was founded by Carroll Shelby in 1962 to build and market high performance parts and modified cars for individuals. Some of the automobiles produced by Shelby American were the Ford Mustang-based Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT500. Shelby American also created the legendary Shelby Cobra which was an AC Ace with a Ford V8.
Shelby 427 Cobra |
The company was also highly involved with racing, with Shelby cars winning many races at the drag strip, at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and America's first win at the World Manufacturers' Championship. In 1966, the same year that Shelby American helped Ford Motor Company land America's the World Manufacturers' Championship, Shelby American also provided support to Ford for their successful campaign to win the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Shelby CSX-4000, 1965 |
Shelby American moved in 1995 to Nevada becoming the first automobile manufacturer in Nevada and began production. The line included:
- 427 S/C Cobras
- CSX1000-series British Made Frames and Aluminum Bodies (of modern production)
- CSX4000-series Various Manufacturers , Fibreglass and Aluminum bodywork available
- CSX6000-series Continuation of the CSX4000 Series
- CSX7000-series 289 FIA Cobra Roadster
- CSX8000-series 289 Street Car
- CSX9000-series Shelby Cobra "Daytona" Coupe , Released in 2009.
Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster |
In 2003, the company name was changed to "Carroll Shelby International, Inc." from "Shelby American" and it was taken public. Shelby Automobiles was also created as a subsidiary and manufacturing arm of the new company.
Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe |
On December 15, 2009, Carroll Shelby International announced in a press release that Shelby Automobiles was being renamed to "Shelby American" in celebration of the 45th anniversary of 427 Cobra and GT350. - CAR REVIEW
Shelby