Shelby Series 1 4.0 CID V8 1999
General description :
This 1999 Shelby Series 1 is for sale in our Louisville KY showroom. The name Shelby has been associated with unbelievable street machines since the early sixties. From his original AC Cobra to his work with the Dodge Viper team the man had done work with all three of the big American brands. The only thing he had not done was build a car from the ground up which beginning in 1997 that would all change. The Series one was the only car produced by Shelby from a clean slate. From the aluminum chassis to the curvaceous lines of the body the Series 1 was all Shelby. The 249 production cars made were all titled as 1999’s though there were others produced as component cars the original production cars are the ones that are true collectors. This beauty has lived a pampered life with less than 2700 miles on the odometer this Series 1 is ready to be put into another collection. The carbon fiber body is in excellent condition, showing no signs of abuse or neglect, she truly is a remarkable example. The silver paint was chosen by Shelby as he felt any other color would take away from the cars lines. The only option available was a set of racing stripes in multiple colors making this all silver one a rare find. The huge opening in the hood is reminiscing of the classic 60’s Leman racers that Carrol had beat with his GT40. The vents in the side have a C3 Corvette feel to them with the rear end having its own unique look. Under that hood is a GM based 4.0 V8 putting out 320HP. Mated to a ZF 6 speed transmission the car is all business. Inside this Series 1 is a seat of Black leather buckets with Carroll Shelby’s signature stitched in the back. With multiple Shelby checkered Snake eyes placed here and there you are reminded that this is what Shelby always wanted his Cobra to be. The fact they only made 249 of these cars is truly amazing. With this one though having the stripe delete option it truly is like finding a needle in a haystack. AC, AM/FM/CD, Power Brakes, Manual Convertible Top, Power Steering, Leather Interior, Power Windows, Tilt Steering Wheel, Aluminum Alloy Wheels with Radial tires. For more information on this 1999 Shelby Series 1, please call the Louisville showroom at (812) 294-1555 or email us at louisville@GatewayClassicCars.com. To see more of it, go to our website: http://www.GatewayClassicCars.com, where you'll see over 100 HD photos and an HD video of it in operation. Alternatively, if you want to see it in person, come to our Louisville Showroom, located at 13576 Blue Lick Rd, Memphis, IN 47143.
http://www.gatewayclassiccars.com/LOU/1921/1999-Shelby-Series-1-Convertible
1999 Shelby Series 1 4.0 CID V8 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Memphis by Gateway Classic Cars for $130000.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Shelby Model : Series 1 Model Version : 4.0 CID V8 Engine size : 4.0 Model Year : 1999 Sub type : Convertible Location : Louisville
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About Shelby
Carroll Shelby, a legendary figure in the automotive world, had a remarkable journey from being a successful race car driver to becoming a renowned sports car manufacturer in the United States. His story is filled with achievements, innovations, and iconic cars that left an indelible mark on the industry.Early Years and Racing Career:
Carroll Shelby was born in 1923 in Texas. He initially pursued a career as a pilot during World War II but found his true passion in racing after the war. Shelby became a successful race car driver in the 1950s, competing in various events including Formula One, endurance racing, and the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Shelby Cobras - Iconic Sports Cars:
Carroll Shelby's pivotal moment as a manufacturer came with the creation of the Shelby Cobra, an iconic American sports car. The Cobra was born from the fusion of a British AC Ace chassis and a Ford V8 engine, creating a lightweight, high-performance car that dominated tracks and streets alike. Key models include:
Shelby Cobra 260 (1962): The initial version with a 260 cubic inch (4.2L) V8 engine.
Shelby Cobra 289 (1963-1965): Later iterations with a 289 cubic inch (4.7L) V8 engine, including the competition-spec Cobras known for their racing prowess.
Shelby Cobra 427 (1965-1967): The most powerful iteration with a 427 cubic inch (7.0L) V8 engine, known for its raw power and performance.
Ford Partnership - Shelby Mustangs:
Shelby's partnership with Ford led to the creation of legendary Shelby Mustangs. The most notable model is:
Shelby GT350 (1965-1969): Based on the Ford Mustang, the GT350 was modified by Shelby American, featuring enhanced performance, handling, and distinct styling.
Other Notable Models and Achievements:
Beyond the Cobras and Mustangs, Shelby had several other significant contributions:
Shelby Daytona Coupe: Created to win against Ferrari in international GT racing, this car became the first American car to win the FIA GT World Championship in 1965.
Shelby Series 1: Introduced in the late 1990s, this was Shelby's modern take on a high-performance sports car.
Ford GT40 plays a pivotal role in Carroll Shelby's narrative, especially in his connection to Ford and his significant contribution to the car's success.
The Ford GT40 Development:
Ford's Challenge:
In the early 1960s, Henry Ford II sought to acquire Ferrari, but negotiations fell apart. This spurred Ford's determination to beat Ferrari at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race, which Ferrari had dominated for several years.
Collaboration with Shelby:
Ford turned to Carroll Shelby, recognizing his racing expertise and track record. Shelby was tasked with leading the GT40 project and turning it into a competitive race car capable of challenging Ferrari's supremacy.
Development and Triumph:
Under Shelby's guidance, the Ford GT40 underwent rigorous development to address initial design flaws and performance issues. Several iterations were produced:
Early Attempts: The initial versions of the GT40 faced reliability and handling issues, leading to disappointing results at Le Mans in 1964.
GT40 Mark II: Shelby's team made crucial improvements. The Mark II, equipped with a powerful V8 engine, improved aerodynamics, and refined engineering, became highly competitive.
Le Mans Victory:
In 1966, the Ford GT40 Mark II achieved a historic victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with Shelby-coached driver Ken Miles leading the race. This marked the first win for an American manufacturer at Le Mans, breaking Ferrari's dominance.
Continued Success:
The GT40 continued to dominate, winning Le Mans for the following three years (1966-1969), securing its place in racing history and solidifying Ford's reputation as a force in international motorsport.
Shelby's Contribution to the GT40 Success:
While Carroll Shelby wasn't directly involved in designing the GT40, his expertise in racing and his ability to assemble and lead a team of talented engineers, mechanics, and drivers were instrumental in refining the car's performance. His influence helped address technical issues, refine the car's handling, and strategize race tactics, contributing significantly to the GT40's success on the track.
Legacy and Impact:
The Ford GT40's victories at Le Mans under Shelby's guidance remain one of the most iconic achievements in motorsport history. The car's success solidified Shelby's reputation as an automotive visionary and further strengthened his partnership with Ford.
Carroll Shelby's involvement in the GT40 project showcased his ability to transform a struggling project into a championship-winning machine, adding another remarkable chapter to his illustrious career in the automotive world.