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I thought that would be a great car to make a painting of fort my History of Shelby cars colleciton and did so but I guess the history of the actual car is still shrouded in lost facts.  After his successful April tests, French racer and sometime Shelby dealer Claude Dubois sent a telegram to Carroll Shelby implying how bad it would be to race this car in front of 300,000 spectators only to have the car DNF so he conned Shelby into new parts--a 289ci GT40 Mk I engine developing 390 horsepower, a new transmission, new steering, and a new rear axle. Ray Geddes, who managed the relationship between Shelby and Ford, greenlighted the expense.

Dubois' mods included a specific windshield wiper, new  front and rear supports to allow the jack to lift the car quickly, a NASCAR type fire extinguisher, Marchal headlights, spoilers on the front bumper to bring the car lower in the Hunaudières straight.

5R539 was as fast as the Ferrari that Claude Dubois had piloted the previous year, but  Claude and  teammate Chris Tuerlinckx struggled to reach a required 4'13 per lap, by  slipstreaming a bulkier  car and winding it out to 7300 rpm, 300 rpm past the redline to make a 4'10 lap!

Whoever attached that front bumper did it wrong because they lost a front spoiler and without that , on the  high speed Hunaudières straight it was unmanageable.

One hour in,  5R539 was in last place.But they hung in there for six more hours. Next the Borg Warner T10 gearbox broke.

Shelby fans want to know what happened to the original?  A look alike showed up at recent car events in Yurrip.I'll post a pitcher of the art when I find it in the stack.

Wherever that original chassis went, if it still exists, I predict, if restored properly,  it would be a million dollar '65. (And then of course the present Shelby-American could make a tribute series...)

 
Of course everybody has seen the movie Ford v. Ferrari but didja know two successful actors optioned (and later bought I believe) a popular book on Shelby's LeMans efforts called Go Like Hell with the intention of making a  ten episode TV series.The actors are Peter Dinklage and Channing Tatum (or is it the other way around?) The weird thing is that the book in question is A.J.Baimes Go Like Hell, originally announced as the source for Ford v. Ferrari but at the last minute the movie folks didn't option it so the two actors did, for a series. I guess the only way we will find out if it's been greenlighted for production is if owners of good replicas start getting phone calls "Do you wanna rent your car>"
As a fan I'd welcome a TV format, because there would be more room for development of the characters and some good old stories told for the first time on film, such as Shelby the day all his chickens died, the day he flipped a Maser at Riversie and cut his nose off, etc.etc.

If those two actors don't get the ball rolling on that book, and others want to try the same subject, I know some   more that haven't been bought yet. I optioned one of my three but the studio dropped it for a sci-fi book, alas.

I was invited to the preview party at the Petersen August 10th. I didn't look at it closely thinking it was the original CSX2000, it was that good a copy. Here's the press release I got the day after. I had made a painting of the Super Snake and brought it, thinking the new car was going to be a copy of that but that's in the near future. Any comment on the CSX numbering--though it celebrates the original CSX2000, its going to have a different number for registration ( from CSX2900 to 2009)...

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NEW LIMITED EDITION ALUMINUM CSX2000 SERIES SHELBY COBRA ROADSTERS TO HONOR CARROLL SHELBY
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factory press release:
Mon, Aug 12, 7:15 AM (2 days ago)


     

NEW LIMITED EDITION ALUMINUM CSX2000 SERIES SHELBY COBRA ROADSTERS TO HONOR CARROLL SHELBY



JUPITER, FLORIDA – August 12, 2024 – Executives with Shelby Legendary Cars have introduced the limited edition Shelby Cobra CSX2000 Tribute Series Roadsters, the ultimate salute to the great Carroll Shelby. The new series was unveiled during a private event at the Petersen Museum in Southern California, on Saturday, August 10. Each of the 10 handcrafted cars will be built to exacting specifications in honor of the international motorsports star.



"Carroll Shelby was one of the most influential people in the history of the automobile," said Lance Stander, CEO of Shelby Legendary Cars. "Through his cars, racing team and driving career, Carroll became a catalyst for waves of innovation and his impact can still be felt by enthusiasts worldwide. We wanted to celebrate this charismatic and magnetic personality who truly changed the landscape with a car worthy of him."



The Carroll Shelby story is the stuff of legend. The WWII aviator tried his hand at various business ventures before turning to automobile racing. Win after win, Shelby turned a gentleman's hobby into a full-blown career. Circumnavigating the globe and behind the wheel of cars by Ferrari, Aston Martin, Maserati and other celebrated marques, he earned a reputation as a fierce competitor at famed races worldwide.



Carroll Shelby established Shelby American in 1962 after retiring as a Le Mans-winning driver. His first car was the Ford small block powered Shelby Cobra roadster (CSX2000); his racing versions were dominant. It was followed by the aerodynamic Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe, which won its class at Le Mans in 1964 and then the FIA sports car world championship the next year. Shelby American also introduced an all-new big block Shelby Cobra and high-performance version of the Ford Mustang (Shelby GT350) in 1965. Over the past 60+ years, Shelby American offered many leading sports cars, trucks, hot hatches and muscle cars.



But CSX2000 was always the cornerstone on which Shelby built his success. After small block Shelby Cobra production ended in 1967, the car participated in a long list of events. From the Monterey Historics and Pebble Beach Concours in 2012, as well as the New York Auto Show the same year, to being named the most significant car of the past 50 years by Motor Trend in 1999, the roster of accolades and honors is extraordinary.



The Shelby Cobra CSX2000 Tribute Series of roadsters are the ultimate salute to Carroll Shelby. Original factory blueprints were used for the aluminum bodies, which follow every line of the first Shelby Cobra. The cockpit, interior, one-off bodywork and authentic leaf spring suspension with a correct Salisbury rear end and inboard brakes, are identical to those on the prototype Shelby Cobra.



"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."



Shelby Legendary Cars is dedicated to continuing the legacy of Carroll Shelby and the cars that he created. The company has a complete line of 1960's Shelby Cobra roadster and Daytona Coupe cars in both big and small block configuration available.



"Shelby Legendary Cars has been a terrific ambassador for Shelby," said M. N. Cummings, Esq., Co-CEO of Carroll Shelby International and CEO of Carroll Shelby Licensing. "Their cars are always well built and true to the Shelby heritage, which is why these 10 cars earned a coveted CSX2000 series serial number. The attention to detail is amazing and we 're very excited about this new Tribute series of Shelby Cobras."



The only car of its type to be approved for production, each handcrafted roadster will have a Shelby serial number (CSX2900-2909) and MSO from Shelby American. The roadsters will come as completed rollers configured for a small block Ford V8 with a Borg Warner T10 transmission to be installed by the customer or shop of their choice. Owners of the limited edition "sport car" – as Carroll Shelby called it – can choose their color and whether to install the optional rollbar that was added by Shelby American after the car's debut.



"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 aluminum 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."



Those interested in purchasing one of the 10 Shelby Cobra CSX2000 Tribute Series Roadsters can inquire through www.Shelbylegendarycars.com or by calling (800) 297-6253.



About Shelby Legendary Cars

Shelby Legendary Cars continues the heritage of Shelby American's world famous 1960's Cobra, Coupe and GT40. The company is keeping the Shelby flame alive with licensed vehicles that have a documented Shelby serial number, just as though production never ended. The current vehicle lineup includes the nimble small block Shelby Cobra roadster in both street and racing (FIA) configurations, the mighty big block Cobra roadster, the world champion Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe and the Le Man-winning Ford GT40. Each one honors the 1960s era cars with authentic chassis, bodies and powertrain options. Additional information is available at www.shelby.com or www.Shelbylegendarycars.com or by calling (888) 743- 5298.

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Media Information: Scott Black | TPRM | (214) 520-3430 | sblack@tprm.com

Got to be at least one Cobra, Great by the ocean setting. At least $90 to be spectator. Sorry to post so late. Here's the schedule

Saturday, April 20th, 2024
5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Complimentary event
We will be showcasing 75+ incredible Porsches along La Jolla's Prospect Street for all to enjoy.
Enjoy this beautiful display of Porsches as we continue our celebration of the La Jolla Concours d'Elegance with this complimentary event.
We encourage attendees to dine at their favorite restaurants before visiting some of the finest art galleries, jewelry stores, and shops throughout the village!
Restaurant reservations are recommended to ensure a table at your favorite eateries.

The Grand Event – The La Jolla Concours d'Elegance
Sunday, April 21st, 2024

9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Premiere automotive & lifestyle event in La Jolla California adjacent to the Pacific Ocean.

Viewing of 150+ exquisite, timeless automobiles.

Champagne & honey tasting garden.

Live music.

Specially curated and fully immersive event experience.

Live Music – 9:00 AM

Emcee introductions – 10:00 AM

Vintage Air Parade – Noon

Awards Show begins – 2:00 PM

Location: Ellen Browning Scripps Park

1100 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037

La Jolla Motor Car Classic at the La Jolla Concours d'Elegance

Sunday, April 21st, 2024

9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

 Cobra book 60 Years of Cobra hardbound, lots of color, only one page bent, The piece de resistance is a canvas giclee fine art print from an original painting of Wallace Wyss of a small block Cobra with Bob Bondurant at the wheel and two famous mechanics, Phil Remington and Charlie Agaipiou. Cash only, One day only April 21st.  I'll be at the concours in LaJolla Cove Sunday from 8 am, text me so we can meet at gate and I can retrieve the painting and book from the car .

Thats the rub--which jacket? I've got ten leather jackets. so easier for a print customer to measure their own jacket

-from where the sleeve connects to the jacket down to where your cuffs end on your present jacket
-around the circumference with tape measure to where the two sides meet in at the waist

I don't start on the jacket until the print is done and paid for, then I send pictures of all the jackets I have available to see what shade you prefer, from dark brown to caramel; my own is dark brown, some sort of tribute to a rock and roll band jacket with my Bizzarrini painting added.

Sorry. $1K. that includes vintage leather jacket with same image thrown in. Mecum sold same size work by same artist, for over $1400 at Mecum Monterey  in 2022. Here's a jacket pic  tho not Shelby car

This is a 20" x 30" canvas giclee print of an oiginal painting of Phil Remington and Charlie Agaipou working on a Comp 289 (or 260)being driven by Bondurant. You can't see bondie's face but you can recognize the mechanics (Charlie's wife bought a jacket from the artist with this same image). Cash only. Will deliver greater  Los angeles area. write malibucarart@gmail.com

Fine art did ten paintings depicting Shelby, GT40 & Cobras back in the '60s. Now on 11"x  17"" on heavy paper. I can send image of all of them in group shot, you choose, all are 11" x 17". $100 plus $25 postage (in US) for five rt paper prints
Any one of them can be ordered as 20" x 30"giclee prints on canvas these usually embellished further with oil added)A  canvas same size one by same artist is in the Mullin Museum, two more sold at Mecum Monterey 2022 (heir site shows price) Here's a story on the artist

https://www.thegentlemanracer.com/2021/10/automotive-artist-wallace-wyss-and-his.html

Great for Shelby convention but can't travel outside Socal. email is malibucarart@gmail.com

Found it!

All Ford Charity Car Show


All Ford Charity Car Show
PER CAR $40.00

Availability: Event Date: April 22, 2023
Product Code: Z26-UPLAND-2023
Event*:
Ford of Upland $40 PER CAR

Such as by Jack de Koobs Hartog. Any condition, or ten copies of different Griffon magazine, IBOC magzine.The Cobra prints are 11" x 17" on heavy paper shipped rolled. One print per book or one print for ten Griffons. Also got
single spaced typed Bizzarrini register running nineteen pages about 11" x 8.5"stretching back to 2014. No author identified. Doubted accuracy but when i looked up the five Bizzarrinis I barn found, all were mentioned (such as that of Carey Loftin, the stunt man,)so i was satisfied so if you just discovered this forgotten (now prized) marque here's a place to start keeping track of SNs. The Register only sold for cash. If you request delivery in person in SoCal I'll bring some 11" x 17" prints of Bizzarrinis that are $75 each on heavyweught paper..

Maybe you are making t-shirts , tote bags or jackets for enthusiasts. i am willing to trade use of one of my ten Shelby-related paintings for initially a one time cash payment followed by X number of whatever the clothing item is carrying the image of my painting.The work as used on cloting must keep the artist's signature. Send your website address to malibucarart@gmail.com so i can see the merchandise you make and I'll direct you to websites featuring my work, including Mecum Monterey 2022 where one painting sold for $1700...

I came across this letter from 2008 on a AC Owner's Club register

It appears that what some collectors fear is already happening–aging 428 Fruas are being cannibalized for their chassis, which once shortened 6″ in wheelbase, can accommodate a 427 Cobra body. On an AC Owner's club website I found one such case but they mention this fate awaits other 428 Fruas that are rusty or otherwise undesirable...
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08, 11:38:40 »
Hi David

Both conversions already known and listed thanks in a first draft AC 428 Register I cobbled together late last year, which the Club has since removed to be replaced hopefully with their glossy on-line version sometime soon. [8D] I can attach a copy to an e-mail if you need.

To bring you up to date....

1.

Extracted and copied across from old Register I've saved on hard drive :

CFX 35: Fastback. Automatic. Now 428/ Cobra Conversion.
Manual. LHD. Trade advert: La Baule, Brittany France.
Status: Active.
E-mail received 5/1/08.
"Dear Sir,
the car we have for sale is a conversion from an AC Frua 428 to an AC Cobra
427. The engine is not the original 428 but a 302 that has been fully
prepared and that devellopps 450 HP. The body is a SC one. The chassis
number is CFX 35. Aluminium oil and water radiator. Aluminium vapor oil
Tank. Aluminium water expansion tank. Special laiton 3 discs clutch. Gearbox
is a toploader close ratio, wheels are original halibrand with hoosier
tyres.
Price is 200 000 â,¬uros.
Sincerly yours,
Nicolas QUERARD
PH : 00 33 2 40 24 10 36"

None of it's mine (I only have artwork made in modern times) , and it seems not all the lots are Shelby but see if you can open the site on Mecum On Time

https://ontime.mecum.com/auction/shelby-american-le-mans-sports-car-racing-collection-220/bidgallery/?utm_campaign=Mecum%20On%20Time&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=243358474&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--U1eFyjDl_ip0qOzCqc0O7oc1QGrtAeMmZImMQJJI_zpR_08U5_-z8FLfsaYaGE3rDup08eHCZGU49RdfaNXWD6gPrxA&utm_content=243358474&utm_source=hs_email

or maybe this title

What's On Time this Week: Shelby American / Le Mans & [NEW!] Formula One Grand Prix

The 450SS appeared as a Fiat concept car. Sugarman saw it on R & T cover, flew to italy and studied it then asked i buddy Hn DeLorean to get GM interested but according to  tory on Hagerty's website DeLoreans previous two seater idea was shot down so he recommended Chrysler. Chrysler greed to provide the drive train but it was imported for Sugarman not sold in Chrysler showroom. Nowhere in the Hagerty story doe it mention Ford being offered the car  but I was surprised to her OSI built the cars when previously I thought Ghia did. The Hagarty story says when DeTomaso ought Ghia in  '67 the last Ghia 40/SS was built