Shelby Cobras

Author
Discussion

jim hobbs

Original Poster:

117 posts

262 months

Monday 29th December 2003
quotequote all
I have discovered the Carroll Shelby has started re-making the Cobra with fibreglass bodies from South Africa and ali from AC in the UK. Apparently they are looking for a distributor in the EU. Is there anyone on the list with more up to date info and/or with any knowledge if the cars would be UK compliant.

Julian64

14,317 posts

255 months

Monday 29th December 2003
quotequote all
Why did you want to know?

I only ask because Carol Shelby is a bit of a name prostitue. He does tend to lend his name to things for the buck although probably doesn't take much of a hand in them.

He is quoted as saying that the best replica Cobra was the Ram. This was at the same time as offering RAM owners a genuine chassis plate continuing on from the original chassis plate numbers at £450 a throw after a very cursory inspection.

Meanwhile, he sold jigs to autocraft, but he supposedly wouldn't give them his name cos they didn't bribe him enough.

It wouldn't surprise me much if he was doing the same again.

Meanwhile if you asked the question because you want to buy one, then I would suggest a look at GD, cos I think they're well regarded as probably the best.

Wacky Racer

38,190 posts

248 months

Monday 29th December 2003
quotequote all
Julian64 said:
Meanwhile if you asked the question because you want to buy one, then I would suggest a look at GD, cos I think they're well regarded as probably the best.



I agree.

I may be in the market for a "fake snake" in the new year, and I am very impressed by Andy Burrows work, a first class firm, with a fine reputation....

Not cheap, but sometimes you have to pay for the best...

chris_n

1,232 posts

259 months

Tuesday 30th December 2003
quotequote all
Julian64 said:
...Carol Shelby is a bit of a name prostitue.



And why not? Plenty of other people cashing in on his original inspired idea. Why shouldn't he?


Julian64 said:

Meanwhile if you asked the question because you want to buy one, then I would suggest a look at GD, cos I think they're well regarded as probably the best.



Depends on the definition of "best". They are undoubtedly fantastic cars, but are the amongst the least faithful to the original design. That could be a good or bad thing depending what you want.

Anyway, back to the original question, IIRC didn't AC just go bust (again) and get bought out by some group that have brought Shelby on board in some capacity? I think that might be what you're referring to. Assuming I've remembered this correctly, they've probably already got all the EU approvals they need as you're effectively talking about the AC MkIV, just being made under new ownership.

Chris

>> Edited by chris_n on Tuesday 30th December 17:44