Ultra-Rare 2004 Shelby Cobra Prototype Up For Auction

The words ultra-rare and Shelby go together like peanut butter and jelly. Some of the most expensive auction cars to ever cross the block have carried Carroll Shelby’s moniker on them. The upcoming Greensboro Auto Auction in Greensboro, North Carolina, features a Shelby that is sure to bring record money.

Unlike most Shelby Cobras, however, this is a relatively modern creation. It is the only 2004 Ford Shelby Cobra ever built. It his the auction block on November 3, 2017 and is likely to venture well into the six-digit range and possibly higher.

A Modern Twist

When you’ve already done an all-new Ford GT and Mustang, you ask yourself, ‘What would the next step be?’ — J Mays, Ford Motor Company

The original Shelby Cobras were built on a simple philosophy, stuff a big engine into a little car. With the help of Ford’s 427 cubic-inch big-block and a small British built roadster, the legendary 427 Cobra was born.

Some 40 years later, Ford’s Advance Production Creative team decided to recreate the legendary Cobra by applying the same ideas that Carroll Shelby did in the 1960s but with the best technology available at the time. They started with the chassis from the then all new Ford GT super car and converted it from rear-engine form to the more traditional front-engine mount.

They then built an aluminum, 6.4-liter V10 engine specifically for the car. This powerplant cranked out just over 600 horsepower and just over 500 lb-ft of torque. Easily powering the lightweight Cobra from 0-60 in under four seconds. With what has been described as near-perfect weight distribution and brute-force acceleration, this is not your typical concept car. This Shelby performs like the world-class super car that it is.

Worthy Cause

Any time auction proceeds go to benefit a worthy cause the numbers automatically get a big boost from the crowd. This Shelby Cobra sale will go towards the restoration of Fair Lane, the early 1,900s home of Clara and Henry Ford. Aside from their automotive contributions, the Fords were instrumental in many other things that directly effected middle-class America. The restoration of this home will provide an attraction for people to come visit and learn about the Ford legacy for years to come.

2004 Cobra Engine Specifications

Type: 6.4-liter,  90-degree V10

Valvetrain: DOHC, four valves per cylinder

Compression Ratio: 10:8:1

Bore & Stroke: 3.66×3.70 inches

Horsepower:  605 at 6,750 rpm

Torque: 501 lb-ft at 5,500 rpm

Even if you cannot afford to place a bid, you still owe it to yourself to go check this car out if you are any where close this November. This could be your only chance to see this rare machine in person.

The car will be on display at the Greensboro Auto Auction November 2-4, 2017 and will cross the auction blocks on the the third. You can see all the info on the Shelby here.

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About the author

Jeff Southard

Growing up with a dad who loved Corvettes, I was destined to be a gearhead from day one. Beyond that, my dad owned an auto parts business for over 25 years. There, I learned the automotive basics as a child, then began my professional career working there after high school. From Corvettes and Superbirds to Hemis and Cobra Jets, my dad has owned a little of everything over the years, so I've had my chance to get some quality seat time behind the wheel of some rare, unique, and sometimes, just odd automobiles. I have owned my share of toys, including over 20 Mustangs. I guess to make a long story short, if you look up "car crazy" you will probably find my photo listed pretty close to it!
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