Shelby Cobra: books - history and models

Shelby Cobra (1962-1969) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book about the Shelby Cobra models from the years 1962-1969. Describes the Shelby Cobra 260, 289, 427, 427SC, BOSS 351, Daytona and Autokraft Mk IV.

• The 37 articles, taken from contemporary British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and technology.
• Also driving impressions, tests, comparison tests, technical specifications, etc.

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More information on the Brooklands Portfolio books

Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe : The autobiography of CSX2300 (Great Cars)

This book explores the history of the Daytona Coupe version of Carroll Shelby's Cobra, focusing on one of the six cars built. The Daytona Coupe, known for its striking looks and performance, was designed to win the FIA World Sportscar Championship, which it achieved in 1965 by defeating Ferrari in the large-capacity class.

The book details the specific car, CSX2300, which participated in five championship rounds (one in 1964 and four in 1965) and contributed to Shelby American's team success. The Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe is a significant addition to this acclaimed series of books.

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Shelby Cobras CSX 2001 - CSX 2125 - The Definitive Chassis-by-Chassis History of the Mark I Production Cars

Between 1961 and 1962, Carroll Shelby transformed a British sports car into the Cobra, which went on to win the 1965 World Manufacturers GT Championship for Shelby American. Today, the Cobra remains one of the most recognized cars worldwide.

This two-volume book details the development of the first production Ford-powered AC Ace 3.6 roadsters, now known as the Mark I Leaf Spring Cobras. It offers hundreds of fascinating stories about the people and the cars, appealing to both experienced enthusiasts and newcomers - especially those who had the foresight to acquire these vehicles.

The author has researched all 125 Mark I Cobras and conducted hundreds of interviews with those connected to them. This effort uncovered unknown histories, facts, and rare photographs and documents.

While much of the Cobra's success is credited to Carroll Shelby and his team at Shelby American, a significant part is owed to the skilled craftsmen at AC Cars in the 1960s. Except for the Ford engine and transmission, the Mark I Cobra was hand-built in England by artisans. This collaboration between American power and British craftsmanship resulted in one of the most iconic sports cars ever made.

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The First Three Shelby Cobras : The Sports Cars That Changed the Game (Exceptional Cars)

This book, the fourth in the Exceptional Cars series, tells the story of the first three AC Cobras created by Carroll Shelby in 1962. The prototype, CSX2000, is considered "the most important modern American car, " built on a British AC Ace chassis with an American Ford V8 engine. CSX2001 was the first production Cobra, and CSX2002 was the first to race, leading to many competition successes that made Shelby's Cobras famous worldwide.

- CSX2000, the only prototype, was kept by the Shelby family until 2016, when it sold at auction for a record $13.75 million.
- CSX2001, the first production car, was delivered to American race driver Ed Hugus and later sold to Frenchman Jean-Marie Vincent, who raced it in the Tour de France and various European hillclimbs.
- CSX2002 nearly won its first race at Riverside, driven by Bill Krause, but was sidelined by a broken rear hub. Dave MacDonald secured the first Cobra win with this car at Tucson in March 1963.

All three cars are now prized possessions in U.S. collections. CSX2000 and CSX2002 are part of the Larry Miller Collection, while CSX2001 belongs to California-based motorsport enthusiast Bruce Meyer. The book features a rich mix of period and contemporary images, many previously unseen.

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