Shelby American unveils 50th Anniversary FIA Shelby Cobra

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the small block Shelby Cobra FIA version, Shelby American has introduced a limited edition Shelby 289 FIA Cobra. Only 50 examples will be built and each will be painted “Viking Blue” with FIA stripes and roundels, feature a black FIA interior, special billet anniversary badges, original style wheels and a variety of additional options. The 50th Anniversary Edition 289 FIA Cobras will retain the authentic style suspension, graceful body lines with upgrades like modern disc brakes, a stronger frame and the bodies are available in either aluminum or fiberglass. The cars will also feature a complete exhaust for a small block Ford V8, a special fitted car cover and optional detachable steering wheel.

The FIA version of the small block Cobra competed in the 1964 World Manufacturers Championship series against the likes of Aston Martin, Jaguar and Corvette. Modifications for the 289 FIA Cobras included a new dash, widened front and rear fenders, cut-back doors, new dampers, racing wheels featuring the pin-drive hub, oil cooler scoops and a competition spec 289 small block engine.

“The 289 FIA Shelby Cobras were among the most important cars in American racing history,” said John Luft, president of Shelby American. “The FIA Cobras built during that period were piloted by racing legends including Ken Miles, Dan Gurney, Phil Hill and Bob Bondurant. Thus, some of the most revered drivers in the sport put the 289 FIA Cobra into the winner's circle. Combining a robust, powerful American engine with a lightweight chassis was sheer brilliance. Shelby's formula still resonates today and is followed by automakers worldwide.”

“Our CSX7000 cars incorporate safety and performance improvements, without sacrificing driving excitement or originality,” added Vince LaViolette, senior designer and head of RD at Shelby American. “With a small block V8 pushing only 2,100 lbs., it's the lightest Cobra ever built with an incredible power-to-weight ratio. This allows the small block Cobra to dive deep into corners and pull through with incredible precision and accuracy.”

“The importance and historical significance of these cars was the fact that they brought a small shop in Southern California to the forefront of international racing on two continents within the same year,” said Shelby Expert and SAAC Member Jeff Gagnon. “Shelby American took it to Ferrari, Corvette and other well-supplied, well-funded and established race teams and manufacturers. That was no small feat, even in those simpler times.”

The 50th Anniversary CSX7000 FIA Continuation Cobra will begin at $94,995 for a fiberglass or $159,995 for an aluminum bodied car, excluding drive train and can be purchased through Shelby American Cobra dealers.