Shelby Cobra, 40th anniversary edition vintage car with handcrafted aluminium body up for auction

Shelby Cobra CSX4000 Series Roadster with a hand-crafted aluminium body will be up for auction next month. The sporty two-seater is based on a 1965 model, although it was created in the early 2000s to commemorate the Shelby Company’s 40th anniversary. The unusual automobile will be auctioned off by Mecum Auctions in Tulsa from June 9 through June 11.

This Cobra is one of just five with a magnificent hand-crafted, polished aluminium body and is number 29 of 40 ever manufactured as homage to the original vehicle. The vehicle is powered by an all-aluminium Shelby 427 FE Stroker V-8 engine that produces 535 horsepower and 545 ft lbs of torque.

The history of the Shelby Cobra dates back to 1961, when Carroll Shelby fitted a Ford V-8 engine and a Borg-Warner T-10 four-speed gearbox in a vintage AC Ace sports vehicle. It was one of the quickest vehicles available at the time, having been designed as a Corvette-killer.

A top-loader four-speed manual transmission and two Holley four-barrel carburettors complete the package. Rack and pinion steering, four-wheel Baer disc brakes and a Shelby/Dana 44 rear differential are among the other notable features.

It has brushed aluminium stripes along the centre and a chrome roll hoop on its iconic curvy shape. Vintage Goodyear Eagle Billboard racing tyres are mounted on 15-inch Trigo knock-off wheels. The velvety black fender guards contrast with the translucent wheel-well protection.

The inside is simply simple, almost as if to let the outside shine even brighter. There's a wood-rimmed steering wheel and a glovebox autographed by Carroll Shelby. Meanwhile, the seats are upholstered in smooth black leather, while the sun visors and wind wings are made of plexiglass.