Say what you want about Carroll Shelby the man, but there's no question he knew how to build amazing hardware. This 1999 Series I represents his vision for a no-compromises performance car, one that combines modern technology with the visceral thrill of the original Cobra. This car is 1 of only 249 units produced in 1999 and thus it carries a correct 17 digit production Vin# versus the cars that were built later on. Exotic, expensive, and with a fascinating story, these cars are a fantastic monument to an extraordinary man. Unlike a lot of builders, Shelby stayed current with technology and didn't marry himself to any brand or style. Just because the Cobras were aluminum, that didn't mean he had to build a 21st century version. Instead, he specified a carbon-fiber body for light weight and strength, and gave it dramatic curves that were not only spectacular to look at, but aerodynamically functional. The big oval air intake feeds the radiator, which vents through the hood, not underneath. Side "gills" add interest, while the rear view resembles nothing so much as a Ferrari Daytona. It shows 12,761 careful miles and is virtually new in every way. Of note, it has the stripe delete option, which gives it a relatively low-key look, and the way the paint is finished, there's no question this is a collector-quality automobile. The cockpit was engineered around the driver, and from the 2-tone leather seats to the gauges, it's suited to life on the street or the track. These cars were outrageously expensive to start and went up from there, so you know finish quality is exemplary, with neat stitching on the seats, sculpted door panels, and a highly functional dash. But it's much more polished than a Cobra or any small manufacturer's product has a right to be, approaching OEM levels in every way. The investment was impressive and the price tag was breathtaking, but few owners complained. Everything works as it should, and although this is a performance car first, there are no compromises, so it carries A/C, power everything, and a substantial stereo that sounds awesome. A black canvas top stows under the rear deck, but like the Corvette, there is no trunk, save for what you can reach from between the seats. Shelby chose a 4.0 liter Oldsmobile Aurora engine to power his new supercar, and with its aluminum construction and 32-valve architecture, it was truly state-of-the-art. With suitable tweaks, it makes enough horsepower to fling the roadster to the far side of 180 MPH, yet happily idles in traffic without getting hot-try that in your Cobra. The chassis is a tube frame design, full-race, of course, with wishbones and coil-overs at all four corners, along with massive disc brakes. It starts, drives, and idles like an OEM effort due to serious tech help from GM, and it has been properly maintained and serviced from Day One. Custom 3-piece alloys enhance the race look and wear staggered 275/35/18 front and 335/30/18 rear Michelin radials. An incredible effort whose cost-no-object build was both its greatest feature and ultimate downfall, but there's no denying that there are few more potent 2-seaters available for this kind of money. And the Shelby signatures are included, no charge. Call today! This vehicle is located in our Dallas/Fort Worth showroom. For more information, please call (817) 764-8000 or toll free (855) 877-2707.
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