History
Shelby American was founded by Carroll Shelby in 1962 to build and market high performance parts and modified cars for individuals. Some of the automobiles produced by Shelby American were the Ford Mustang-based Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT500. Shelby American also installed the engines of US-market examples of the legendary AC Cobra which was an AC Ace with a Ford V8.
The company was also highly involved with racing, with Shelby cars winning many races and the first title for an American constructor at the World Sportscar Championship in 1965. In 1966 Shelby American also provided support to Ford for their successful campaign to win the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans as the historically first American constructor ever. With Shelby Daytona, Shelby became one of only three American constructors (along with Ford and Chevrolet) to win title on the international scene at the FIA World Championships.
Shelby American moved in 1995 to Nevada becoming the first automobile manufacturer in Nevada and began production. The line included:
- 427 S/C Cobras
- CSX1000-series Unknown-origin chassis and Aluminum Bodies (of modern production)
- CSX4000-series Various Manufacturers, Fibreglass and Aluminum bodywork available
- CSX6000-series Continuation of the CSX4000 Series
- CSX7000-series 289 FIA Cobra Roadster
- CSX8000-series 289 Street Car
- CSX9000-series Cobra "Daytona" Coupe, Released in 2009.
In 2003, the company name was changed to "Carroll Shelby International, Inc." from "Shelby American" and it was taken public. Shelby Automobiles was also created as a subsidiary and manufacturing arm of the new company.
On December 15, 2009, Carroll Shelby International announced in a press release that Shelby Automobiles was being renamed to "Shelby American" in celebration of the 45th anniversary of 427 Cobra and GT350.
Read more about this topic: Carroll Shelby International
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