Shelby Cobra CSX10000 - The venomous Cobra returns to the UK
After more than 60 years since the iconic Shelby Cobra was first introduced to the world at the New York motor show in 1962 and 100 years after of the birth a Carroll Shelby, a new Shelby Cobra is about to make its global debut in the UK – before it is even available to US customers.
In 2024, the Shelby Cobra CSX10000 will be delivered to UK customers through an agreement that has been reached between Shelby and London based high performance and US vehicle specialist; Clive Sutton.
The CSX10000 is the latest turnkey Cobra which is built under licence from the Ford Motor Company and Carroll Shelby Licensing.
Owners will have the benefit of each vehicle being recorded in the official Cobra Registry which will help with proving the provenance of genuine cars against replicas. Other modern built Cobra’s that appear in the official registry are the continuation cars – the CSX6000 (MKIII) and the CSX8000 (MKII) – which are built to the original specification using period correct technology running big block V8 engines.
Powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0 litre V8 Coyote engine used in the current Ford Mustang and with a 6 speed Tremec manual gearbox, the CSX10000 will produce 460 horsepower. And for those that want more performance, the CSX10000 will also be offered with a 3.0 litre Whipple twin screw supercharger which will produce an eye watering 700 horsepower at 5000 rpm.
The car will run on 18inch wheels with a similar design to the original 15inch Cobra wheels, all wrapped in Continental Extreme Contact Sport Tyres. With a massive 335/30ZR18 rear and 275/35ZR18 front profile, you know that the CSX10000 is every bit as serious as its predecessors.
Those of us not fond of doing a full arm and leg workout every time they go for a spin will be pleased to know that each CSX10000 will come with power steering and Wilwood power-assisted brakes.
Drivers will be presented with a tastefully re-created instrument cluster with dials and gauges that resemble the Cobra’s of old, alongside leather upholstered diamond quilted stitched seats. Numerous colour options for the leather and stitching will enable owners to create a more individual and bespoke feel.
Images: Clive Sutton
Neil Cummings, CEO of Carroll Shelby Licencing: “Our founder, Carroll Shelby would be impressed with this latest evolution of his original Cobra that he first created in 1962 after he won Le Mans as a driver in 1959, then turned to his dream of designing and building his own special world-beating sports car. He retired as a Le Mans-winning driver due to a heart condition that required him to pop nitro-glycerine tablets to keep his heart going to the finish line.
“Bringing this Shelby turnkey car to the UK with our retailer Clive Sutton is a special moment for Shelby. It’s a fitting reminder to the world that Shelby is the original, genuine designer, builder, and Manufacturer of Record for the Shelby Cobra, which won the 1965 FIA World Manufacturers’ Championship while beating Ferrari for the first time in the FIA GT class.”
Available in either RHD or LHD variants and priced at £195,000 here we have an official Shelby with similarities in design, power and presence of the original icon, but with modern enhancements that make the CSX10000 much easier to live with, whilst all being recognised officially by Shelby.
Clive Sutton, founder and CEO: “It is an immense honour to be the first market globally to receive the Shelby Cobra CSX10000. As an officially recognised and licensed Shelby Cobra, the car will provide a strong investment opportunity alongside its spine-tingling performance and retro styling.”
As the UK’s sole distributer of Shelby products, Clive Sutton is taking orders for the CSX10000 for 2024. Those who would prefer to opt for one of the more period correct continuation Cobras could opt for either of the CSX6000 / CSX8000 Cobras which Clive Sutton can also provide. Customers can get in touch with the Clive Sutton team at www.clivesutton.co.uk
Given that the CSX10000 will make its global debut in the UK ahead of its US customers, it seems that there really is a trans-Atlantic special relationship and one can only assume that maybe the UK is actually America’s 51st state.
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