Carroll Shelby wasn’t just a car builder; he was a man with a passion for speed and a vision that transformed the automotive world. His journey from a humble Texas chicken farmer to a legendary figure in motorsports is as remarkable as the cars he created. In this article, you’ll have a closer look at fifteen of his most famous cars, each a tribute to his legacy and his love for the thrill of the ride.

Shelby Cobra Super Snake (1966) 

Only two Super Snakes were built in the rarest and most extreme of Shelby’s creations. Based on the 427 Cobra, the Super Snake featured twin Paxton superchargers on the already potent 427 V8, resulting in an estimated 800 horsepower. One was for Shelby himself, while the other was for a friend. 

Shelby GT350 (1965) 

Introduced as Carroll Shelby’s first collaboration with Ford, the Shelby GT350 transformed the Mustang into a performance car. It featured a 289 cubic-inch V8 engine tuned to deliver 306 horsepower, significantly increasing over the standard Mustang. The GT350’s design made it a true track car with enhancements like a stiffened suspension, larger brakes, and a stripped-down interior. 

Shelby GT500 (1967) 

The GT500 took the Shelby Mustang concept to new heights. It featured a 428 cubic inch (7.0-liter) Police Interceptor V8 engine, officially rated at 355 horsepower but likely producing more. By merging muscle car power with the comfort of a grand tourer, the GT500 became one of the most sought-after Shelbys in automotive history.

Shelby Cobra Mk I (1962) 

This original Shelby Cobra Mk I was a game-changer, born from Shelby’s vision of combining a lightweight British AC Ace chassis with a small-block Ford V8 engine. Equipped with a 260 cubic-inch engine delivering about 260 horsepower, the car was a powerhouse for its era, swiftly establishing the Cobra as a formidable force in the racing world.

Shelby Cobra Mk II (1963) 

Building on the success of the Mk I, the Mk II Cobra improved cooling and had a stronger chassis to handle the increased power. It retained the 289 cubic inch V8 but with various states of tune, some producing over 300 horsepower. On the racing circuits, the Mk II achieved notable victories.

Shelby Cobra Mk III (1965) 

As the most powerful and iconic version, the Mk III Cobra, or the 427 Cobra, became legendary. It featured a massive 427 cubic inch (7.0-liter) Ford V8 engine and produced upwards of 425 horsepower in street trim. The car required extensive chassis modifications to handle the immense power, resulting in a wider body and flared fenders. 

Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe (1964) 

As a closed-top version of the Cobra, it was designed to compete with Ferrari at Le Mans. Propelled by a 289 cubic inch V8 engine producing around 390 horsepower, the Daytona Coupe won its class at the Le Mans in 1964 and helped secure the 1965 FIA World Sportscar Championship for Shelby.

Ford GT40 (1966) 

While not solely a Shelby creation, Carroll Shelby played an essential role in developing the GT40 into a race-winner for Ford. After initial struggles, Shelby’s team refined the car’s aerodynamics and suspension. The GT40 Mk II, powered by a 7.0-liter V8 engine, dominated the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966. 

Shelby GT500KR (1968) 

Dubbed the “King of the Road,” the Shelby GT500KR evolved from the GT500 and featured the new 428 Cobra Jet engine. Officially rated at 335 horsepower (though likely producing more), the GT500KR was one of its era’s most powerful and sought-after muscle cars.

Shelby Series 1 (1998) 

This was Shelby’s first clean-sheet sports car design. Unlike his previous vehicles, the car was built from the ground up. It had an Oldsmobile Aurora 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 320 horsepower, a carbon fiber body, and an aluminum chassis. Notably, the company made only 249 units. 

Shelby 1000 (2011) 

One of Carroll Shelby’s final projects before passing in 2012 was this car that came in two versions: a street version with 950 horsepower and a track version with up to 1,100 horsepower. The car required extensive modifications to handle the massive power increase, including a strengthened chassis, upgraded suspension, and larger brakes. 

Shelby Cobra 289 (1964) 

Among the most successful racing Cobras, the Shelby Cobra 289 received praise for its balance of power and handling. With a 289 cubic-inch V8 engine producing 271 horsepower, it was lighter and more agile on the track than its 427 big brother. Its racing success further solidified its legendary status in motorsports. 

Ford Mustang GT350R (1965) 

Only 36 units were built, making it one of the rarest Shelby Mustangs. It packed a modified 289 cubic inch V8 engine producing around 350 horsepower, a stripped-out interior, and extensive chassis modifications for racing. These cars dominated the SCCA B-Production class, winning the championship consecutively. 

Shelby GT500 Super Snake (2008)

A modern interpretation of the classic Super Snake concept, this model was based on the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500. It featured a boosted 5.4-liter V8 engine, upgraded to produce 605 horsepower (and later versions offering up to 725 horsepower). The Super Snake included performance upgrades such as enhanced suspension, larger brakes, and aerodynamic improvements.

Ford Mustang Shelby GT (2010) 

A product of the collaboration between Shelby American and Ford Racing, the 2010 Shelby GT was based on the Mustang GT. With its 4.6-liter V8 engine equipped with a Ford Racing supercharger, it boasted an output of 535 horsepower. This model provided an affordable introduction to Shelby’s high-performance cars.