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Shelby's manufacturing plant

Shelby American Plant Tour in Las Vegas

The hiss of activity seemed appropriate as Bob Boberg of eClassicAutos.com toured the Shelby American plant in Las Vegas this week. It is the world’s most exclusive “speed shop” where exotic Cobras and Super Snakes get their venom. Carroll Shelby founded the company over 50 years ago and it is still a vibrant enterprise today. Located just 20 minutes off the Strip in Las Vegas, this is where you’ll find hot rod shop mechanics “tuning” real Cobras, Shelby super cars and Ford Raptors for those of us who are never satisfied with factory horsepower.

First Shelby Cobra CSX2000
Also housed in the Shelby American facility is a “must see” museum of Shelby cars. The very first Cobra ever built, designated CSX2000, is a featured car on display in the museum. This 1962 AC Cobra, with a small block 260 engine, may be one of the most valuable sports cars in the world, with some estimates being as much as $26 million. (Photos by Bob Boberg of eClassicAutos.com)
Shelby museum
A true tribute to the man … a trip to the Shelby facility wouldn’t be complete without visiting the onsite museum. Several of Carroll Shelby’s personal collection of cars are housed here, along with some late model builds. (Photos by Bob Boberg of eClassicAutos.com)
Taking delivery of a 2013 Shelby Super Snake
While touring the plant a family was there taking delivery of the 2013 Shelby GT500 Super Snake.
New 2013 Shelby 1000
The only place in the world where you can buy a new Shelby 1000 is through Shelby American. Here is a 2013 Shelby GT500 with its engine removed to be reworked into a GT1000 build. The street version GT1000, as its name implies, produced 1,000 horsepower. Race versions can be 1,100 horsepower or more.
Shelby 1000 brake upgrade
Another part of the Shelby 1000 upgrade includes special Shelby brakes and calipers.
2013 Shelby GT350
You can only buy the 2013 Shelby GT350 from Shelby American. Ford Motor Company does not have the license for the GT350. This one is ready for delivery. To own a Shelby GT350 you first have to buy a Ford Mustang, either a GT or even a 6-cylinder model, and have it shipped to Shelby American. They then do the upgrades at the plant. Shelby has announced that 2013 will be the last year that they will build the GT350.
Polished aluminum Shelby Cobra body
Of course, you can still purchase an authentic Shelby Cobra from Shelby American. Shelby builds the body and chassis for the Cobra. As you can see, the bodies are all done in polished aluminum. They deliver them to the buyer without the drive train. Cobra owners can have the drivetrain of their choice installed.
2013 Shelby Raptor
Shelby American also converts Ford Raptors into high performance Shelby Raptors. This 2013 Raptor was being worked on as we toured the plant. (Photos by Bob Boberg of eClassicAutos.com)

 

 

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