Introduced in 1962 by Carroll Shelby, the Cobra has been a staple in American automotive design. The car is renowned for its aerodynamic prowess and its speed. It was the first production car to attain a top speed of over 200 miles per hour, making it the fastest production car on Earth at that time. As an icon, it encapsulates everything that Americans love about cars: power and speed. If you're looking for a vehicle to show off your personality, this is your halo machine.
What's the history of the Cobra?
The Shelby Cobra is a well-known icon in the automotive world, but it's not your average car. The car was first introduced in 1962 by Carroll Shelby and is known as the "Cobra." It became a staple of American automotive design and was celebrated for its speed.
The original Cobra was an ungainly, bottle-nosed economy car that could reach 160 miles per hour (257 km/h). In 1967, with the help of aerodynamic design consultant John Greenwood, production Cobras could attain a top speed of 203 miles per hour (327 km/h).
In 1970, the Ford Mustang finally had a competitor to compete against. To stay one step ahead of the Mustang, Carroll Shelby decided to stray from his traditional formula and develop a new series of Cobras. A more modernized version of the active-handling Cobra was released in 1971 called the "Cobra R" that featured independent suspension and disc brakes. This variant was produced until 1974 when the "Cobra S."
The "S" Cobra featured amendments such as narrow tires paired with increased ground clearance for better performance on road courses. These cars were produced until 1979, when they were replaced by the "Hellcat" variant. This variant was also known as the "Eleanor" since Eleanor Shelby had died two years earlier. The "Hellcat" would be produced until 1985, when production stopped due to
Why is the Cobra so iconic?
The Cobra is an icon of American automotive design because of its speed and performance. It also has a distinctive shape instantly recognizable as a Shelby Cobra. The car was created to be the fastest production car on Earth, and it did just that. Additionally, the car's iconic shape is one-of-a-kind, making it recognizable to anyone who knows anything about cars.
The Cobra is also an icon because of its association with Carroll Shelby, who had a reputation for being a master craftsman in the automotive industry. He was known for putting together unique cars that were not just fast but also stunningly beautiful.
Shelby Cobras are made by hand and are one-of-a-kind pieces of art--something any true collector would love to have in their garage.
The Cobra as a halo car
In the words of Carroll Shelby, "The Cobra is a halo car. It is not so much a sports car as it is a jet fighter made to move on the ground." The Cobra was designed to be an American solution to the European sports cars of the era (think Porsche, Jaguar, and Ferrari), but it was also a statement about American ingenuity and ingenuity in general. In this sense, the Cobra does not represent its own era's sensibilities and values; instead, it means all periods. As such, for new drivers looking for their first car, or veterans looking for something that represents American values and ingenuity in general, this vehicle is perfect for your needs. Get behind the wheel of one of these hot rods, and you'll understand why Americans love cars like these so much.
Top 10 reasons to buy a Cobra.
Cobras are known for their superlative performance. They have a top speed of over 200 miles per hour, nearly twice as quickly as the next cars on this list. These speeds make them ideal for track driving, but they're also comfortable enough to drive around town. Their low center of gravity can efficiently perform any maneuver because of their common center of gravity.
Another reason to buy a Cobra is that you'll never see another one on the road again--unless you want to! Cobras are so rare that it's probably already yours if you see one in your daily commute. The final reason to buy a Cobra is its powerful engine and long-lasting parts and mechanics. Even though these cars were built in the 60s, they still look great and are reliable enough to take anywhere--even into your garage!
Show off your Cobra pride with our cool Cobra Signs and Cobra Stickers