Shelby's Legacy Revived: Series 1 Coupe Triumphantly Resurrected to Take the Road
By Dabbie Davis
Feb 09, 2024 04:38 AM EST
Shelby commemorates the 25th anniversary of the groundbreaking Series 1, the inaugural vehicle crafted entirely by the visionary Carroll Shelby, by reintroducing it as the Shelby Series 2 Coupe. Enthusiasts now have the option to select either an aluminum or carbon fiber chassis, with the caveat that they must furnish their chosen engine before hitting the road. Celebrating a quarter-century since the debut of the Series 1, the Shelby Series 2 Coupe 25th Anniversary edition is unveiled at the prestigious Revs Institute in Naples, Florida.
Presenting: Shelby Series 2 Coupe
Prospective buyers have the choice between an aluminum or carbon fiber frame for the Shelby Series 2 Coupe, but prior to hitting the road, they must install their own engine. The Shelby Series 2 Coupe bridges the gap between potential future performance and the timeless design brilliance of classic sports cars, appealing to fans of vintage automotive craftsmanship.
As these engine-less relics from the 1990s hit the market, enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to own a piece of automotive history. As described in The UBJ report, Shelby's Series 2 Coupe is crafted to offer a contemporary driving experience reminiscent of the Daytona, providing buyers with the chance to personalize it to their liking.
Despite its substantial price tag, comparable to that of a new home, the appeal is undeniable for collectors and enthusiasts of high-performance vehicles who are willing to procure and install their own engines.
The 2024 iteration of the Series 2 mirrors its 2018 predecessor, an advancement from the 2006 model, itself a progression from the Series 1, with notable additions including a fixed roof and a fastback-inspired roofline. Production is entrusted to Maryland-based Wingard Motorsports and Custom Coaches, highlighting enhanced brakes, suspension tweaks, and chassis adjustments enabling the platform to accommodate over 1,100 horsepower.
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As per a report by Autoevolution, the 25th Anniversary Edition of the Shelby Series 2 Coupe will feature 19-inch monoblock wheels paired with Potenza performance tires. Those interested in owning an exclusive aluminum-bodied coupe will need to shell out $498,200. These models will come either polished or adorned with Shelby's iconic racing stripes.
On the other hand, the carbon-fiber variants are comparatively more budget-friendly, priced at $385,600. However, adding the powertrain, which includes the engine (or electric motors) and the six-speed transaxle, will incur an additional cost of $83,500.
The hefty price comes with the buyer's preferred engine, impeccable concours fit and finish, and even a six-inch paddle adjustment, tailored to their preference. Each individual vehicle is distinctive and bears the Shelby American CSX5500 series serial number, duly recorded in the official Shelby American Registry.
Series 1 Coupe: Background
As reported in Autoblog, for those unfamiliar with the Series 1, it debuted at the 1997 Los Angeles auto show, conceived as a contemporary rendition of the renowned Shelby Cobra. Although the project targets to produce 500 units, it ran into a number of obstacles.
Such problems are issues with federal safety regulations, which forced the production to stop at 249 units. The Series 1's proposed successor, the updated Series 2, was unveiled in 2006 but remained dormant until 2018 when Shelby revealed intentions to produce four units annually.
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