2012 marks half a century since the very first Cobra was released on the street, and to celebrate, Shelby has announced a limited-edition 50th Anniversary model that was introduced at Barrett-Jackson earlier today. Using CSX8000 chassis numbers, each of the continuation cars will be painted in “Shelby Black” and feature a premium leather interior, wire wheels and special badging.
Pricing for a 50th Anniversary Cobra rolling chassis (car minus drivetrain) is set at $69,995 or $134,995 for an aluminum-bodied car. Expensive, yes, but with just 50 units slated for production, we can see them getting snapped up pretty quickly.
We have brought a number of Cobra’s into the UK and you must be aware of the amount of work needed to get one through an IVA test – any Cobra with a US registration over ten years old will require IVA testing once shipped to the UK and it is not an easy test to get through! A few items which need altering to comply with IVA requirements:
- Wooden steering wheel must be changed
- Sharp edges removed – any edge that has a small radius must be either covered or smoothed – on many Cobras that will include window trims, internal switches, fuel cap, many chrome parts
- Noise and emissions – exhaust must meet IVA requirements which will mean at least the addition of catalytic convertors
- Seats – must switch over seats for race seats with headrests
- Fuel cap must be lockable or not be able to be removed from key when off of car
- Lights – will need to be amber indicators, side lights, side repeater indicators, headlights pointing in correct direction and brake lights separate to indicators
- Rear fog light
- Windscreen heater
- Windscreen wipers
- Door locks changed to include two stage closing with proper latch
- and more….