Shelby American marks 50th year of FIA Cobra with special model

In 1967, Shelby American introduced the FIA version of the Cobra to compete in the 1964 World Manufacturers Championship series against established motorsport brands like Aston Martin, Jaguar and Corvette. To celebrate the birth of the 289 Ford-powered roadsters, Shelby American will offer 50 limited-edition Shelby 289 FIA Cobras.

\"The 289 FIA Shelby Cobras were among the most important cars in American racing history,\" said Shelby American president John Luft. \"The FIA Cobras built during that period were piloted by racing legends including Ken Miles, Dan Gurney, Phil Hill and Bob Bondurant. Thus, some of the most revered drivers in the sport put the 289 FIA Cobra into the winner\'s circle. Combining a robust, powerful American engine with a lightweight chassis was sheer brilliance. Shelby\'s formula still resonates today and is followed by automakers worldwide.\"

According to Shelby American, each of the limited-edition Shelby 289 FIA Cobras will be painted in Viking Blue with FIA stripes and roundels, a black FIA interior, special billet anniversary badges, original-style wheels, and a variety of additional options. In addition, the car retains all the period-authentic features of the car but upgraded to contemporary standards like modern disc brakes, a stronger frame and the bodies in either aluminum or fiberglass. The 50th Anniversary Edition model also has a complete exhaust for a small-block Ford V8, a special fitted car cover and optional detachable steering wheel.

The cars are built-to-order and are delivered as a rolling chassis minus a drivetrain, with a Shelby American-issued manufacturer\'s statement of origin which is required by some countries for tariff purposes.

Now, what motor do you think will go nicely inside the Shelby 289 FIA Cobra\'s engine bay?

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