427 Shelby “Dragonsnake” Cobra back for limited production

LAS VEGAS, NV – Executives with Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI:PK), have announced three “new” 1965 Shelby aluminum continuation “Dragonsnake” roadsters will be available through a partnership with Legendary GT Continuation Cars. Two of the three Shelby Cobra roadsters were unveiled at the Carlisle Ford Nationals in Pennsylvania.

“Last year, we worked closely with Legendary GT to return the small block Shelby drag racing Cobra roadster to production,” said Gary Patterson, president of Shelby American. “After introducing those cars at the Carlisle Ford Nationals, we received many requests for a big block version since only one was factory-built in 1966. Three of these amazing tribute cars will be available and it felt appropriate to introduce that reimagined 427 Shelby Dragonsnake roadster at Carlisle this year. The improbable just became possible for those who dreamed of owning one.”

The Shelby ‘Dragonsnake’ program began when Shelby American production employees developed and drag raced a pair of roadsters to great success during the 1960s. The first five were powered by a small block (289 c.i.d.) Ford and had a leaf spring suspension. Shelby American offered the same parts to customers who wished to build their own drag cars.

In 1964, dealership Harr Ford of Worcester, Massachusetts, modified a Shelby Cobra into a Dragonsnake and found success racing it. Harr Ford bought a factory Dragonsnake two years later, this one with a Ford 427 engine, independent suspension, fiberglass hardtop and side windows.

Upon receiving CSX3198 in 1966, Harr Ford painted it a bright shade of Candy Apple Red. The dealership’s driver Gus Zuidema began setting records and his best time was 10.02 at 146 MPH. The Dragonsnake still exists today.

“Our founder, Barry Smith, has a significant history drag racing a 427 powered Shelby car,” said Parker Shepley, Business Manager at Legendary GT. “While Barry wanted a big block Cobra as a young man, he could only afford a 1967 Shelby GT500 Mustang. He replaced its 428 street engine with the same 427 motor in the Shelby Cobra. Memories of quarter successes with the Shelby GT500 inspired Barry to put the drag racing Shelby Cobra roadster back into limited production. With modern technology, we almost doubled the horsepower to deliver mind-bending acceleration.”

Each year, the Carlisle Pennsylvania Fairgrounds hosts Ford fans from across the country and more than 3,200 vehicles on the National Parts Depot Showfield. In addition to the impressive cars and crowds, the weekend includes displays, special themes and automotive celebrities. The limited-edition Shelby Cobra was introduced during the three-day event.

“From experimental cars like the Green Hornet to the 1967 Super Snake and Cobra Dragonsnake, some special Shelby programs could not be put into full production during the 1960s,” said Vince LaViolette, Shelby American Vice President of Operations. “We enjoy working with Legendary G.T. because they dive deeply into these heritage projects. They continue Carroll’s legacy with iconic cars that feature modern technology yet maintain the essence of what made them so desirable.”

Three Dragonsnakes are already in production (CSX3085, CSX3365 and CSX4500). They were assembled by Legendary GT in Pennsylvania, which builds continuation Shelby cars for Shelby American. The chassis is authentic with 4-inch round tube main rails; the original style suspension has adjustable Penske shocks, as well as rack and pinion steering. Other touches include 1965 factory style disc brakes, an aluminum radiator, electric fan and custom exhaust.

Inside, the Shelby features SW Gauges, a dash mounted tachometer, 3-inch lap belts, black leather seats and door pull straps, dash mounted rear view mirror, passenger grab handle, glove box, custom shift knob and stainless roll bar. The car rides on authentic 15-inch custom wheels with Mickey Thompson rubber; the rears are 28-inch x 10.5-inch M/T Drag tires.

Vibrant styling drove much of the demand for the continuation 289 Shelby Dragonsnakes last year. The new trio features the ‘Super Snake’ Cobra hoods made famous by the road car that Carroll built for himself and sport dazzling paint hues.

The aluminum roadsters include a blue metal flake car with a Shelby 427 engine (CSX3365); the second has a dual carbureted polished 427 engine with twin polished superchargers (CSX4500) inside the polished all aluminum body. The final Dragonsnake (CSX3085) was painted red and is nicknamed the ‘King Cobra’ with ‘KC’ emblems in the rear window; it has a 496ci fuel injected dual carbureted engine with twin superchargers that churn out 910 horsepower. The aluminum Shelby motors are connected to a robust TREMEC 5-speed manual transmission.

“Barry Smith is a major supporter of the Carroll Shelby Foundation,” said Patterson. “A donation to the charity will be made with each car sold. The new owner will become a member of the club Team Shelby and their car will be documented in the official Shelby American Registry.”

The three cars will have an MSRP starting at $750,000, depending on options.

About Shelby American, Inc.

Founded by legend Carroll Shelby, Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI:PK), manufactures and markets performance vehicles and related products. The company offers authentic continuation Shelby Cobras, including the 427 S/C, 289 FIA, 289 streetcar, Daytona Coupe and Shelby Series 2 component vehicles; it offers the Shelby GT, 1000, Super Snake, CODE RED, SE and Shelby GT500KR post-title packages for select model 2015-2024 Ford Mustangs. Shelby American also offers the Shelby Raptor, Shelby F-150 Super Snake and Shelby F-150 trucks, as well as the Shelby F-250 Super Baja. Heritage cars include the continuation 1965 Shelby GT350 competition model, 1967 Ford Shelby Super Snake and 1968 Shelby GT500KR. A post-title package is available in Europe for the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT. For more information, visit http://www.shelby.com.

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