The Legend Lives
SHELBY American was in 1962 founded by Carroll SHELBY, a legendary racing driver who won Le Mans in 1959. Shelby placed powerful Ford V8 engines in light British AC chassis, creating the Cobra – a car that beat Ferraris on tracks worldwide.
In 1965, Shelby transformed the Ford Mustang into the GT350, followed by the even more powerful one GT500 in 1967. This collaboration with Ford also produced the iconic GT40 which won Le Mans from 1966-1969 – immortalized in the film Ford v Ferrari.
Today, Shelby American in Las Vegas continues to produce high-performance vehicles, from the Super Snake with 825 hp to Cobra continuation series. Shelby insurance costs on average €150-€500 per month for modern models; classic Cobras require customization.
Shelby Models Insurance
The complete Shelby range – classic and modern:
SHELBY GT500
Ultimate Muscle
760 hp | 5.2L Supercharged V8
€80,000+ (used) | Expected 2026
- ✓ Predator V8 supercharged
- ✓ 0-100 in 3.7 sec
- ✓ 7-speed DCT transmission
- ✓ Carbon Fiber Track Pack
SHELBY GT350
Flat Plane Crank
526 hp | 5.2L Voodoo V8
€70,000+ (used)
- ✓ Flat plane crankshaft
- ✓ 8,250 rpm redline
- ✓ GT350R track variant
- ✓ MagneRiThe suspension
SHELBY Super Snake
Extreme Performance
825 hp | Supercharged 5.0L
From €140,000+
- ✓ Shelby tuned supercharger
- ✓ Wide body kit optional
- ✓ Borla exhaust system
- ✓ CSM certification
SHELBY Cobra 427
The Original
425-485 hp | 7.0L V8
€1-6 million (original)
- ✓ Only 348 originals
- ✓ 0-100 in 4.2 sec (1965!)
- ✓ CSX chassis numbers
- ✓ Continuation series available
1967 GT500
"Eleanor" Legend
355 hp | 428 V8
€150,000-€400,000
- ✓ Gone In 60 Seconds fame
- ✓ Only 2,048 built (1967)
- ✓ 428 Police Interceptor V8
- ✓ Collector's item
Cobra Replica
ContInuation Series
300-500+ hp | Various V8s
€50,000-€150,000
- ✓ Factory Five, Superformance
- ✓ CSX4000 Series Shelby
- ✓ Aluminum or fiberglass
- ✓ Shelby Certified
🏁 Carroll Shelby: The Legend
Carroll Hall SHELBY (January 11, 1923 – May 10, 2012) was a Texan racing driver who, despite a heart condition, became one of the most influential figures in automotive history.
In 1959 he won Le Mans with Aston Martin – the only American ever as a driver. Forced to stop racing due to his health, he retired 1962 Shelby American in Los Angeles. He combined the British AC Ace with Ford V8 engines and created the Cobra.
Shelby helped Ford the GT40 that defeated Ferrari at Le Mans (1966-1969). His motto: "Horsepower sells cars, torque wIns races." After his death in 2012, his legacy continues through Shelby American in Las Vegas.
🐍 The Shelby Cobra: American Icon
The SHELBY Cobra originated in 1962 when Carroll Shelby placed a Ford 260 V8 in a British AC Ace. The result was a lightweight sports car with raw American power that beat Ferraris.
The Cobra 427 (1965-1967) was the ultimate model with a 7.0-liter Ford V8 that delivered 425-485 hp. Weighing just 1,000 kg, the 427 sprinted in 4.2 seconds to 100 km/h – phenomenal for 1965. Only 348 original copies were built.
🏁 SHELBY GT500: The King of Mustangs
The SHELBY GT500 debuted in 1967 as the most powerful Mustang ever. Carroll Shelby's quote: "This is the first car I'm really proud of." With the 428 V8 it offered 355 hp – huge for the time.
The modern one GT500 (2020-2022) had the supercharged Predator V8 with 760 hp and 847 Nm. The 2026 GT500 wordt verwacht met een nog krachtigere "Legend" engine – mogelijk 800+ pk.
💰 Premium indication Shelby 2025
Average monthly premium (depending on value):
| MoThel | WA | WA+ | All risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHELBY GT (modern) | €60-€90 | €90-€140 | €150-€250 |
| SHELBY GT350 | €70-€100 | €110-€170 | €180-€300 |
| SHELBY GT500 (2020+) | €80-€120 | €130-€200 | €220-€400 |
| Super Snake | €100-€150 | €170-€280 | €300-€500 |
| 1967 GT500 (classic) | €300-€800/month (valuation) | ||
| Cobra 427 (original) | €500-€1,500/month (customized) | ||
| Cobra Replica | €70-€100 | €100-€160 | €150-€300 |
📊 Shelby Facts & Figures
⚠️ Classic Shelby's: Special Attention
Original Shelby's (Cobra 427, 1965-1970 GT350/GT500) are extremely valuable. Verification via it SHELBY American Automobile Club (SAAC) and CSX registration is essential. Insurance Required: Current valuation report, secure storage, SCM-approved alarm, and often maximum mileage. Replicas and continuation series can be insured separately but are less expensive.
🏆 Shelby's Racing Heritage
Carroll Shelby's impact on motorsport is unparalleled:
🔧 What Coverage For Your Shelby?
- → Modern GT500/GT350: All-risk with new value scheme or appraisal
- → Super Snake: Exclusive policy, documenting Shelby modifications
- → Classic GT500 (1967-1970): Classic car/appraisal value, SAAC certification
- → Original Cobra 427: Ultra-luxe customization, museum-worthy coverage
- → Cobra Replica: Sports car insurance, CSX4000 certificate
- → Track Days: Separate coverage required, not in standard policy
Insurers For Shelby 2025
Sports car and classic car specialists:
💡 Tips For Shelby Owners
- ✓ Verification: Check CSX number at SAAC for original Cobras/Shelbys
- ✓ Valuation: Update annually for classic/valuable Shelbys
- ✓ Documentation: Keep all Shelby certificates and modification receipts
- ✓ Track Days: Arrange separate circuit insurance, not covered as standard
- ✓ Specialist: Choose an insurer with American muscle car expertise
- ✓ SHELBY Store: Official dealer for parts and authenticity
📍 Shelby Timeline
- → 1959: Carroll Shelby wins Le Mans with Aston Martin
- → 1962: Shelby American founded, first Cobra (CSX2000)
- → 1964: SHELBY Daytona Coupe, Cobra 427 prototype
- → 1965: Shelby GT350 – first Shelby Mustang, FIA GT champion
- → 1966: GT350H Hertz rentals, Ford GT40 wins Le Mans
- → 1967: Shelby GT500, Super Snake prototype (650 hp)
- → 1968: GT500KR "KIng of the Road"
- → 1970: End of first Shelby-Ford collaboration
- → 2007: Shelby GT500 revival (500 hp)
- → 2013: GT500 with 662 hp – most powerful production Mustang
- → 2020: GT500 Predator V8 with 760 hp
- → 2026: New GT500 expected (800+ hp)
