This Series 1 represents Carroll Shelby’s vision for a no-compromises performance car that combines modern technology with the visceral thrill of the original Cobra. This car has the production number 20. It is confirmed by the correct 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number. The only clean-sheet-of-paper design to bear the Shelby name, the Series 1 also proved to be the most vexing. Begun in 1994 after eight years of false starts and mis-directions the effort ended with only 249 production cars built. Exotic, expensive and with a fascinating story, these cars are a fantastic monument to an extraordinary man.

Fabricated in Shelby’s facility adjacent to Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the Series 1 has a lightweight aluminum chassis with aluminum honeycomb panels specially designed and bonded into the floor boards and rocker panels for added structure and stiffness. The body panels were carbon fiber and fiberglass laminate. The engine, torque-tube, transaxle and damper mounts were all rubber-isolated from the frame. A six-speed ZF transmission was specially configured to connect with the engine and mounted just behind the front axle. The Series 1 has a near-perfect 49/51 front-to-rear weight distribution. Race inspired independent unequal-length control arm front and rear suspension anchored by large 18-inch wheels with special Goodyear Eagle F1 tires along with massive disc brakes. The wheels are 10-inches wide in the front and 12-inches in the rear for getting the power to the ground.

Powered by an Oldsmobile 4.0-liter L47 Aurora V-8 engine with 320 horsepower at 6,500-rpm and 290-lb/ft, the Shelby Series 1 will run 0- to 60-mph in less than 4.5-seconds and records 12.8 seconds in the quarter-mile at 112-mph. Top speed is stated at 185-mph, some 15-mph faster than the 427 Shelby Cobra. The car weighs in at only 2,650 pounds.

This fabulous example is presented in silver with an orange center stripe with a black and gray interior. With 273 miles displayed on the odometer, as you would expect, the Shelby is in wonderful overall condition. Costing $181,000 as the original base price in 1999, this car has power windows, steering and brakes; CD, Shelby American alloy wheels and air conditioning. Per requisite, the late Carroll Shelby signed the car, which also has a clean Carfax.

Drivers of early Series 1 Shelbys reported that they had “all the thrills the name implies.” This almost as new car holds true to the form.