Image of 1964 Shelby Cobra, Note: These illustrations use artistic license and may differ from actual historical models.

1964 Shelby Cobra: A Legend Reborn

The 1964 Shelby Cobra is not just a car; it's a symphony of power, design, and innovation that roars to life with every turn of the key. Born from the ambitious collaboration between American automotive designer Carroll Shelby and British car manufacturer AC Cars, the Shelby Cobra became an icon of 1960s motoring. Its blend of British chassis finesse and American muscle power revolutionized sports car design and performance.

At its inception, the Cobra was a bold challenge to the European-dominated racing scene. Carroll Shelby's vision was to implant a robust American V8 into a lightweight British roadster, and the result was nothing short of extraordinary. A unique fact that entices enthusiasts is that each Cobra was fitted with a plaque bearing Carroll Shelby's signature, making each one a personal testament to his dream.

Design and Innovation

The 1964 Shelby Cobra's exterior styling was a harmonious combination of sleek curves and muscular contours. The car's low-slung profile and wide stance exuded aggression, while its open-top design invited drivers to experience unfiltered exhilaration. Inside, the Cobra was surprisingly minimalist, with an emphasis on function over luxury. However, the quality of materials—from leather seats to classic Smiths gauges—spoke volumes about its craftsmanship.

For its era, the Shelby Cobra boasted technological advancements such as rack-and-pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes, which were rarities at the time. Color options ranged from subtle British Racing Green to vibrant Guardsman Blue, with white racing stripes often complementing the body color. The most iconic body style was the roadster, with its side exhausts and roll bar defining the classic Cobra look.

Historical Significance

The 1964 Shelby Cobra wasn't just another sports car; it was a game-changer. It challenged European dominance in racing by combining American horsepower with British handling finesse. Its success on the track helped shift the perception of American cars from straight-line brutes to well-rounded performance machines. The Cobra's lasting influence can be seen in numerous sports cars that followed, all chasing the balance it so effortlessly achieved.

Performance and Handling

The heart of the 1964 Shelby Cobra lay in its powerful V8 engine, capable of propelling it to top speeds that could rival any contemporary sports car. Acceleration from 0-60 mph was achieved in a mere 4.2 seconds—a figure that remains impressive even by today's standards. On winding roads or when encountering bumps, the Cobra demanded respect with its lively handling characteristics. The driving experience was visceral; the roar of the engine and vibrations through the steering wheel connected driver and machine in a raw dance of speed.

Ownership Experience

The versatility of the 1964 Shelby Cobra allowed it to serve various roles—from daily driver to weekend showstopper or even track warrior. Maintenance required a hands-on approach but rewarded owners with reliability when properly cared for. Parts availability and community support have remained strong over the years, easing the challenges of ownership.

Fun Facts

The Shelby Cobra has been owned by celebrities like Steve McQueen and has made appearances in numerous films and television shows. It set records for speed and performance that stood for years and has been both praised for its raw power and critiqued for its lack of modern comforts—a true testament to its focused design ethos.

Collector's Information

Today, an original 1964 Shelby Cobra can command prices well into seven figures due to its rarity and historical significance. Estimates suggest that fewer than 1,000 Cobras were produced during its entire production run, making each surviving example highly sought after by collectors. The value trend for authentic Cobras has been consistently appreciative over time.

Conclusion

The 1964 Shelby Cobra is more than just a classic car; it is an enduring symbol of innovation and performance that bridged two continents' automotive philosophies. Its legacy continues to captivate enthusiasts around the world—a testament to Carroll Shelby's vision that still resonates in every thunderous rev of its engine.

1964 Shelby Cobra Front bumper arm grommets. Shelby Cobra and kit cars-EX 17-BFront bumper arm grommets. Shelby Cobra and kit cars. 4-piece set.

1964 Shelby Cobra Headlight trim ring seals. Backdraft Cobra-HR 17Headlight trim ring seals. Backdraft Cobra. Dense rubber with hug bead that fills the gap between headlight trim rings and body. Pair.

1964 Shelby Cobra Dash control knob. All metal with bright chrome finish-KN 65Dash control knob. All metal with bright chrome finish. Use with MG 6851 Series dash knob labels. Includes hex-head setscrew. Each.

1964 Shelby Cobra Door side seal. Same as LP 40-A, but for a heavier seal-LP 40Door side seal. Same as LP 40-A, but for a heavier seal. Fits many domestic passenger cars and trucks. Used in Cobra kit cars as trunk weatherstrip. Per foot.

1964 Shelby Cobra Door side seal. Same as LP 40, but for a lighter seal-LP 40-ADoor side seal. Same as LP 40, but for a lighter seal. Fits many domestic passenger cars and trucks. Universal seal for street rods and customs. Used in Cobra kit cars as door weatherstrip. Per foot.

1964 Shelby Cobra Door side seal. Also, hood and cowl seal-LP 54-ADoor side seal. Also, hood and cowl seal. Black, skin-covered half round sponge, 1/2" wide. Used as hood seal in some Cobra kit cars. Per foot.

1964 Shelby Cobra Door, Trunk Side Seal. Narrow style-LP 63-CDoor, Trunk Side Seal. Narrow style. Universal seal for street rods and customs. Sold by the foot.

1964 Shelby Cobra Wind-wing and sun-visor trim. Black matte-MG 6500-BWind-wing and sun-visor trim. Black matte. Covers the edge of the Plexiglas plates. Fits all AC Cobras. Enough material for entire car; with instructions. Kit.

1964 Shelby Cobra Wind-wing and sun-visor trim. Chrome-MG 6500-CWind-wing and sun-visor trim. Chrome. Covers the edge of the Plexiglas plates. Fits all AC Cobras. Enough material for entire car; with instructions. Kit.

1964 Shelby Cobra Tail-light Pads. 2-7/8" wide X 5-1/8" long. Pair-MP 621-ATail-light Pads. 2-7/8" wide X 5-1/8" long. Pair

1964 Shelby Cobra Roll Bar Trim Ring Cushion and Trim Pad. Kit-MP 621-BBRoll Bar Trim Ring Cushion and Trim Pad. Kit

1964 Shelby Cobra Hood latch mounting pad. Backdraft Cobra-MP 621-CHood latch mounting pad. Backdraft Cobra. Dense rubber with proper mounting holes and beaded edge. Pair.

1964 Shelby Cobra Hood and trunk latch pads. Backdraft Cobra-MP 621-CTHood and trunk latch pads. Backdraft Cobra. Dense rubber with proper mounting hole locations and beaded edge. 3-piece set.

1964 Shelby Cobra Trunk latch pad. Backdraft Cobra-MP 621-TTrunk latch pad. Backdraft Cobra. Dense rubber with proper mounting hole locations and beaded edge. Each.

1964 Shelby Cobra Sheet Metal Grommet. 1-3/4" O.D., 1/2" I.D. Each-SM 100-SSheet Metal Grommet. 1-3/4" O.D., 1/2" I.D. Each