]If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. That’s the plan for Mecum Auctions, which is putting an original Shelby Daytona Coupe back up for sale at its inaugural Monterey Auction on August 15 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Resort & Spa. There were high expectations when the legendary racecar first crossed the block at Mecum’s Spring Classic Auction back in May, but the final bid of $6.8 million was under the reserve and the Shelby didn’t find a new home. Mecum reports that it has received a post-auction bid of $7.5 million, but is still hoping for more.

One of six Cobra Daytona Coupes built by Shelby to compete in the 1964 and 1965 FIA World Manufacturers Championship, CSX2601 is known as the “championship car” after a win at Reims, France clinched the manufacturer’s title. With an aerodynamic shape designed by Peter Brock, the Daytona Coupe had a top speed 25 mph higher than the Cobra roadsters that allowed it to compete with the Ferraris on Europe’s high-speed tracks. If Mecum does find a buyer for CSX2601, it will smash the record price paid for an American car at auction, set in 2007 by Barrett-Jackson with the sale of a rare twin-supercharged Shelby Cobra Super Snake. More details in the press release after the jump.
PRESS RELEASE:

1965 SHELBY DAYTONA COBRA COUPE TO HEADLINE MECUM MONTEREY AUCTION
‘Daytime Auction’ to be Held August 15 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Resort & Spa

MARENGO, Ill. - Mecum Auction announces the championship-winning 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe will headline their new Monterey Auction on Saturday, August 15, 2009, at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Resort & Spa.

While the legendary Daytona Cobra Coupe did not meet the reserve at Mecum’s Spring Classic Auction in Indianapolis, it has reached a post-auction bid of $7.5 million.

“When the Championship Coupe ran its first race in February 1965, it did not finish. However, a few months later the car raced to a first-place finish and won the World Manufacturers Championship for the U.S.,” explained President Dana Mecum. “We expect history to repeat itself as the Daytona Cobra crosses the block in Monterey to a victorious finish, setting a record for the highest price paid for an American automobile at public auction.”

Mecum’s inaugural Monterey Auction, which begins at 10 a.m., will feature 200 investment-grade vehicles, including exotic sports cars, classics and high-end collector cars. The Daytona Coupe is scheduled to auction on Saturday afternoon.

A truly significant slice of American race history, the Daytona Cobra Coupe was one of six cars built by Carroll Shelby to compete against the dominating Ferraris in the F.I.A. (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) World Manufacturers Championship GT race class. An experimental coupe body designed by Peter Brock was built on an existing Cobra chassis, immediately increasing the top speed by 25 mph. That car won its first race, the 1964 Daytona Continental (prompting Shelby to adopt the Daytona name), and five more coupes were built, including CSX2601.

After competing at Daytona, Monza, Spa, Nürburgring and LeMans, CSX2601 made history when driver Bob Bondurant powered the car to a victory over Ferrari, clinching the 1965 World Manufacturers Championship for the United States and Shelby American on July 4 at Reims, France.

Bob Bondurant (driver) and Peter Brock (designer) will be onsite at Mecum’s Monterey Auction to be reunited with CSX2601.

Auction cars will be displayed at the Hyatt Regency Monterey’s beautiful, centrally located site while the bidding arena will be staged in a 10,000-square-foot ballroom. The auction is open to the general public.

The Mecum Auction Company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars for 22 years, offering more than 5,000 collector cars per year - more than any collector car auction company in the world. Consignment, Bidder, event and accommodation information is available online at www.Mecum.com or by calling 815.568.8888.

[Source:Autoblog]

Coinciding with the 35th Annual Ford and Team Shelby Nationals in Tulsa, OK, Shelby Automobiles has released a barrage of new models including a 2010 version of the GT500 Super Snake (above). Most of the models are based on the previous generation Mustang, either the Mustang GT, Shelby GT or GT500 that current owners can bring to Shelby to be modified.
First up is the Shelby GT/SC, basically a Shelby GT with a supercharger, upgraded brakes and triple gauges on the dash. Next is the Shelby GT/SR (right), which is essentially a GT/SC model fitted with additional equipment for racing like BFGoodrich R compound tires, a one-piece aluminum driveshaft, front brake duct kit and an adjustable suspension.

If you want to Shelbify your regular Mustang GT, you can opt for the SuperCharged package that includes a supercharger, upgrades brakes, suspension and exhaust, 18-inch tires and more. You can also spec out your Mustang to SR spec, which adds similar upgrades to the GT/SR model.

Have a GT500 that needs more Shelby stuff on it? You can now go with the GT500SE (Special Edition) package that includes a carbon fiber front splitter, rocker panels and hood grille inserts, Ford Racing suspension, Borla exhaust, 20-inch wheels and tires, and more. And what if your GT500 is a 2010 model? Well, Shelby is now offering their Super Snake package for the latest GT500 that, among other things, offers a 725-horsepower supercharger upgrade.

Overwhelmed? So are we, but follow the jump to dig through all the upgrades and information for each vehicle.
[Source: Shelby]

Shelby GT/SR:

• Supercharger standard finish (up to 550 HP finish options available at extra cost)
• 4 wheel Baer 6 piston extreme brake upgrade
• Shelby grille with letters
• Engine cap set
• Stripe designation
• Shelby gauge pod
• Autometer signature series gauges
• Serialized dash and engine bay plaque *
• Specific 18×9 Aluminum Wheels with “Branded” center caps
• BFG “R” compound DOT legal 275/35/18 tires
• Functional Deep Draw hood
• 1″ lower front ball joints
• Bump Steer kit
• Caster Camber kit
• Upgraded front lower control arm bushings
• Rear upper and lower control arms and upper control arm bracket
• One piece 3.5″ aluminum drive shaft
• Watts link rear suspension
• Shelby Performance cooling package (not available for Paxton SC intercooler only)
• Front brake duct kit
• Shelby GT/SR Floor Mats
• Shelby GT/SC authenticity certificate

Pricing:
$31,499
Package price reflects Shelby/Kenne Bell, Black finish Supercharger. Shelby/Ford Racing Whipple, Black finish Supercharger $1,300 additional. Pricing does not include tax, fluids or dispoal fees.

Available options:
• Track tuning additional $750
• Performance clutch
• Eibach Pro-2 coil over shocks, struts and sway bar kit
• Borla exhaust
• 3:73 Gear Set
• 6 point race ready roll cage
• Sequential tail lights
• Rear quarter window covers
• Shelby front chin spoiler
• Shelby/Kicker stereo upgrade system
• Shelby performance cooling system upgrade (Ford Racing and Kenne Bell only)
• Two-tone interior upgrade kit with Shelby S/R designation
• Custom console cover upgrade with Shelby S/R designation
• BFG 275/35/18 street tire package

Notes:
Any Shelby GT or GT/SC owner choosing the Shelby GT SR option will receive an “owner appreciation” discount of 10% off of the pre-tax package price.

Shelby GT/SC:

• Supercharger standard finish (up to 550 HP, finish options available at extra cost)
• 4 wheel brake upgrade package (consisting of)
• Baer Drilled and Slotted rotors
• Baer Brake Pads
• Stainless Steel front and rear brake line kit
• Shelby Gauge Pod
• Autometer Shelby Signature Series Gauges
• Stripe designation (Shelby GT/SC)
• “Factory Supercharged” engine bay plaque and authenticity certificate

Pricing:
• Shelby/Ford Racing Whipple SC Black: $12,725
• Shelby/Ford Racing Whipple SC Polished: $12,999
• Shelby/Kenne Bell Black: $10,899
• Shelby/Kenne Bell Polished: $11,599
(Pricing does not include tax, fluids or disposal fees).

Notes:
This package is specifically targeted at the Shelby GT and Shelby GT-H owner. Current owners who place a reservation deposit prior to December 31, 2009 are eligible for an owner appreciation discount of 10% on the package price.

Shelby GT500SE:

Badged as the Shelby GT 500 SE this will be a “Special Edition” package installed at Shelby Automobile’s and authorized Modification Centers. It will be limited to 500 per model year. All GT500SE’s include a certificate of authenticity.
The Shelby GT500SE consists of the following:

Exterior: (vehicle retains current Factory Striping)
• Carbon fiber front fascia splitter
• Carbon fiber rocker panels
• Body colored mirror covers
• Carbon fiber hood grille inserts
• Deck lid SHELBY letter kit
• GT 500 SE designation on lower front fender
• Sequential tail lights
• Front brake duct kit
• Rear brake duct kit
• GT 500 SE faux gas cap

Interior:
• CSM consecutively numbered plaque in center of dash
• CSM consecutively numbered engine compartment plaque
• GT 500 SE door sill plate with CSM consecutive number
• Light bar with solenoid activated brake light system (convertible)
• GT 500 SE embroidered front floor and trunk mats
• Aesthetic engine cap kit with billet oil stick handle and fluid caps
• Center gauge cluster with Autometer Shelby Signature gauges (Boost, Oil and fuel pressure)
• Aluminum Shelby map light accent
• Satin door lock knobs
• GT 500 SE embroidered console cover
• GT 500 SE embroidered head rest covers

Performance:
• Borla exhaust system
• Ford Racing performance suspension
• 20″x9″ Carroll Shelby Wheel Company CS 56 wheels (choice of insert colors, Silver, Black, Chrome (additional cost)
• Pirelli P-zero Tires 255/35 ZR20 (front) and 275/35 ZR20 (rear)

Pricing: Coupe $14,999 Convertible $15,999
(Prices do not reflect applicable sales tax)

Options:
• Kenne Bell 725 HP Supercharger
• Ford Racing 630 HP Supercharger
• Shelby Performance Cooling package
• Two tone interior upgrade package
• Shelby/Kicker Sound System package
• Bear 6 piston Extreme front and rear brake upgrade kit

Notes:
Owners choosing to place a reservation before December 31, 2009 will receive a package discount of 10%.

Shelby SuperCharged (SC) & SR:

• Supercharger standard finish (up to 550 HP finish options available at extra cost)
• Short throw shifter
• Shelby Pro-Plus 4 wheel brake system
• Performance Suspension
• Borla dual exhaust
• Shelby chrome bar grille (Shelby Grille with letters and driving lights, SR only)
• Engine cap set
• Shelby Gauge Pod
• Autometer Shelby Signature Series Gauges
• Stripe designation
• Serialized dash and engine bay plaque
• Specific 18×9 Aluminum Wheels with “Branded” center caps
• BFG “R” compound DOT legal 275/35/18 tires
• Shelby Functional Deep Draw hood
• Hood pin kit
• Shelby rear deck lid letters
• Shelby Supercharged Floor Mats

Pricing:
Base Package Price: $19,599
Shelby SR Package Price: $31,499

(Pricing reflects Shelby/Kenne Bell, Black finished Supercharger. Shelby/Ford Racing Whipple, Black finish Supercharger $1,300 additional)

Available options:
• Shelby GT-H Front Fascia
• Shelby Rear Fascia
• Front and Rear Brake Ducts*
• Performance clutch
• Caster Camber Plates*
• One Piece 3.5″ diameter aluminum drive shaft*
• Eibach Pro-2 Coil-Over Shocks and Struts*
• Eibach Pro Sway Bar Kit*
• Baer 6-Piston Extreme Front and Rear Brake Kit*
• 1″ drop Lower Ball Joints*
• Bump Steer Kit*
• Upgraded Lower Control Arm Bushings*
• 6-point Roll Cage
• 3:73 Rear Gear*
• Watts Link Rear Suspension*
• Sequential Taillights
• Rear quarter window covers*
• Shelby front chin spoiler
• Shelby/Kicker stereo upgrade system
• Shelby performance cooling system upgrade (Ford Racing and Kenne Bell only)
• Two-tone interior upgrade kit with Shelby S/R designation
• Custom console cover upgrade with Shelby S/R designation
• Goodyear F1 Supercar 18″ street tire package
* Included with SR.

2010 Shelby GT500 Super Snake:

In 2010 Shelby Automobiles continues to bring you the Shelby GT500 Super Snake package for your existing Shelby GT500. The upgrade will offer several performance options in excess of 700 horsepower and sleek looks only Shelby can bring you based on Ford’s exciting new GT500 design. This package is limited in volume.

Package Price: $29, 495 (630 HP), $33, 495 (700+ HP)

Standard Features:
• Shelby/Ford Racing Whipple 630 HP supercharger
• Shelby/Super Snake hood with pins
• Carbon fiber body components
• SHELBY deck lid letter kit
• Super Snake badging (front grille and front fenders)
• Sequential tail lights
• Shelby Super Snake striping
• Front and rear brake duct kit
• Quarter window scoops or block-offs
• CSM consecutively numbered dash plaque and engine plate
• Shelby Super Snake door sill plates
• Light bar with third brake light (convertible)
• Shelby/Baer 6-piston caliper front brake system and rear rotors
• Borla cat-back exhaust system
• Shelby/Ford Racing suspension w/ adjustable damper
• Short-throw shifter
• Cold air intake system
• Custom drive shaft (700+ horsepower package)
• 3.73:1 differential
• 20″ Shelby/Alcoa Super Snake wheels and Pirelli P-Zero tires
• Shelby three piece floor mat set
• Aesthetic engine kit with billet fluid caps and dip stick handle
• Center gauge cluster with Autometer Carroll Shelby signature carbon fiber faced gauges
• Aluminum Shelby map light accent and satin door lock knobs
• Shelby embroidered headrest
• Center console with Shelby logo

Options:
• Shelby/Ford Racing Whipple 700+ HP supercharger
• Shelby/Kenne Bell 725 HP supercharger (black or polished)
• Shelby/Baer 6-piston caliper rear brake system
• Shelby/Eibach adjustable coilover suspension
• Shelby/Eibach sway bars
• White ball billet short-throw shifter
• Shelby/Kicker stereo upgrade
• Shelby performance cooling package
• Two-tone leather interior upgrade
• Two-tone leather console cover
• Perforated leather seat inserts
• Shelby Super Snake faux rear gas cap

[Source:Autoblog]

Remember Unique Performance? Of course, how could we forget the sordid tale of a company building licensed replicas of the Shelby GT500 Eleanor featured in Gone in 60 Seconds, only to be shut down by the police after its shady business practices were uncovered before most cars were delivered. More than a few ex-customers that lost out on their prized vehicles surely haven’t forgotten about the deposits they put down on the cars, and last year, a group sued Carroll Shelby in an attempt to recoup their investments.

To help smooth things over, Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc. has agreed to a new licensing agreement with two auto shops in Texas so that the series of continuation GT500SE and GT350SR cars can be completed. Each finished vehicle will get an official serial number from Shelby along with inclusion into the Shelby Worldwide Registry. While the offer is being made royalty free, customers will still be required to pay for the completion of the cars.

PRESS RELEASE:

Carroll Shelby Licensing Grants License to Complete Shelby Cars for Unique Motorcars Former Customers

LOS ANGELES, Mar 10, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (Pink Sheets: CSBI), has entered into license agreements with Kustom Classics of Fort Worth and Riley Performance Motorcars of Valley View, Texas, to allow completion of the continuation Shelby GT500SE and GT350SR cars contracted for by the former customers of Unique Performance and Unique Motorcars. Each completed car will receive an official Shelby continuation serial number and inclusion into the Shelby Worldwide Registry. Unique Performance/Motorcars filed a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition in Texas Federal court in 2007.

Though the completion of these cars will be at the owner’s expense, Carroll Shelby Licensing will extend this license royalty free, in an attempt to ease the financial pain of Unique Performance’s failure to deliver their customer’s cars as contracted. In spite of Unique Performance’s failure to deliver their customer’s cars as contracted, customers who want to complete their Shelby vehicle through one of the two North Texas shops can contact either shop for details.

“Carroll Shelby Licensing struck this agreement on behalf of customers who contracted and paid Unique Performance for continuation Shelby cars but did not receive them,” said Carroll Shelby Licensing president John Luft. “Many of them asked us for permission to complete the build of their Shelby. We found two qualified and experienced shops that can finish the cars to Shelby specifications. This offer is being made royalty free from Carroll Shelby Licensing to help Unique’s customers who truly want a Shelby to fulfill that dream.”

The two shops will build vehicles to Shelby specs for customers that paid Unique Performance for Shelby continuation cars; no new vehicles can be built and sold under this agreement. The shops can locate a donor vehicle or convert a customer owned one. A build of materials and inspection by Shelby Automobiles and Carroll Shelby Licensing representatives is part of the program, but customers must assume the cost to build the cars. Individuals who paid Unique Performance a deposit for a Shelby car can contact either shop for details and requirements. Kustom Classics can be reached at (817) 492-4441 ( www.kustomclassics.com) and Riley Performance Motorcars is at (214) 587-5323 and www.rileyrpm.com.

About Carroll Shelby Licensing

Automotive manufacturer and entrepreneur Carroll Shelby is one of the most famous and successful high performance visionaries in the world. In 1998, he founded Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc., which is the exclusive holder of trademarks and vehicle design rights for some of the most famous muscle cars and high-performance vehicles. CSL also holds trademark rights for Shelby-branded apparel, accessories and collectibles. For more information about the company or licensing opportunities, call (310) 914-1843 or visit www.shelbylicensing.com.

[Source:Autoblog]

We are big fans of Superformance, makers of the Cobra, Daytona Coupe, and GT40 replicas that have the blessing (and licensing agreement) of Carroll Shelby. When we heard they were opening up a new showroom in Irvine, CA, we had to go check it out ourselves. Superformance has actually been in the same building for the past few years, so the location is nothing new. However, they recently decided to knock down a few walls so that they could store their beautiful and wickedly fast eye candy in something more presentable to the public. On to the photos - check out the huge gallery of photos below and pick out your dream car.

[Source: AutoBlog]