Shelby American Produces 3 ‘Dragonsnake’ Cobra Roadsters

Executives with Shelby American 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 presented by eBay Motors in Pennsylvania.

“Last year, we worked closely with Legendary GT to return the small block Shelby Cobra roadster to production,” said Gary Patterson, president of Shelby American. “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 ‘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.

“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.”

“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.”

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.

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.

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 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.