Classic Recreations Announces New 800 HP Carbon Fiber Shelby Cobra

The Shelby Cobra has always been a prime example of what a muscle car could be. The combination of a lightweight chassis paired to a powerful V8 engine has lured many hot rod owners into the fold. When engineered correctly, this combination can provide the agility that supercars dream of, and straightline performance that drag racers desire.

While some might see the Shelby Cobra as an exercise in excess, to the keen eye the Shelby Cobra is a way of progressing a vehicle with technology to make it lighter, faster and more desirable. The continuation series of Shelby Cobras have taken yet another progression as Classic Recreations has introduced its newest carbon fiber-bodied Shelby Cobra, named The Diamond. The Diamond is slated to be the pinnacle of weight savings and material opulence utilizing an autoclave-cured carbon fiber complete body weighing in at a measly 88 pounds.

Classic Recreation

 

Once strictly reserved for the highest forms of racing, carbon fiber has woven its way into the aftermarket automotive industry. Carbon fiber’s rigidity and strength allows it to be used on body panels, valve covers and even the wheels on the latest generation of the Shelby GT500. While it’s more prevalent in the automotive scene today, rarely do we see a complete body including floor pans, trunk, engine lid and doors made with it.

A lightweight body is only one end of the spectrum when Classic Recreations was designing The Diamond. To match the build quality of the chassis, a Ford Performance Gen 3 5.0-liter Coyote engine was sourced. Its horsepower goal and linear powerband desired required Classic Recreations to reach out to VMP Performance for a 2.65-liter Odin supercharger. The Diamond was built to counter supercars at the highest level of track racing, so a complete independent rear suspension was designed. While owners enjoy shifting gears through a TREMEC T56 Magnum, stopping will be focused around the Wilwood six-piston calipers mounted on all four corners.

“Carroll Shelby taught me the significance of pushing the envelope through innovation and passion,” says Founder and Vice President of Design and Engineering at Classic Recreations, Jason Engel. “A dream of Carroll’s was always to place the highest horsepower engine possible in the lightest, most agile car imaginable, and it is our honor to have met that challenge.”

Classic Recreations will be introducing a limited run of The Diamond in honor of Shelby American’s 60th anniversary. These vehicles will span the serialized number range from CSX4521 to CSX4530 and cost a pretty penny at $1.2 million. While built for the track, the price tag might exclude some owners from wanting to gamble with a track day. However, for anyone looking to take it to Circuit of The Americas, I have my helmet ready at all times!

 

More Sources

About the author

James Elkins

Born into a household of motorsport lovers, James learned that wrenching takes priority over broken skin and damaged nerves. Passions include fixing previous owners’ mistakes, writing, and driving.
Read My Articles

Blue Oval Muscle in your inbox.

Build your own custom newsletter with the content you love from FordMuscle, directly to your inbox, absolutely FREE!

Free WordPress Themes
FordMuscle NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Ford Muscle - The Ultimate Ford Mustang Magazine

FordMuscle

We'll send you the most interesting FordMuscle articles, news, car features, and videos every week.

Ford Muscle - The Ultimate Ford Mustang Magazine

FordMuscle NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Ford Muscle - The Ultimate Ford Mustang Magazine

Ford Muscle

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...


Muscle Car & Hot Rods
Muscle Car & Hot Rods
Drag Racing
Drag Racing

Ford Muscle - The Ultimate Ford Mustang Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...

  • Muscle Car & Hot Rods Muscle Car & Hot Rods
  • Drag Racing Drag Racing

Ford Muscle - The Ultimate Ford Mustang Magazine

Ford Muscle

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Ford Muscle - The Ultimate Ford Mustang Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Loading