In January 1965, Carroll Shelby began selling the first of his original 343 Shelby American-built icons of ground shaking, American-flavored masculinity, the big block 427 Shelby Cobra roadster. On Tuesday, January 13, that number increased to 393, with a new limited edition run of 50 Shelby-American 50th Anniversary Edition 427 Shelby Cobras. Each will be documented in the “Cobra World Registry” alongside the original units and will carry running serial numbers CSX4500 to CSX4599 as well as a badge showing their number in this limited production run (1/50, 2/50 etc.).

Now the “rarest” of the 427 Shelby Cobras, these fresh models will be available with either a fiberglass body for US$120,000, or an aluminum bodied car for $180,000. The aluminum-bodied cars will be available in a stunning polished aluminum (with or without stripes) or Guardsman blue with Wimbledon white stripes, while the fiberglass ones will come only in the blue / white stripe livery. There will also be 50th Anniversary badging on the flanks, above the grille and on the steering wheel hub.

Prices quoted are for a rolling chassis, without drivetrain. Shelby-American may offer an optional installed engine upgrade package later, but for now, a customer will need to fit their own normally-aspirated big block engine; from an additional $50,000 for a 400 horsepower unit, to $70,000 for over 700 horsepower. Expect your 700 hp 427 Shelby Cobra to be delivered for around $250,000.

With that, you’ll have an instantly collectable Shelby Cobra, visually a perfect match to the original, but with welcomed tweaks to the authentic coil over suspension, now upgraded to contemporary standards with modern racing disc brakes, and a stronger powder-coated frame. Add to that a competition-ready 23 gallon ballistic fuel tank and premium materials used on the seats, carpets and dash.