The aluminum-bodied AC Cobra ran on a 90-inch wheelbase and was an instant success ever since it rolled out of the back room at Dean Moon's speed shop in 1962. It won four SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) championships in the first four years of competition.

These first Cobras were powered by small block 260- and 289-cid Ford engines. For 1965 in creating the ultimate performer Cobra (pictured), Shelby's crew went all out and slid in a 427-cube "FE" big block, 425-horsepower, and with a close-ratio 4-speed manual gearbox. The chassis was upgraded to all-independent coil spring suspension, rack-and-pinion steering plus large diameter Girling disc brakes front and rear.

These cars were famous for accelerating to 100-mph from a standing start and back to zero in 13.2 seconds. 1/4-mile times of 12.2 seconds at 118 mph. In 1965 that was big deal, and it left a mark that is still impressive today.