Repair or Replace: ’62 Shelby Cobra

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The time was 1961, and Carroll Shelby was a few years shy of 40 years old. He wanted a new racecar, and he was willing to search the world over for just the right body. Carroll wasn’t looking to build your typical racecar; he wanted something that could run with the Chevrolet Corvette and win on the weekends. That’s when he contacted a British automotive company named AC Cars. The automotive manufacturer had a body that Carroll felt would work. The British manufacturer agreed to send Carroll their car under one stipulation: Carroll Shelby needed to locate a motor that was worthy of its engine bay.

Carroll Shelby’s first stop was G.M., to ask if they’d be interested in building an additional car aside from the Corvette. G.M. said no. Other manufacturers wanted to compete with Chevy at the time as well, but weren’t willing to reach into their pocketbooks to beat the Corvette. Chevrolet had said thanks, but no thanks, and Mr. Shelby needed a different plan.

His next move was over to Ford Motor Company. Ford is one of G.M.’s biggest competitors. As luck would have it, Ford had a new high-performance motor they were chomping at the bit to test, and they were interested in Carroll’s idea. Ford agreed to give Carroll two engines for the AC Cobra. History has proven that was a great move for their company.

Today you can find the Shelby nameplate on Ford vehicles all over the globe. Beginning back in the early 1960’s Carroll Shelby has had his share of success both on and off of the racetrack. That success has flowed over to the vehicles that display his famous signature. Whether it’s the Mustang or an early AC Cobra, the Shelby name means performance. What does it cost to buy a vintage AC Cobra? About a million dollars, if you’ve got that kind of money lying around! How about having a replica built - how much would that cost? After doing some research online, it looks like around $50k. Be aware, though, that not all kit cars are created equal! Still, that’s a far cry from a million dollars, wouldn’t you say?

F.Y.I. A gallon of gasoline cost you 28 cents in 1962.

Living in 1962: The average yearly income was just over $4,200 dollars.

In the Movies 1962: “To Kill a Mockingbird” was one of the most popular movies of the year.

Billboard Charts 1962: “Hey Baby!” by Bruce Channel stood at the top of the Billboard Charts in March of 1962.

Fact: Unemployment in America in 1962 was 5%.

1962 College Basketball Champs: Cincinnati Bearcats

Miss America 1962: Maria Fletcher

AC Cobra
Online Pricing: $750,000+
Quick Look Paint:
❖ Fenders x2-
❖ Doors x2-
❖ Rockers x2-
❖ Hood-
❖ Decklid-
❖ Rear Body Panel-
❖ Racing Stripes
❖ Add for jams on all parts-
❖ Undercoating-
❖ Misc-$$$$-
❖ Materials-
=_________________________________________
(Paint) Labor and Materials- $5k

Quick Look Body:
❖ Body (Glass, Trim, Interior, Exterior,)- $3k+
❖ 150 hrs repair at $100 a billable hr. (including prime and block).
=___________________________________________
(Body)-Labor and materials- $15k

Quick Look Total: (Body, Paint, Parts, Material, Etc.) = $20K