This 2004 Ford Shelby Cobra Concept is a V10 Beast

By John Coyle - June 28, 2021

This one-of-a-kind Ford Shelby Cobra concept runs and drives, and it’s hitting the block in Monterey.

Eagle-eyed readers might be able to tell that the vehicle in this picture isn’t exactly a Mustang, or anything like a Mustang. That’s because it’s actually a 2004 Ford Shelby Cobra concept car. But given the hallowed place Carroll Shelby holds in the hearts of Pony fans the world over, I thought it was worth taking a look at for Mustang Forums. Now, in the interest of full disclosure, I want to make it clear that Shelby didn’t have a hand in designing this beast, as that was done in house at Ford. Given the fact that he signed it under the hood, and appeared in its promotional material, however, I think it’s safe to say the old man approved.

Believe it or not, this vehicle actually marked the first Ford-Shelby partnership since the heady days of the 1960s, when Shelby, Ken Miles, and Henry Ford II went to battle Ferrari for dominance at the Lemans. So in a way, it’s kind of a spiritual heir to all the great Shelby Mustangs we’ve seen in recent years — and later this summer, Mecum is putting it on the block in Monterey. How much it will fetch is anyone’s guess, but independent appraisers — like Jay Leno’s buddy Donald Osborne — have said it could go for well over a million dollars. And given the pedigree, that doesn’t sound unreasonable.

Shelby connection and one-of-a-kind status aside, this machine has a lot going for it, starting with the fact that it actually runs and drives. That’s a rarity for concept cars of all stripes, as under the sexy sheet metal, they’re often held together with tape and bailing wire.

In contrast, this baby features a 6.4-liter V10 mated to manual gearbox, and while there aren’t any horsepower numbers it’s safe to say it’ll rip. In the video of it at the drag strip below, it sounds unhinged, and makes me kind of sad it never saw production.

Lots of the mechanical bits were borrowed from the contemporary Ford GT, and while the auction listing is clear that this Shelby can’t be used on public roads, or even sold to a California-based buyer, that sounds like an academic distinction. Because seriously, if you’re flush enough to spend over a million dollars on a car? You can likely get away with driving it anywhere you please. It might not be fair, but given how many stories I’ve heard about tow truck drivers refusing to help impound high-dollar exotics? I’m confident that’s just the way the world works.

Styling wise, I think this shows its age a bit, and the lines don’t have the fluid beauty of the original AC Cobra. But as a piece of history, it’s fascinating, and I’m curious to see what it goes for. That said, what do you think about this baby? Hit me up and let me know, and be sure to mention any other under-the-radar Ford concept cars you’d like to put in your dream garage. The Blue Oval has made tons of them over the years — so there’s no shortage of material!

Photos: Mecum Auctions