New Shelby Cobra: Does it live up to the legend?

The new Shelby Cobra CSX10000 is the first new Cobra to be listed in the Shelby Register since the 1960s. It’s been made available in the UK first, through Clive Sutton Cars in London and Hagerty has been behind the wheel. After seeing the larger (too large?) 18-inch wheels, Henry Catchpole was sceptical, but as soon as he heard it start up, he couldn’t help but smile at the sound from the side-exit exhausts. On the face of it, the engine isn’t anything particularly special - Ford’s 5-litre Coyote V8 has been in plenty of cars over the years - but it’s never sounded better than in this latest Cobra. It’s linked to a Tremec six-speed manual gearbox with a long, forward-leaning shifter that has a fabulous feel to it. With 460bhp and 420lb ft of torque to propel just 2400lb, performance is certainly fulsome enough to match the noise. However, while this looks like a Cobra, sounds like a Cobra and goes like a Cobra, it certainly isn’t as demanding to drive as an original Cobra. The power assisted steering means it’s a doddle to potter about at low speeds and the huge tyres - 275 section at the front and 335 section at the rear - ensure huge amounts of grip to give a sense of security even when you’re pressing deeper into the throttle’s travel (at least on dry roads). Of course, it’s all very well looking and sounding like a Cobra to the casual observer - there are plenty of replicas that do decent job of that - but what will the die-hard (festive nod) Shelby fans think of it? As luck would have it, Henry knows just such a person. Alan Faulkner has been restoring muscle cars for 40 years and what he doesn’t know about Shelbys probably wouldn’t fill the back of an envelope. So, we took the new Cobra CSX10000 along to see him and get his opinion (after having a poke around his wonderful workshop). We hope you enjoy this latest episode of The Driver’s Seat. If you would like to support the show and the channel, then a thumbs up, comment, share or sub would be hugely appreciated. And if you’d like to know more about the Hagerty Drivers Club then just click on this link: https://www.hagerty.com/drivers-club/

Accreditation Link: https://youtu.be/daypD6XbYWw?si=4RDmlCAyY2ifeoJC

Browse Videos (321)

Morgan Motor Company - This Is How We Do It
  • A behind the scenes look at how Morgan cars are made from the craftsmen themselves. Following each stage of the process from the wooden frame construction right through to the final quality checks. Morgan cars have been hand crafted on the Pickersleigh Road site for over 100 years. See how traditional techniques have been passed down through the generations and have been adapted with modern technology to manufacture this unmistakable British icon.
View Video
Morgan Plus 8 - XCAR
  • Many people moan about Britain's lack of car industry -- they do so without realising we have a pretty impressive one. We build all manner of cars for manufacturers from all over the world. The naysayers' problem is the lack of 'British' brands; e.g. Rover and the like. There are a few left, though. One such example is Morgan. At their small (for a car company) factory in Malvern, Morgan creates some truly stunning cars. Using traditional techniques and materials fused with modern technology, Morgan's motors may look stately, but by God they pack a punch. The Plus 8 we had the pleasure of driving is a wonderful example of how judging a car by its looks may not be a wise choice. You see, the new Plus 8 isn't like the old Plus 8 at all... The new car runs on a bonded aluminium chassis; it looks angrier than the old car; it's got a bigger, noisier V8 with plenty of power on tap. It's light, so once you realise how heavy your right foot really is you're shot off into the distance with a cacophonous growl from its hearty BMW-sourced V8. The noise gets under your skin, as does the drive. Your arse teeters over the rear wheels while you crane your neck to see the fronts. This long wheelbase has two wonderful side effects -- 1) it handles like an old school sports car should and 2) you have plenty of time to spot, encourage, play with and correct oversteer. Yes, the Plus 8 has some flaws -- its roof (and doors) may be removable, but while you're covered the fabric can get caught in the window. Not an issue when it's dry, but when the sky has a wee you wind up very soggy. It drinks a fair bit, too, but that's to be expected from a big 'ol V8. Oh yeah, it also costs more than £85,000. That's quite a bit of penga, especially when you remember just how much Porsche 911 you can get for that much. However, while you may get lots of 911 for £85k, you also remember there are lots more Porsche 911s on the road than there have ever been Morgans. The noise, the drive, drama and exclusivity of the Plus 8 make it a very special thing. It's a fusion of old and new, like a Heston Blumenthal hot pot. It's the type of car you wouldn't only glance back at when you leave it in a car park, but stare longingly at. If you ever get the chance to drive one, do take it.
View Video
Page 33 of 54 12...293031323334353637...5354