The first Shelby Cobra combined the AC Ace chassis with a Ford 260 small block V8 engine with thin walls and tuned for high performance. The first Ace Cobra or Shelby Cobra, as they became to be known, was born.

The first Cobra was model CSX2000. There would be about 125 of the Mark I Cobras built, with 75 getting the 260 engine and about 50 getting the Windsor 289 engine.

After failing with the Mark II design, Shelby went back to the drawing board for the Mark III model. Coil spring suspension was added all around, and the engine was changed to the now legendary Ford 427. This was the side oiler engine that could make 425 horsepower. With a car this small, an engine like that could bring performance numbers never before seen in a production car -- and it did.

The 1965 and 1966 Shelby Cobra models are among the most popular due to their high performance. Sales were never good when new, and the company had to discontinue the car after 1969. Needless to say, there is no shortage of demand for these amazing cars today. Even though 40 years have passed, these cars are still among the best performing production cars sold to the public... ever.

There are lots of Shelby Cobra replicas out there. You can find dozens of them on eBay. You can also find those true gems of the collecting world - the real Shelby Cobra. They usually sell for six figures, so be prepared to bid high. Lots of collectibles relating to Shelbys are also sold on eBay, so be sure to check it out.