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Ilya Avakov

Shelby AC Cobra

Shelby AC Cobra

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$30.00 USD
$30.00 USD
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The story of Shelby AC Cobra starts with a letter by Carol Shelby to the British company AC. The American asks if they can manufacture a car suitable for the V8 engine. The answer is positive and the celebrated Shelby Cobra is born.

It isn’t the first time when British design is combined with American muscle power. What is different about this project is that it becomes a legend.

Initially, Carol Shelby asks Chevrolet for a V8 engine but they reject the commission because GM management doesn’t want to create competition for Corvette. Ford is the next company Shelby goes to and they seem open to the idea. Luckily, Ford has a brand new V8 engine capable of becoming a Corvette challenger. The Shelby AC Cobra receives a thin wall 4.2-litre V8 Ford engine tuned for high performance. The car turns out to be a racing success.

 

Cobra 64 Targa Florio

Targa Floria, 1964 | Photo by Dave Friedman

 

Shelby Cobra is the most loved, most feared and most copied American sportscar

Carol Shelby needs to retire from competitions - there are too many fatal incidents on the racing tracks. Also, the American also suffers from health issues. The project of creating his own car is the next step that comes naturally.

Shelby's ambition is to beat Enzo Ferrari – the dictatorial founder of the Scuderia for whom he drives during the '50s. Unfortunately, Shelby doesn’t succeed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Cobra. He manages to dominate with Ford GT40 competing for his Shelby American racing team. The Snake and the Stallion is an interesting documentary by Richard Simons about Shelby and Ferrari's rivalry.

The life of the legendary Cobra sportscars has its ups and downs. During the '90s, The Los Angelis Times finds out that Carol Shelby takes advantage of a loophole in the vehicle registration procedures. The purpose is to sell brand new Cobra cars as classic builds from the '60s. Later Carol Shelby admits that it is not the AC in the UK that built the chassis but a small local engineering company hired for the job.

Artist Ilya Avakov finds inspiration in the life and works of the American automobile brute Shelby Cobra. If you are a fan as well, you can order now at Simply Petrol marketplace your Shelby AC Cobra art print.

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  • Fine art prints

    285 gsm, 100% a-cellulose mould-made

    Fine art prints are made on German Etching Hahnemühle traditional mould-made copperplate printing paper of highest quality.

    The unique surface texture showcase the works of art in all their splendour with impressive three-dimensional effect and depth.

    This paper is designed for FineArt applications.

  • Posters

    180 gsm photo matt

    The high-quality matt photo inkjet paper is particularly suitable for printing photorealistic quality images. The special coating guarantees high resolution and high friction resistance levels.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to ship?

Since our prints are made on-demand, production times can vary. On average, it takes about 2-3 business days for production.

Shipping times depend on your location and the shipping method chosen during checkout.

Standard shipping within EU usually takes 3-7 business days, while air shipping may take longer, up to 10 work days.

What materials are used?

We use high-quality materials to ensure the best possible results.

For fine art prints, we use 285 gsm German Etching Hahnemühle art paper.

Poster prints are typically printed on durable, 180 gsm heavyweight paper with a slight satin finish.

What sizes are available?

Our art prints come in various sizes to accommodate different needs and display options. Common sizes include 20x14 inches, 28x20 inches, 40x28 inches. It's fair to say our prints are on the bigger spectrums of prints offered.

What is your return and refund policy?

Wea 60-day, no questions asked return policy on all print products otherwise noted on the item. Their condition must be the same as received to qualify for an exchange or refund. To start an exchange or return, please email us.

Please refer to our dedicated Return Policy page on our website for more detailed information.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we offer international shipping to many countries worldwide.

However, please note that shipping times and customs procedures may vary.

Can I track my order?

Absolutely! Once your print is shipped, you will receive a shipping confirmation email with a tracking number. You can use this tracking number to monitor the progress of your shipment and estimate its arrival date.