Shelby Series 1
After the success of the Viper, Carroll decided to return to the sports car manufacturing business with a new project. His idea was to introduce a retro-styled car, a power roadster with sharper handling, more direct driving dynamics, and a modern drivetrain. The idea materialized in the form of the Shelby Series 1. A world-class sports convertible and the only vehicle Shelby ever built from the ground up (via Car and Driver).
The Series 1 debuted in 1999 and featured a gorgeous roadster body, low silhouette, and design, which could be traced back to the mid-’60s. However, everything was brand new under the body, and the car had the Oldsmobile 4.0-liter V8 engine delivering 320 HP. Since the car was light, performance was great, and 0 to 60 mph times were around four seconds. That was fantastic for the late ’90s. Unfortunately, US regulations regarding car manufacturing forbade Shelby from producing the Series 1 as a regular model. They allowed it to be built only as a kit car, which Shelby refused. Due to its limited availability and high price, only about 250 examples left the factory until 2005.