1998 Shelby Series 1

Shelby American went out on a limb in 1998 and released their own car with a custom chassis and Oldsmobile L47 Aurora V8. This was the one and only Shelby product that was made from a clean slate; all previous cars having being derived from a production model.

A limited production of 250 cars had many speculating that the Series 1 might become an instant classic and one of the big opportunities of the late 1990s.

Shelby chose the 4.0-liter Oldsmobile engine to which offered 320 bhp in a car that weighed only 1,202 kg (2,650 lbs). Some of the initial prototypes were supercharged in excess of 600 bhp.

True to the Cobra’s concept, the Series One had an aluminum body with carbonfibre honeycomb panels for the floorboards. Inside the car was sparse and used widely available OEM controls and a wide range of options that included a carbon fiber dashboard, air conditioning, power windows and a GM Monsoon stereo system.

In Detail

submitted by	Richard Owen
type	Series Production Car
built at	Las Vegas, USA
engine	Oldmobile V8
valvetrain	DOHC 4 Valves / Cyl
displacement	4000 cc / 244.1 in³
bore	87.0 mm / 3.43 in
stroke	84.0 mm / 3.31 in
compression	10.3:1
power	238.6 kw / 320.0 bhp @ 6500 rpm
specific output	80.0 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	266.22 bhp per tonne
torque	393.2 nm / 290.0 ft lbs @ 5000 rpm
body / frame	Carbon Fiber and Fiberglass laminate over Steel Chassis
driven wheels	Front Engine / RWD
front tires	F 265/40ZR-18 Goodyear Eagle F1
rear tires	R 315/40ZR-18 Goodyear Eagle F1
front brakes	Vented Discs
rear brakes	Vented Discs
front wheels	F 45.7 x 25.4 cm / 18.0 x 10.0 in
rear wheels	R 45.7 x 30.5 cm / 18.0 x 12.0 in
steering	Rack & Pinion w/Power Assist
f suspension	Double Wishbones w/Inboard Spring/Damper Units
r suspension	Double Wishbones w/Inboard Spring/Damper Units
curb weight	1202 kg / 2650 lbs
wheelbase	2405 mm / 94.7 in
front track	1509 mm / 59.4 in
rear track	1534 mm / 60.4 in
length	4292 mm / 168.9 in
width	1943 mm / 76.5 in
height	1194 mm / 47.0 in
transmission	6 speed ZF trans-axle
final drive	3.12:1
0 – 60 mph	~4.4 seconds
0 – 100 mph	~11.0 seconds
0 – 1/4 mile	~12.9 seconds

Auction Sales History

1999 Shelby Series 1 5CXSA1819XL000124 – did not sell for $110,000

Low mileage. The Series 1 is the only car designed and engineered by Carroll Shelby from a clean sheet of paper and built from the ground up. All other Shelbys are re-engineered models produced by other manufacturers and modified by Shelby. Prior to production of the Series 1, significant costs were incurred in testing and certification required to conform to 1999 Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. 1 of 246 production Series 1 constructed by Shelby American in 1999.

Auction Source: Kissimmee 2014, #WhereTheCarsAre by Mecum

1999 Shelby Series 1 5CXSA1810XL000173 – did not sell for $78,000 #173 of 249 manufactured. All aluminum frame. Carbon fiber body. 5-speed manual transmission. Air conditioning. Carbon fiber dash package. Speedline wheels. All power options. Very rare car. Stripe delete.
Auction Source: Kissimmee 2014, #WhereTheCarsAre by Mecum

1998 Shelby Series 1 – sold for $88,000 V8 Oldsmobile engine with 6-speed manual transmission. Only 2,370 miles. Only 250 of these cars were produced. Leather seats, cruise, tilt, power seats and power windows.
Auction Source: 2012 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction

1999 Shelby Series 1 – sold for $110,000 Number 194 of 249 built. Carbon fiber body, 2,650lbs, 4.5 sec 0-60, 185mph top speed, power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, AM/FM/CD, softtop and 6-speed transmission. 5,500 original miles.
Auction Source: 2012 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction

1999 Shelby Series I Roadster – sold for $96,250 This

This outstanding example is accented by blue racing stripes, has covered only about 3,000 miles from new and is surely one of the very best examples available today. As a very desirable late-production Series I, car number 217 of the 249 built, it also benefits from the comprehensive process and quality improvements made by Shelby American over the course of production. Desirable features include a carbon-fiber dashboard and a clear adhesive bra, which protects the front from stone chips and other minor cosmetic road damage. This Series I is offered complete with documentation including its Statement of Origin signed by Carroll Shelby, plus a letter and signed photograph from Carroll Shelby, a Series I sales brochure, a scale model and even a Shelby baseball cap.
Auction Source: 2011 Amelia Island Auction by RM Auctions