This Shelby Proves That Size Doesn’t Always Matter
- A refurbished vintage Shelby Cobra-style go-kart sold for $9,800 on Bring A Trailer.
- It has a ’60s fiberglass body, custom steel frame, Wilwood brakes, and a 440cc engine.
What you see here is a true labor of love, a combination of old parts with modern engineering that resulted in a stunning plaything. It just happens to also be a great way for both young and old to enjoy motoring, provided one has the space to use it. Oh, and they’ll need some extra cash lying around because this Shelby Cobra-style go-kart just traded hands for almost $10,000.
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Sold over on Bring A Trailer to the high bidder for $9,800, this is far more than a cheap replica. According to the seller, the fiberglass body is actually from the 1960s. They bought that shell sometime in 2023 and began refurbishing it. Now, two years later, they’ve not only finished the project but moved on entirely. For nearly $10k, we can’t really blame them.
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When the seller found the body, it had the cracks and disrepair one might expect from something half a century old. They mended those issues and refinished the paint in the blue hue you see here. Then, they added other touches, like the wraparound plexiglass windshield, the chrome surround, and the twist-off fuel cap in the rear. The body also features faux side pipes, functional trunk and hood lids, working lights, and a hood scoop.
Under the bodywork, you’ll find a custom-built steel frame and running gear that might be more impressive than the body. A 440cc (0.4-liter) DuroMax OHV single piston engine with a centrifugal clutch sends its power to the rear wheels.
The engine reportedly makes 18 horsepower (13 kW), which isn’t much, but it’s on the high side of what the average kart makes. The kart uses Wilwood parts, including a brake pedal adjuster and a master cylinder, along with cross-drilled disc brakes to slow down. On top of all these excellent features, the cabin is a treat as well.
It benefits from faux ostrich skin upholstery, black carpet, and matching pedals. While this is a one-seater, it’s worth noting that short adults can fit in it. That said, we can’t think of a better way to get junior into cars than something like this.
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