A look at Shelby USA (formerly Superformance) sports cars. An amazing car that you can build yourself. Available here in Orange county. Some mechanical skills are necessary. Let’s see what it is going to take!

Where do the sports car kits come from? They are hand built in South Africa. The facility utilizes fine craftsman and skilled technicians. The cars are replicas of famous race cars from the 1960’s.

What exactly is in the “kit”? The cars come as rolling chassis which means they have no engine or transmissions. You have to install the power-train yourself. You can choose any engine you want!

What would be a good engine to use? Because the car is based on a Ford sports car from the 60’s, you can stick with the make and use a V/8 high performance engine. Here’s one available!

How is this car made street legal? The California DMV will allow a special exemption of only 500 specially constructed cars a year for the whole state. You would only be able to build one for yourself per lifetime.

Is there more than one model to build? Perhaps you want a car with a roof and doors. How about a replica Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe? It has been approved by Mr. Shelby and you can build it as a kit.

I loved the old Le Mans race cars. Well, you’re in luck because Shelby USA offers another kit car, the GT 40. This is a replica of the car that won the 24 hour Le Mans race for Ford Motor Company in 1966.

What about spare parts in case something happens to my car? Shelby USA’s warehouse in Irvine has 15,000 square feet of replacement parts for your kit car. Everything from body parts to suspension components, all in stock for quick delivery.

Can Shelby USA help me fix my car if I don’t have the time? Absolutely, they have a fully staffed service and parts department with competent, enthusiastic staff that can help you with repairs or upgrades to your replicar.

Can I come to Shelby USA’s facility to learn more? Absolutely, the company is all about customer goodwill and welcomes visitors to their main facility showroom in Irvine. It is only a phone call away.

Thank you for watching! Casey Moir, Instructor Automotive Technology Saddleback College Shelby USA, Irvine was visited 3 times by the writer in February Subject matter focused on: faculty effectiveness in the aftermarket automotive industry.