When you hear Carroll Shelby's name, your mind probably jumps to classic Ford Mustangs, roaring engines and American muscle cars. But in the late 1990s, the auto designer went all in on building something completely different — a car from the ground up that was not tied to Dodge or Ford. The result was the Shelby Series 1.

If you naturally gravitate toward a car that dares to be different, is flawed but fascinating and has Caroll Shelby's unmistakable touch, this roadster is it.

Learn more about the Shelby Series 1 history here.

Table of Contents

• Development of the Shelby Series 1
• The Lightweight Series 1 Design
• Series 1 Commercial Production
• Maintenance of the Shelby Series 1
• The Rarity of the Series 1
• Explore the Series 1 at Volo

Development of the Shelby Series 1: A Dream 40 Years in the Making

Series 1 history starts with Carroll Shelby, who rose to fame in the 1960s, first as a race car driver and then by turning garage cars into performance legends. In 1990, he had the opportunity to develop a true Shelby original. 

It was Shelby's first clean-sheet car design, unconstrained by Chrysler, Ford or any major automaker. Venture Corporation later bought stock in his company, helping to supply exterior body panels for his new vehicle. The project began in 1996, aiming to create a lightweight American sportscar that could go toe-to-toe with European exotics. Shelby wanted performance, simplicity and exclusivity. He also wanted something he could sell under his own brand. 

The Lightweight Series 1 Design

The Series 1 was built on an aluminum honeycomb frame, usually seen in race cars. It kept the weight down to about 2,650 pounds, which is featherlight compared to most sports cars of the time. 

This car's heart is a 4.0-liter DOHC V8 borrowed from the Oldsmobile Aurora. It was an unusual choice for a high-performance vehicle, but it fit Shelby's goals of developing a lightweight, reliable and simple car. Other specs included:

• Horsepower: 320 horsepower.
• Torque: 290 pound-feet.
• Transmission: Six-speed manual from the Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen (ZF).
• Zero to 60 miles per hour (mph): Approximately 4.4 seconds.
• Top speed: Just under 170 mph.

Fans expected Cobra-style fury, but this powertrain was more refined than ferocious. Its ultra-light frame and rear-mounted transaxle gave it decent performance credentials. The design language blended retro and futuristic, with styling cues reminiscent of both the Dodge Viper and Miata mixture. 

It has sweeping curves, a low-slung profile and a minimalist interior. You could get the supercharged version as an aftermarket upgrade, letting the car push from zero to 60 in 3.2 seconds, making it more responsive and aggressive.

Inside, the tech was basic. Air conditioning, power windows and a CD player were included, but the switchgear came straight from the General Motors parts bin. This car focused on driving. Shelby made it for the person who would rather carve a canyon road than cruise in a fashion statement.

Commercial Production of the Series 1 Roadster

Series 1 hit the market in 1999, but the road was not smooth. Only 249 units were ever completed and delivered between engineering changes, regulatory red tape and production delays. It was built in Las Vagas at Shelby's factory, and maintenance was relatively straightforward because it used a lot of General Motors parts. However, its original price tag, which started at $85,000, made it a difficult sell.

The Introduction of the Series II

The Shebly Series II Coupe was tested in 2006, with a limited production run following in 2018. It was supposed to be a refined, more powerful evolution of the original car, with improved materials, better build quality and updated emissions compliance. 

Shelby Automobiles acquired the tooling and rights back after Venture Corporation folded, setting out to create a continuation of cars that can be sold as rolling chassis so customers can install their engine of choice and sidestep certain legal issues. 

Only a handful of Series II cars were produced, making them collector-grade, high-performance showpieces. Some even had carbon fiber bodies to decrease their weight and improve performance. 

Specs for the Shelby Series II included a 169-inch long and 76.5-inch wide body that sits about 47 inches tall with a 96-inch wheelbase.

Maintenance for the Shelby Series 1

The Shelby Series 1 is an interesting blend of prestige and peculiarity. It is rare, valuable and needs special care. But thanks to its General Motors-based parts, basic maintenance is manageable. Ensure you have a climate-controlled space to store your roadster to combat corrosion. Other key considerations for maintaining a Series 1 Roadster include:

• Parts availability: Since the Shelby Series 1 was a limited-production vehicle, sourcing parts can be challenging. Luckily, online forums and specialty parts suppliers can help you get the components you need to keep your roadster in peak condition. 
• Aluminum construction: Vehicles with aluminum bodies require special care and bodywork from an expert. Don't take your Series 1 to just any mechanic — ensure they have experience working with unique cars. 
• Originality: Consider the importance of maintaining the car's originality before making modifications and upgrades. For some, preservation is more important than drivability. For others, minor upgrades or custom parts can help them enjoy greater reliability while on the road.

Join a Shelby club or find a specialty shop to help you with information you would typically get from factory support. Owners' clubs are a great way to connect with other roadster enthusiasts and get top tips for keeping your Shelby looking and driving its best.

Series 1 Roadster: Rarity Drives Value

The Shelby Series 1 Roadster is a collector's car. It is a true rarity, a legendary name, and the only car Caroll Shelby ever designed from scratch. They are not often seen on dealer or auction sites, but when you do find them, you can expect prices of around $180,000 for a low-mileage vehicle.

As younger collectors are taking notice of this American classic, you can expect that this rare piece will increase in demand in the future.

Explore Our Shelby Series 1 at Volo Museum

If you are interested in owning a piece of Shelby history —  and getting a vehicle that is more than just a conversation starter and standout on the street — the Series 1 roadster is for you. These special vehicles are increasing in value and rarity. The team at Volo Museum can help you get the Series 1 of your dreams from our private collection. 

Volo Museum has been around since 1960, making us the oldest collector car dealer in existence with four generations of family experience. Our classic car sales rotate frequently as inventory changes each month. We offer high-quality cars inspected by our on-site mechanics and post-purchase support to help you maintain your vehicle.

Contact us today to find your dream car, or browse our online inventory to find your Shelby.