At the beginning of the new millennium, Ford wanted to reinvent the classic AC Cobra with a modern twist and perhaps market it as a replacement to the GT.

As every motor head knows, that didn’t happen, despite the first important step made by the Dearborn automaker with the Shelby Cobra Concept, which shares many parts with the Blue Oval’s supercar.

Nicknamed ‘Project Daisy’, it was designed by the late Carroll Shelby and presented at the 2004 Detroit Motor Show as a roadster with a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout.

See Also: Shelby Cobra Hypercar Concept Will Cure Your Hump Day Woes

Power came from a V10 with 6.4 liters in displacement, which is one of the most powerful units built by Ford, as it kicks out 605 HP (614 PS / 458 kW) at 6,750 rpm and 501 pound-feet (679 Nm) of torque at 5,500 rpm.

Back then, Ford claimed that it was capable of hitting 207 mph (333 km/h), although it was reported that its top speed was actually limited to 100 mph (161 km/h).

Over the years, the bespoke roadster has changed hands a few times, eventually ending up in the possession of a former Ford engineer, Chris Theodore, who helped bring it to life. Theodore paid $825,000 for it almost three years ago at an auction, and the funds raised were injected into the estate once owned by Henry and Clara Ford.

More recently, the show car was briefly demonstrated on the M1 Concourse, disturbing the peace with its menacing growl. You may want to turn up the volume before hitting the play button, as the sound will probably make your day.

 

H/T to Chris