New Cobra Book: "Shelby Cobra: 50 Years"

[theturd]

Howdy guys,

I dont often recommend books but I wanted to write this little post about a book I received today. I usually am pretty cynical about new books on the cars we so love but Shelby Cobra: 50 Years by Colin Comer turned out to be quite a nice book. I have been reading this book all day and the quality of pictures in this thing is absolutely amazing. Although, unavoidably, many of the vintage pictures have been seen before, i was actually quite happy to see some vintage shots which i had yet to see. Further, the modern pictures are nothing short of mouthwatering. The book features many hi-res shots of original cobras and undoubtedly has pictures of more original Cobras in it then any book outside the registry..and they are in hi-res color to boot. The book also contains quite a few nice interviews with SA staff and a few sections on people whose importance to the Cobra legend tends to get lost behind the other bigger names that we tend to hear so much about.



Of course, it is only fair to say that i did contribute to the book within the Collectibles section, but i am making this post purely because the book really is worth having. It even has, as mentioned in the preceding sentence, a whole section on cobra collectibles, which is great to see considering that collectibles have never really gotten their rightful place in the spotlight with the cars themselves.

Most new books written on Cobras and Shelbys outside the SAAC Registry do tend to disappoint, but not this one. Bottom line, at $26.40 on Amazon with Free Shipping, this book is an absolute steal. I would have paid $100 for this book all day long.

I consider you all my friends here on the forum, so I wouldnt steer you guys wrong, this book is worth your money..hell, the pictures in darned thing are with more then the whole book is selling for.

Best regards,
Vern

[SPF1061]

I agree, Vern. I got my copy a few days ago an have only had a chance top glance through it, but it looks incredible.

[Dennis O'Shea]

Thanks for the Info I have one on the way can't wait

[Randall Thomas]

I'm not much of a book reader, and have seen all the other great Shelby books out there which seem more like different versions of the same thing... after all, there is just so much you can write about regarding the same limited topic.

HOWEVER, this latest book, SHELBY COBRA: 50 YEARS, is really a fresh new look at a 50 year old subject. Colin has somehow managed to pull all the great stories out of the past, and propell them into the future with a modern twist. The more 'humanistic' side of the legend and the people that made it happen is really interesting, and great to see it captured before all those stories were either lost, or reinvented into something else.

In addition to that, the last chapter covering the transistion into the next generation of this story, the replicas, also seems to have maybe set the stage for perhaps Colin's next book... and perhaps titled, "SHELBY COBRA: THE NEXT 50 YEARS" ????? hmmmm.

But back to this book... all I know is for any book, with a hard cover, and 250 pages with outstanding photography reproductions, is that I am simply amazed to see it for only $26 at Amazon. I was expecting a 50 or 60 page paperback book with some rehashed trivia. This price just can't last for long, not in this economy.

I also can't beleive Colin's going to make me read my first book in many years, cover to cover. And, like I always do, I started at the back of this one first... and low and behold, I see my own Cobra as the last closing page and a half. <blush>

Very nicely done, Colin. I just can not imagine the time needed to not only put the words down on paper, but to check them over and over to make sure they are accurate. Contratulations on a job well done... and what may be the sole coffee table reference icon, for years to come! You just can't put a value on that.

All the best;

Randall

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by Randall Thomas

I'm not much of a book reader..

You can READ?!?!?

Can you teach me?

[gsharapa]

I agree it is worth getting. Colin did a great job on this even including the replicas.....

[DanMartin]

I have this on my coffee table now (got it delivered the day it was out), and I can say that it's a great addition to your library, and a conversation piece for sure. Well written, well structured, and very cool to thumb through.

A++

[Dennis O'Shea]

It came today and I am just blown away by the stories and the photo's Just an outstanding tribute to an awesome Man and his killer car

[xb-60]

This book should get an award for quality vs cost ratio. It cost me USD 36 delivered to my door (in Australia).
Great job, Colin. But you're ripping yourself off; you need to charge more!
Cheers,
Glen

[MaSnaka]

Nice snow photo Randall, He got me a couple pages before you cruising with my son up the "Snake". I am thrilled beyond words to be included in this book. I may have to buy a couple more for xmas gifts. Well done Colin.

John

[Jacobyte]

My wife bought me this for my birthday on Saturday. I still can't believe it.

What a fantastic book! (and wife )

[Blue66]

Amazon is out. Suppose to have it next week.

[csx289]

Hi Guys,

I'm thrilled everybody is enjoying the book. It was a labor of love and posts like these make the year locked in a room writing it and laying out photos worth it!

As far as the price, there was a lot of fighting over that but I'm glad they agreed with me to price it at 40.00 retail. I wanted something better than most $150.00 books that would have an Amazon price of around 30 bucks. I'm thrilled they did it and didn't skimp on anything- from the custom foil backed slip cover to the quality of the binding, the paper, and the photo reproduction, and even the page count. I'm biased, but for the money their isn't a better quality book out there. I am a tactile guy and like things that feel like they are built right. And at over three pounds for 256 pages, this book feels right to me!

Now for the part where I beg you guys for a favor: If you bought your copy on Amazon and liked it, would you please consider leaving a good customer review for it? It doesn't have to be anything fancy at all, even a few sentences and five stars is great. Except for Randall (aka Snowman around here ), who I suggest should cut and paste his post from above

And if anybody doesn't like it, please tell me. Feedback is always welcome.

Thanks, again, for your great comments, and for all who helped with photos. Couldn't have done it without you guys!

Best regards,
Colin

[Blas]

So when can we all come up your way and have our books signed by the Author? Just put a few extra shrimp on the grill....8-)

[csx289]

I'd be happy to host a Cobra day here if you guys want to drive up to have books signed. Might want to wait until the weather gets a little nicer, though! We're already experiencing winter. Just skipped fall completely by the looks of it

I will be at SEMA in a few weeks, then the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals (Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals) in Chicago Nov 19/20th, and likely a few venues around the Arizona auctions in January. If any of you venture to those shows please stop by and say hi.

Best regards,
Colin

[CSX3018]

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello
Colin

The book is stunning! Thank you for the profile.
Colin are we going to get togeter for Daytona HSR November 10-13


Richard [/b]

[csx289]

Hi Richard,

Unfortunately no Daytona for me this Nov. You should come to Az in January!
For those of you who don't know this, Richard has been living every car guy's dream life since the early 1960's. Be sure to read the story on him in my Cobra book. It is the result of hours on the phone being blown away by his stories. I thought it was all BS until I verified it with a few guys that were there

Besides the great story, Richard's photos were an incredible addition to the project. Another story that needed to be told.

Richard, keep in touch- we need to go racing soon. Even if it is bench racing.

Best regards,
Colin

[Turbonut48]

I got the book , and it is outstanding. Great photos, Im mostly a visual kind of guy, and text.
And what a bargain. I figure about $8.75 per lb. lol

The Nut

[wicked fast]

I have had all of the Cobra books over the years, this one is by far
the best.

You will not believe the new photos and stories that are in
this book.

Good job Colin, and thank you for including my car, page 236,
in this masterpiece of Cobra history.

Best,
Bill C.

[ZOERA-SC7XX]

Great book, Colin. I've yet to read it completely, but the layout and photos are great. Fantastic bargain, too. I'm looking forward to getting through it over the holidays. Nice job.