Ford Shelby Cobra

More than just a design studio exercise, this fully functional roadster takes the engineering of concept vehicles to a new level.

Just weeks before its glamorous debut at the 2004 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in early January, the Ford Shelby Cobra concept car was being put through its paces at the Irwindale Speedway in California by none other than Carroll Shelby himself (shown below). And it wasn't just a casual Sunday drive: He circled the track more than 100 times at speeds as high as 100 mph (160 km/h).

After a little touch-up paint and a good waxing, the car was ready to shine on the Detroit stage.