Some guys have all the luck....and it helps to have the name McQueen

Even though he isn’t related to the “The King of Cool,” a McQueen will once again be behind the wheel of a Shelby Cobra as a result of the 2012 Win-A-Shelby raffle. Ronald McQueen will be a celebrity in Pennsylvania when he pulls up in a rare, 50^th anniversary Shelby Cobra continuation car. Hosted by the Carroll Shelby Foundation, the 2012 Win-A-Shelby raffle offered enthusiasts a shot at a small block, limited edition Cobra.  Proceeds from the ticket sales benefit the Carroll Shelby Foundation, which was established by automotive icon and racing legend Carroll Shelby to provide financial support for children battling life-threatening illnesses and to promote continuing education.

“The 50th anniversary Cobra is a symbol of the last five decades of Shelby American’s incredible achievements,” said Jenni Shreeves, executive director of the Carroll Shelby Foundation. “Carroll was adamant that these Shelby Cobras be built with the same exceptional quality as the ones he created in the ‘60s. He was also excited that this raffle would give one lucky winner the opportunity to not just drive it, but own it. Now Ronald McQueen will live that dream by contributing to our efforts to help kids live a healthy, happy life with a bright future.”

Steve McQueen, who was best known for driving a Ford Mustang during the action-packed car chase scene in Bullit, was a fan of the Shelby Cobra. He visited Carroll Shelby at his Venice, Calif. facility throughout the 1960s, though legend has it that studio contracts prohibited him from owning one of the fast roadsters. That did not keep him from sampling the Cobra as Shelby lent him the CSX2174 to cruise around Southern California. Ronald McQueen, however, will have the pleasure of owning the Shelby Cobra that Steve McQueen could never buy.

“The Shelby Cobra is one of the more sought after American collectible cars,” added McQueen. “I have friends who own Shelby vehicles and just hearing the roar of the raw power these Cobra engines generate is so exhilarating. Now, I too finally own a piece of Shelby’s automotive history.”

As part of Shelby American’s golden anniversary in 2012, the Carroll Shelby Foundation celebrated the tremendous milestone by offering the limited edition cars. Painted "Shelby black" and filled with a premium wine colored leather interior and special badges, only 50 of the limited-edition anniversary Cobras are being built. The new owner’s small-block Cobra will be documented in the official Shelby registry.