The car was originally yellow, but was repainted a lot for shows so it looked like there were more than one in existence. The first engine was 221 Ford V8, which ran the Cobra for the first time at in England in late 1961, at the MIRA test track by Derek Hurlock. The 221 was scrapped for a 260 fairlane V8, which made 250-260 hp in Shelby tune, with a Borg-Wagner T-10 four speed tranny. It has an aluminum body. Shortly after it was built in the States, the first journalist to drive it was John Christy for Sports car Graphic.
There is alot more, but needless to say, it was a success, with a few 260's, and lots of 289's and 427's made later.
Currently, the car is in original condition, completely. Thats why its worn a bit. It will still (in theory) pull of 5 second 0-60 blasts, but I wouldnt want to try it.