Shelby's wildlife: the Cobras and Mustangs

As an outsider from the Shelby Team, Wallace Wyss did a good job. A few mistakes and wrong dates...didnt botter me. So far I found a very few racing books without mistakes! This fabulous story is nicely told, I liked it! I found very UNFAIR to see one (unknown..) reader to rate the book only one star. Get the book and enjoy it. Phil Henny

For someone unfamiliar with the Shelby marque and Cobras, SHELBY'S WILDLIFE is a good introduction. There are $100 books on the subject, but Wyss's book, even at a used book price, is far, far lower. It covers the racing scene of the 1960's as well as any other, and it deserves a reprinting and updating, since the legendary Shelby is still around and making mischief.

Wyss' book presents an interesting over-view of the development of the 260, 289, 427 Cobra as well as the GT-350 product. Original pictures (taken before the arrival of shabby kit cars which tarnished the marque), afford accurate views of authentic cars. Wyss offers a 1970's perspective of the Shelby (Ol' Shell) effort. The book is devoid of "pulp fiction text" and magazine phraseology so common in latter day Cobra books. Wyss instead speaks in an altuistic narration style which is simple yet informative and very entertaining. The later updated reprint of this book wrongfully included the Dodge "Shelby" compact car which had no place in the racing history or drama. I recommend this book as an integral part of any Cobra enthusiast's library.