In the 1960’s, the Shelby Cobra captured the heart and imagination of car racing enthusiasts. Carroll Shelby, the facilitator of the famous Shelby Cobra, GT40, Daytona Coupe, and GT350, amongst others, campaigned cars from 1962 to 1968 at Shelby American in Southern California. These cars remain giants for their contributions to the evolution of the muscle car industry in this country.
It is the promotion, conservation, education and preservation of the cars produced by Shelby American that is the linchpin of the Cobra Experience. In the early ‘70s, Drew Serb, founder and curator, was captivated by the Cobra and started his journey of restoration and dedication to this special car. Through the years he gained experience in Cobra repairs and amassed an enviable spare parts, artifacts, and memorabilia inventory. He wanted to share these increasingly rare cars with the public and was able to transform his passion for the cars into the Cobra Experience. He is fortunate to run this museum with his wife, Janet, and daughters, Emily and Kate. The Serb family has always been local to the East Bay, and is very proud to be able to share their passion with community. Further educating the masses and especially the next generation is what they hope to accomplish.
The Cobra Experience is a 25,000 SF museum located in Martinez, CA, and showcases original Cobra’s, Shelby Mustangs, Daytona Coupe, GT40, King Cobra, Sunbeam Tigers and a Lotus. Currently there are 24 cars on display, but this number fluctuates month to month. There are engine and wheel displays, posters, photos and a shop scene as it was at Shelby American in the 60’s. Unique to the museum is a 40-seat surround sound theater which features a HD film about the cars and about the Ford and Shelby American story.
The facility is available to rent for events and can accommodate up to 300 people. The theater seats up to 40, and there is a board room/library for small groups, and a lounge that seats up to 80 that adjoins the large covered patio area and kitchen.
It is the promotion, conservation, education and preservation of the cars produced by Shelby American that is the linchpin of the Cobra Experience. In the early ‘70s, Drew Serb, founder and curator, was captivated by the Cobra and started his journey of restoration and dedication to this special car. Through the years he gained experience in Cobra repairs and amassed an enviable spare parts, artifacts, and memorabilia inventory. He wanted to share these increasingly rare cars with the public and was able to transform his passion for the cars into the Cobra Experience. He is fortunate to run this museum with his wife, Janet, and daughters, Emily and Kate. The Serb family has always been local to the East Bay, and is very proud to be able to share their passion with community. Further educating the masses and especially the next generation is what they hope to accomplish.
The Cobra Experience is a 25,000 SF museum located in Martinez, CA, and showcases original Cobra’s, Shelby Mustangs, Daytona Coupe, GT40, King Cobra, Sunbeam Tigers and a Lotus. Currently there are 24 cars on display, but this number fluctuates month to month. There are engine and wheel displays, posters, photos and a shop scene as it was at Shelby American in the 60’s. Unique to the museum is a 40-seat surround sound theater which features a HD film about the cars and about the Ford and Shelby American story.
The facility is available to rent for events and can accommodate up to 300 people. The theater seats up to 40, and there is a board room/library for small groups, and a lounge that seats up to 80 that adjoins the large covered patio area and kitchen.