Stephen Becker Automotive Group to Open Planet Cobra

Stephen Becker Automotive Group has cut a deal with Shelby Automobiles, Inc. to open Planet Cobra, a new car Shelby dealership that will be based in Suwanee.

The dealership will sell new and collector Shelby Cobra automobiles, as well as Shelby parts and merchandise, to collectors nationwide.

Planet Cobra will be the first authorized Shelby dealership in the Southeast to offer new Shelby Cobras and Shelby-licensed merchandise such as apparel and parts. Planet Cobra will also offer an online store selling rare or collectible Shelby Cobras and Mustangs.

“Stephen is both an entrepreneur and recognized Shelby expert," said Amy Boylan, President of Shelby Automobiles, Inc. "He understands our philosophy of building high performance vehicles and has worked closely with Carroll over the years. As a result, Stephen has developed a solid understanding of what it takes to run a successful dealership in this competitive world of collectible performance vehicles.”

Las Vegas-based Shelby Automobiles, Inc. was founded by Carroll Shelby and manufactures and markets performance vehicles and related products, including authentic continuation Cobras such as the 427 S/C, 289 FIA and 289 streetcar component vehicles. The company partnered with Ford Motor Company in 2007 to launch the new Shelby GT, which is based on the Mustang.

Becker recently directed the restoration of Shelby’s personal 1969 Shelby GT500 convertible, which is to be sold at the 37th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event on Jan. 20 in Scottsdale, AZ. Shelby is the car’s original owner.

“This car has many unusual bits of equipment,” said Becker. “For instance, Carroll painted the engine block red when he rebuilt it instead of the original Ford blue to show that he did it himself. Most importantly, the original title is still in Carroll’s name and will be signed over to the new owner at the sale by Shelby himself.”

Becker has long been a Shelby enthusiast, opening his first Shelby parts business in 1978 at age 11. Since that time, he has become well known for his expertise and knowledge of vintage and collector Shelby vehicles.

“I look forward to working with the group at Shelby Autos,” said Becker. “I have a great deal of respect for what they have accomplished and am proud to be part of their team. Our goal at Planet Cobra is to offer the latest performance vehicles rolling out of Vegas and be a trusted resource for collectors who want a vintage Shelby car. I have several Cobras on order and am excited to open our doors. With the enormous demand for authentic Shelby vehicles, the opening of Plant Cobra couldn’t have come at a better time.”

Becker has been one of the most quoted experts on genuine Shelby automobiles for 30 years. He is a leading collector and broker of vintage Shelby Cobras, GT350’s and GT500’s, and has assisted worldwide clients in rebuilding, purchasing, and restoring original Shelbys.

Construction on the Planet Cobra dealership will begin in the first quarter of 2008 with the facility expected to open in the third quarter of 2008.

Published November 8, 2007