About

The Cobra Experience

In the 1960’s, the Cobra captured the heart and imagination of car racing enthusiasts.  Carroll Shelby, the facilitator of the famous Cobra, GT40, Daytona Coupe, and GT350 and GT500, 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.

Promotion, conservation, education & preservation

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.

The Cobra Experience is a 25,000 SF museum located in Martinez, CA, and showcases original Cobra’s, Shelby GT350 and GT500’s, Daytona Coupe, GT40, King Cobra, Sunbeam Tigers and a Lotus.  A unique feature of The Cobra Experience is the extensive original 60’s shop equipment artifact collection used to build these iconic cars. There are engine, wheel and chassis displays, posters, memorabilia, photos all from Shelby American in the 60’s. Exclusive to the museum is The Gary Thomas theater, a 40-seat custom surround sound theater which features a HD film about the cars and about the Ford and Shelby American story.

Drew & Janet Serb

Lynn & Susanne Park

GORDON & SANDRA GIMBEL

BRENDAN & MARY KAY FINN

ROGER & SISSY MORRISON

Gary & Judy Campilongo • Brooks & Jamie Laudin • Tom & Lucy Mccarthy • Lee & Felicia Cross • Larry Less • Tom Mcintyre • Chip & Carolyn Herman • Ed & Carla Mazula • Forrest Straight

Staff

Drew Serb

founder and curator

Emily Lambert

managing director

Volunteers

Audrey L.

Bert B.

Brooks L.

Dave D.

chip h.

Josiah C.

Karan S.

Rick G.

Rich A.

Stella L.

Shorty s.

tyler C.

steve g.

vince c.

FAQ

  • Take a look at this for some behind the scenes info:
    Cobra Experience - Educational Series Video - Behind The Scenes

  • We opened in November of 2014.

  • Yes!  Many are owned by individuals, the museum itself owns 4, which may or may not be in the museum at the time you visit.

  • Yes, cars come and go all the time!  So make sure to come again to see something different!

  • No, we do not sell vehicles.