Owners of authentic Shelby cars were invited along with around 30 rare and valuable cars bombing through the twists and turns of the Circuit Paul Ricard and creating a mesmerising theatre of motoring finery and thundering engine noise.

Sport360 were lucky enough to attend as the event recreated the marque’s glory years when Shelby cars were at the vanguard of international motorsport.

Along with the stunning automobiles, the stars of the show were the new watches, inspired by the legendary 1963 Cobra CSX2128 – and the drivers who piloted it.

One of those men, Allen Grant, who won numerous races in the 1960s and ‘70s, was at the circuit and was thrilled by what he saw.

“There’s $50 million worth of cars that people can sit in and drive at this iconic race track, it’s just amazing,” he said. “My heart just almost skips a beat because it brings back these floods of memories of working on the cars and driving them and winning and taking the chequered flag.”

Baume & Mercier CEO, Alain Zimmermann, was also on the ground as he watched an event months in the planning come together in spectacular style.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The philosophy is to do something which has never been done in Europe before,” said Zimmerman.  “It’s Shelby-only, the greatest meet of 29 Cobras, 427, GT40, GT350, it’s an amazing event.”

The watches are available through Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons in Dubai Mall and also from Al Manara international Jewellery stores in Abu Dhabi.

Two versions of the watch have been produced, and in tribute to the Cobra CSX2128’s inauguration, only 1,963 of each are available.

There are also four limited editions, each paying tribute to a legendary driver and featuring their lucky numbers – only 15 of each are available.

Prices:

Capeland Cobra 1963 (with alligator strap) – Dh16,000

Capeland Cobra 1963 competition (with rubber strap) – Dh17,200

Four limited edition driver tributes (Allen Grant, Dan Gurney, Ken Miles, Dave MacDonald) – Dh16,400