Photos: Shelby American and NHRA

With 2012 being the 50th Anniversary of the Shelby Cobra, the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) is planning a major event in celebration.

The NHRA Motorsports Museum will host the event, which is planned to run from Thursday, April 19, through Saturday, April 21, 2012. Those planning to be in town for the Fabulous Ford Funday (April 22) might want to book a couple of extra days off.

The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum is located in Pomona,CA. approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. The event is presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California, with support from both Ford Motor Company and Shelby Automobiles.

The Ford-powered Shelby Cobra was introduced at the 1962 New York Auto Show. Modified by AC Cars of England to accept a Ford 260 cui V8 engine that was installed by Shelby, the MkI Shelby Cobra took the great aspects of British sports cars of the day and added more power. The cars would become a fearsome competitor to GM’s  Corvette and a legendary ride in their own right.

Event details are tentative at the moment, but you can keep and eye here or at the Museum web site for more information it becomes available. If this gathering turns out like others hosted by the NHRA Museum, you can expect an awesome weekend.