Researchers from the Department of Energy at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have successfully 3D printed a 1965 Shelby Cobra sports car.

ORNL's new 3D printed vehicle pays homage to the classic Shelby Cobra in celebration of its 50th anniversary. The 3D printed car is on display at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

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It weighs 1,400 pounds and has 500 pounds of printed parts. These parts are made of 20 percent carbon fiber.

Researchers aim to showcase the potential use of 3D or additive manufacturing for the automotive industry.

"Our goal is to demonstrate the potential of large-scale additive manufacturing as an innovative and viable manufacturing technology," said Lonnie Love, ORNL's leader of Manufacturing Systems Research group.

"We want to improve digital manufacturing solutions for the automotive industry."

The car was printed at the Department of Energy's Manufacturing Demonstration Facility using its Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM) machine. BAAM can make strong, lightweight composite parts in sizes greater than one cubic meter.

"You can print out a working vehicle in a matter of days or weeks," said Love.

"You can test it for form, fit and function. Your ability to innovate quickly has radically changed. There's a whole industry that could be built up around rapid innovation in transportation."

BAAM underwent improvements that give a smoother finish on the printed parts. TruDesign, LLC, a Knoxville-based company that specializes in manufacturing products using alternative materials such as carbon fiber, contributed to the finishing work of the 3D printed Shelby.

TagsShelby Cobra, 1965 Model, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, ORNL, 3D Printing, 50th Anniversary, 2015 National American International Auto Show, Detroit, Department of Energy, Big Area Additive Manufacturing Machine, BAAM