Featured Auction - 1964 SHELBY COBRA 289
Estimate (US$): 900,000 - 1,100,000.
289ci OHV V8 Engine
Single 4-Barrel Carburetor
306bhp at 6,000rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Well-kept, award-winning Cobra retaining its original drivetrain and body
*Desirable late-production model with rack-and-pinion steering
*Recent comprehensive restoration to factory specifications
*Known ownership history since new
An example of the new engine was sent to England, where A.C. found it an easy fit. This was in part because of their experience with the British Ford six. This prototype chassis, number CSX2000, was then shipped to the United States, sans engine. The first 75 Cobras, a name that reportedly came to Shelby in a dream, were built with 260 cubic inch high-performance Ford engines. The later cars used the 289-cubic inch unit with similar high-performance upgrades. The Ace's differential had been uprated to a stronger Salisbury unit, as used in E-Type Jaguars, and the steering box, a worm-and-sector design, was moved outward to clear the engine. Disc brakes were used throughout.
Production ramped up slowly during 1962, nonetheless, in October, the Cobra contested in its first competition at the Los Angeles Times Grand Prix. It retired with a broken hub, but not until showing the Corvettes that it would be a force to be reckoned with. Toward the end of the year, A.C.'s chief engineer, Alan Turner, redesigned the front end to take a more precise rack-and-pinion steering arrangement. Early in 1963, the new chassis became effective with car CSX2126.
Rightfully regarded as one of the all-time great classic sports cars, the Shelby Cobra remains one of the most iconic and collectible cars ever made.
Today, the Cobra's original drivetrain operates wonderfully and possesses immense drivability thanks to rebuilt suspension and braking systems. Being a late production 289, this car is equipped with desirable, robust rack and pinion steering, factory side vents, and Ford electrics with Stewart Warner gauges- a combination considered the most desirable of all 289 Cobras. As one might imagine, given the extent of the restoration, this car is beautifully presented throughout. The original aluminum body is straight, and the vibrant red paintwork envelops the curvy lines exquisitely with a great luster. The exterior is capped off by the car's original accessories, resplendent with an external rear view mirror, wind wings, wire wheels, front bumper, and white sidewall tires.
While in the current owner's care – a Texas based collector with a taste for show-winning 1950s and 1960s collector cars – CSX2328 has been professionally serviced and detailed and won the Palmetto Award at the 2017 Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance, while being applaud when shown at the 2018 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.
CSX2328 is an excellent, numbers-matching example of the iconic Cobra complete with an extensive history file including: a picture of the car brand new with its original owner, the Shelby American order sheet specific to this car, the original customer copy of the bill of sale, the canceled check for payment in full, the original factory brochure, the factory invoices, and is noted in the Shelby American World Registry. Few cars have the iconic status of the original Cobra and combined with the drivability and condition of this example, this 289 is a great opportunity to acquire a timeless classic.