by Mike –

In late 1961 Carroll Shelby contacted the British car company, AC with the idea of using an American V8 engine in the AC Ace chassis. AC liked this idea so Shelby went looking for an engine supplier.

He approached Chevrolet and they turned him down because they did not want to create competition for the Corvette. Ford, however, liked the idea because they wanted to create competition for the Corvette. Then Carroll Shelby proceeded to create one of the most popular sports cars in history.

This is the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the Shelby Cobra. And with the recent passing of Carroll Shelby it will be a special Shelby year in Monterey.

I have always been a big fan of the Shelby Cobra 289. I like the way the body style stays true to the AC from which it came, more so that the Cobra 427.

Here are four Shelby Cobra 289s for auction in Monterey this year.

1965 Shelby Cobra Roadster 289

– Offered by Russo and Steele

Russo and Steele says:

The well-documented, matching-numbers 1965 Shelby Cobra s/n CSX2538 offered here was delivered new finished with a red exterior with black interior and Class “A” accessories; which included the chrome wheels. As with all the most desirable “late production” Cobras, CSX2538 features the larger 289 cubic inch power plant (verses early 260 ci engines) the vastly superior rack and pinion steering set up, Ford electrical system with alternator (verses early generator equipped cars) and Stewart Warner dash gauges all culminating in the “best of the best” engineering refinements of the last cars in the production run.

CSX2538 is equipped with the venerable Ford 289 high performance engine and is fitted with the Shelby American optional twin-4-barrel Carter AFB carburetors. Recently serviced in June and October of 2011 this nicely detailed 1965 Shelby Cobra has a new radiator core, new oil cooler, new oil lines, new radiator hoses, new electric fuel pump, new wiper blades, new headlights, repairs to the header tank, door adjustments, updated air filters and an oil/fluids service. In addition to it being well maintained CSX2538 comes with the side curtains, the top bows, black canvas top, jack kit and a correct chrome wheel spare.

CSX2538 is very original, well sorted and fully documented; ready for this year’s “Cobra 50th Anniversary” at the Monterey Motorsports Reunion weekend. Like all Cobra 289s, CSX2538 is beautiful example of one of the most iconic cars of all time and an excellent weekend or event car for any enthusiast looking to own a piece of Shelby American automotive history.

1963 Shelby Cobra 289 Mk II

– offered by RM Auctions

Estimate: $600,000-$700,000 US

RM says:

The car on offer is a CSX 2167, a 1963 289 Cobra with 30,500 original miles and complete provenance.

271 hp, 289 cu in OHV V-8 engine, four-barrel carburetor, four-speed transmission, ladder-type steel tubing chassis with independent front and rear suspension with A-arms, transverse leaf springs and tube shock absorbers, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 90″

Titled in 1964.

• Original Ford New York District Office sales promotion car
• Fully-documented with SAAC registry; indicates 30,500 miles from new
• Finished in Guardsman Blue/Black interior, with top and side-curtains

1964 Shelby 289 Competition Cobra

– offered by RM Auctions

Estimate: $1,200,000-$1,400,000 US

RM says:

Chassis No. CSX2290

Race-prepped, FIA-legal, 289 cu. in. Ford V-8 racing engine, four Weber twin-choke carburetors, four-speed manual transmission, four-wheel independent suspension with A-arms, transverse leaf springs and tubular shock absorbers, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 90″

• Early 289 Cobra upgraded for racing by Shelby American in 1964
• Extensive privateer racing history and highly documented provenance
• Driven by Chuck Parsons for J. Randy Hilton in 1964 and by Monte Shelton in 1965
• Completely restored from 1988–1991; presented in 1964 racing livery and specs
• Eligible for today’s most prestigious and desirable vintage-racing events

1965 Shelby Cobra 289 Roadster

– offered by Mecum Auctions

Mecum says:

CSX 2428, Highly Optioned Example

– Rare highly optioned Cobra
– Rebuilt original engine
– Rare dual quad induction system
– Authentic Cobra 2×4 intake
– Two Carter AFB carburetors
– OE style air cleaners
– Desirable rack and pinion steering system
– New clutch and plate
– Powdercoated headers and mufflers
– New Michelin tires
– Hardtop, side curtains and other parts included
– Billed 5/7/64 to Shelby American
– Shipped 5/15/64 to LA aboard the SS Alblasserdyk
– Invoiced 8/5/64 to Foreign Car Center in Birmingham, AL
– Same owner since 1984 and listed in registry

I like blue Cobras. Let us know your favorite in the comments.

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