Late Production MKII Shelby Cobra To Cross The Block At Russo And Steele Monterey!

July 21, 2017 by Russo and Steele

Ex-Factory Demo, Late Production MKII Shelby Cobra to be Featured at Russo and Steele's 17th Annual Monterey Collector Automobile Auction Event

Scottsdale, Arizona (July 20th, 2017) - In September 1961, American automotive designer and racer Carroll Shelby approached AC asking if they would build a car for him that was modified to accept a V8 engine. AC agreed, provided a suitable engine could be found. Shelby went to Chevrolet to see if they would provide engines, but not wanting to add competition to the Corvette they declined. However, Ford wanted a car that could compete with the Corvette and they happened to have a brand-new engine which could be used in this endeavor: the Windsor 221 cubic inch engine – a new lightweight, thin-wall cast small-block V8. Ford provided Shelby with the engines and AC exported completed, painted, and trimmed aluminum bodied cars to Shelby. He then finished the cars in his workshop in Los Angeles by installing the engine and gearbox and correcting any bodywork flaws caused by the car's passage by sea.

In the first year of production 75 of the AC-bodied Shelbys were produced at a list price of $5995. The next 51 Mk1 models were fitted with a larger version of the Windsor Ford engine, the 289 cubic-inch V8. A total of 580 289 Cobras were produced between 1962 and 1965.

In late 1962 Alan Turner, AC's chief engineer completed a major design change of the car's front end to accommodate rack and pinion steering while still using transverse leaf spring suspension. The new car entered production in early 1963 and was designated Mark II. The steering rack was borrowed from the MGB while the new steering column came from the VW Beetle.

The consignor has owned this 1965 Shelby 289 MK II since 1975 and states that the car was used as a factory demonstrator. The car received a total restoration by McCluskey Ltd. in 2012-2014 that included a complete new skin. It was a complete body off restoration with all mechanicals rebuilt or replaced. All the electrical components were redone and it received a new dash and upholstery. It was delivered in Princess Blue with red interior and repainted in a correct shade of white. A five-speed transmission was added for touring but the original re-built aluminum Borg Warner T-10 transmission and linkage are available. The engine has been replaced with a 6-bolt block but the Hipo Heads, manifold and 'Wedge' bell housing has been retained. The original heater/defroster and an optional Paxton super charger with mounts and small air box are also available along with the top bows and frame. This Shelby Cobra has been properly maintained and driven regularly. It has been presented at numerous SCCA shows and events and is always well received.

Experience all the high energy excitement of Russo and Steele in Monterey for yourself! Bidder registration is just $200 and includes admission for all 3 days of 'Auction in the Round' action for the bidder and one lucky guest. Stay tuned for further updates on our 17th annual Monterey auction and event schedule and join us for the Hottest Nights in Monterey August 17-19 on the waterfront near historic Fisherman's Wharf!

About Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions

One of the nation's premier collector-car auction houses, Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions continues to set records and attract a discerning global clientele. In addition to our reputation for offering stellar collector automobiles, our unique high-energy auction experience is simply unattainable anywhere else. Auctions include our signature event in Scottsdale, Arizona every January, followed by June at Newport Beach, and August at Monterey, California. For additional information, please visit www.russoandsteele.com or call 602.252.2697.