1963 Shelby Cobra 289 LeMans Coupe

Carroll Shelby wanted to bring the FIA's World Manufacturers Championship home to the United States. The Cobra was simple. It was lightweight and attractive with an independent suspension and a reliable 260 cubic-inch V8 Ford engine.

During 1962 and 1963 the Shelby Cobra was tested, modified, and improved. Its weaknesses and shortcomings were identified and fixed. Larger tires sent more power to the ground and improved cornering but it also identified that the transverse leaf spring suspension was inadequate. More improvements brought about greater speeds and the need for better stopping power.

The Cobra was proving itself on the racing circuit, with great speed and reliability being shown at Daytona and Sebring. Carroll turned his sights on the 24 Heures du Man's race. Two vehicles were constructed specifically for this grueling 24-hour endurance race that not only tests the team and the drivers, but also the car. A 37-gallon fuel tank with a high-capacity fuel filler and quick release was adapted to the cars. The fender flares were enlarged and the prior wheels were replaced in favor of Dunlop magnesium wheels. The 'FIA' hood scoop and side vents were enlarged which allowed more air into the engine and improved cooling. A roll cage was added to provide safety for the driver. Though the engine was already highly modified, four Weber dual choke downdraft carburetors provided extra power.

The Cobras were entered by AC Cars and managed by Stirling Moss. Drivers Peter Bolton and Ninian Sanderson drove the cars to a respectable 7th place overall and 3rd in the GT category. In response to this success, six more Cobra's were commissioned to be built and dubbed the Le Man's version.

CSX 2136 was one of the first of these commemorative LeMans Cobra's to be built. It was constructed to compete throughout the remaining 1963 SCCA/US Road Racing Championship season. It was raced on September 8th at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. Driven by Dave MacDonald and Bob Bondurant, it finished fourth overall and first in its class. A month later it finished 3rd in the GT class at the Los Angeles Times GT race and was driven by Spencer. A few weeks later MacDonald navigated CSX 2136 to a second-place overall victory at the Hawaiian GP. On December 8th, 1963, CSX 2136 served its final duties in SCCA/USRRC racing competition, driven by Frank Gardner to a first in class at the Nassau Trophy Race.

Ed Leslie purchased the car from the Shelby Team and raced it extensively during the 1964 season. He raced in the SCCA A/Production class, winning seven of the eleven races he entered.

It was sold to Foster Alexander who continued its racing history during the 1965 season. One of the more prominent races and victories for Alexander with the Cobra was at the ARRC National championship finale at Daytona where he skillfully navigated the car to an impressive third overall and first in class.

The car was later sold to Lee Midgley and Stan Bennett who continued to race CSX 2136.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2007