Image credit: © conceptcarz.com (Reproduction Or reuse prohibited).
Reality television has caused many people to scour through their garages, attics, and barns to find rare gems of history. Unfortunately, the majority of these searches produce nothing more than heirlooms priceless to the families themselves and rarely to the world at large. However, one such garage find in Pennsylvania would yield a true treasure and a very intriguing, drama-filled story as well.
AC Cars would actually get their early beginnings around the turn of the 20th century. By the early 1920s, AC would have the first-ever car to cover 100 miles in an hour. This feat would be achieved at Brooklands in 1922 and would lead to AC's reputation expanding from then on.
Following the end of the Second World War, AC would design and build John Tojeiro's sportscar. This was a small, nimble design powered by a BMW-derived Bristol six-cylinder engine. And, while the car would be a respected competitor, the Bristol engine lacked the power of more modern engine designs.
The AC Ace had potential but didn't have the heart under the hood to make it all that it could be. That is where Carroll Shelby comes into the picture. AC had a need, as did Shelby. Together, the two would make one unforgettable sports car.
Carroll Shelby was quite familiar with racing, both on the North American and European continents. The Texan had been a part of the Aston Martin team that competed at Le Mans in the late 1950s and was well aware of the small, lightweight sportscar designs being produced throughout the European continent. In the United States, Ford's main competition was the Corvette. Shelby was backed by Ford and they looked to him to build a competitor to GM's sportscar.
Shelby figured a lightweight European design was the best approach and he was quite familiar with AC's Ace design having driven one earlier in his career. He would remember AC simply because of the strength of the car he drove and its overall handling. Therefore, he would approach AC about packing their Ace with a small block Ford V8.
An agreement would be reached and AC would begin fitting the Ford V8 into their small Ace. Now called the Cobra, the tiny roadster was capable of some truly mind-boggling speeds and would actually be allegedly attributed with introducing the speed limit on British highways.
Shelby American would be formed and construction of the Shelby Cobra would begin. Immediately, the Shelby Cobra would be taken to the track and would prove successful straight away. Initially, the first 75 of the Cobras would be powered by a 260 cubic inch engine. However, that would be replaced by a 289 V8. When prepared for the track, the 289 was capable of 370hp. The Cobra would absolutely destroy events filled with Corvettes, Jaguars, Porsches and other sportscars of the time. However, not all were prepared in race trim. Other examples of the hissing Cobras would be prepared for the street and private ownership.
Chassis CSX 2421 would be shipped to the United States in 1964 and would actually be listed to a Jerry Watson Ford of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Unfortunately, the car would quickly return to Los Angeles and Shelby's own dealership. Soon after it was sold.
The history of this car in the latter part of the 1960s would be subject to speculation. However, what is known is that the Cobra would find its way to Pennsylvania in the early 1970s. It would be the property of Bill and Kathy Armstrong. The Armstrongs were car aficionados and often took to the road and events together but in their own collector automobiles.
In the late 1970s, Mr. Armstrong would be called to serve overseas in the military. It would work out that his wife could join him. Therefore, the Cobra would be stored away while they were gone. The intention was the car would remain in storage until their return. The car would go into storage in 1978 and would remain there for decades to come.
The Cobra would remain virtually undiscovered for more than three decades until its current owner happened upon it. Ready for a return to the public eye CSX 2421 demonstrates a great deal of originality sporting matching numbers, original Stewart-Warner gauges, and original top and side curtains.
Still bearing its original color, CSX 2421 remains one of the very few 'original' 289 Cobras and provides a very simple and elegant look at the early days of the Cobra legend. legend.
Sources:
'Lot No. 179: 1965 Shelby 289 Cobra', (http://www.rmauctions.com/lots/lot.cfm?lot_id=1065181). RM Auctions. http://www.rmauctions.com/lots/lot.cfm?lot_id=1065181. Retrieved 10 February 2014.
'1963 Shelby Cobra 289 News, Pictures, Specfications and Information', (http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z835/Shelby-Cobra-289.aspx). Conceptcarz.com: From Concept to Production. http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z835/Shelby-Cobra-289.aspx. Retrieved 10 February 2014.
'A Brief History of AC Cars', (http://www.acownersclub.co.uk/ac_history.asp). AC Owners Club. http://www.acownersclub.co.uk/ac_history.asp. Retrieved 10 February 2014.
By Jeremy McMullen
AC Cars would actually get their early beginnings around the turn of the 20th century. By the early 1920s, AC would have the first-ever car to cover 100 miles in an hour. This feat would be achieved at Brooklands in 1922 and would lead to AC's reputation expanding from then on.
Following the end of the Second World War, AC would design and build John Tojeiro's sportscar. This was a small, nimble design powered by a BMW-derived Bristol six-cylinder engine. And, while the car would be a respected competitor, the Bristol engine lacked the power of more modern engine designs.
The AC Ace had potential but didn't have the heart under the hood to make it all that it could be. That is where Carroll Shelby comes into the picture. AC had a need, as did Shelby. Together, the two would make one unforgettable sports car.
Carroll Shelby was quite familiar with racing, both on the North American and European continents. The Texan had been a part of the Aston Martin team that competed at Le Mans in the late 1950s and was well aware of the small, lightweight sportscar designs being produced throughout the European continent. In the United States, Ford's main competition was the Corvette. Shelby was backed by Ford and they looked to him to build a competitor to GM's sportscar.
Shelby figured a lightweight European design was the best approach and he was quite familiar with AC's Ace design having driven one earlier in his career. He would remember AC simply because of the strength of the car he drove and its overall handling. Therefore, he would approach AC about packing their Ace with a small block Ford V8.
An agreement would be reached and AC would begin fitting the Ford V8 into their small Ace. Now called the Cobra, the tiny roadster was capable of some truly mind-boggling speeds and would actually be allegedly attributed with introducing the speed limit on British highways.
Shelby American would be formed and construction of the Shelby Cobra would begin. Immediately, the Shelby Cobra would be taken to the track and would prove successful straight away. Initially, the first 75 of the Cobras would be powered by a 260 cubic inch engine. However, that would be replaced by a 289 V8. When prepared for the track, the 289 was capable of 370hp. The Cobra would absolutely destroy events filled with Corvettes, Jaguars, Porsches and other sportscars of the time. However, not all were prepared in race trim. Other examples of the hissing Cobras would be prepared for the street and private ownership.
Chassis CSX 2421 would be shipped to the United States in 1964 and would actually be listed to a Jerry Watson Ford of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Unfortunately, the car would quickly return to Los Angeles and Shelby's own dealership. Soon after it was sold.
The history of this car in the latter part of the 1960s would be subject to speculation. However, what is known is that the Cobra would find its way to Pennsylvania in the early 1970s. It would be the property of Bill and Kathy Armstrong. The Armstrongs were car aficionados and often took to the road and events together but in their own collector automobiles.
In the late 1970s, Mr. Armstrong would be called to serve overseas in the military. It would work out that his wife could join him. Therefore, the Cobra would be stored away while they were gone. The intention was the car would remain in storage until their return. The car would go into storage in 1978 and would remain there for decades to come.
The Cobra would remain virtually undiscovered for more than three decades until its current owner happened upon it. Ready for a return to the public eye CSX 2421 demonstrates a great deal of originality sporting matching numbers, original Stewart-Warner gauges, and original top and side curtains.
Still bearing its original color, CSX 2421 remains one of the very few 'original' 289 Cobras and provides a very simple and elegant look at the early days of the Cobra legend. legend.
Sources:
'Lot No. 179: 1965 Shelby 289 Cobra', (http://www.rmauctions.com/lots/lot.cfm?lot_id=1065181). RM Auctions. http://www.rmauctions.com/lots/lot.cfm?lot_id=1065181. Retrieved 10 February 2014.
'1963 Shelby Cobra 289 News, Pictures, Specfications and Information', (http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z835/Shelby-Cobra-289.aspx). Conceptcarz.com: From Concept to Production. http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z835/Shelby-Cobra-289.aspx. Retrieved 10 February 2014.
'A Brief History of AC Cars', (http://www.acownersclub.co.uk/ac_history.asp). AC Owners Club. http://www.acownersclub.co.uk/ac_history.asp. Retrieved 10 February 2014.
By Jeremy McMullen
2014 RM Auctions - Amelia Island
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $900,000-USD $1,200,000
Sale Price :
USD $990,000
1965 Shelby Cobra 289 Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Shelby Cobra 289
(Data based on Model Year 1965 sales)
1965 SHELBY COBRA FIA 289 ROADSTER Chassis#: CSX7010 Sold for USD$110,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1965 Shelby 289 Cobra Roadster Chassis#: csx2516 Sold for USD$962,500 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1965 Shelby 289 Cobra Chassis#: CSX 2407 Sold for USD$1,160,000 2023 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1965 Shelby 289 Cobra Roadster Chassis#: CSX2516 Sold for USD$907,500 2023 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1965 Shelby 289 Cobra Chassis#: CSX 2547 Sold for USD$1,050,000 2022 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1965 Shelby 289 Cobra Roadster Sold for USD$1,100,000 2022 Mecum Indy | |
1965 Shelby 289 Cobra Chassis#: CSX 2547 Sold for USD$967,500 2021 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island Auction | |
1965 AC Cobra 289 roadster Chassis#: COB6027 Sold for USD$822,256 2020 Artcurial : Retromobile | |
1965 Shelby 289 Cobra Roadster Chassis#: CSX2445 Sold for USD$412,500 2019 Mecum : Monterey | |
1965 Shelby 289 Cobra CSX2588 Chassis#: CSX2588 Sold for USD$1,045,000 2019 Mecum : Monterey | |
1965 Shelby 289 Cobra Chassis#: CSX2448 Sold for USD$912,500 2019 Gooding & Company : Scottsdale Arizona | |
1965 Shelby 289 Cobra CSX 8036 Chassis#: CSX 8036 Sold for USD$110,000 2018 RM Sothebys : Auburn Spring | |
1965 Shelby 289 Cobra Chassis#: CSX 2442 Sold for USD$995,000 2018 RM Sothebys : Scottsdale, Az. | |
1965 Shelby 289 Cobra Roadster Chassis#: CSX2549 Sold for USD$950,000 2016 Mecum : Monterey | |
1965 SHELBY COBRA 289 Chassis#: CSX2524 Sold for USD$880,000 2016 Bonhams : Quail Lodge | |
1965 Shelby 289 Cobra CSX2495 Chassis#: CSX2495 Sold for USD$957,000 2016 Worldwide Auctions - The Houston Classic | |
1965 SHELBY 289 COBRA ROADSTER CSX2495 Chassis#: CSX2495 Sold for USD$797,500 2016 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale, AZ | |
1965 Shelby 289 Cobra 'Dragonsnake' CSX2472 Chassis#: CSX2472 Sold for USD$1,300,000 2015 The Auburn Auction | |
1965 Shelby Cobra CSX4185 Challenge Series Chassis#: CSX4185 Sold for USD$63,800 2015 Russo & Steele : Monterey | |
1965 Shelby 289 Cobra Chassis#: CSX2315 Sold for USD$858,000 2015 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach Concours |
Shelby Cobra 289s That Failed To Sell At Auction
1965 Shelby Cobra 289's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1965 Shelby Factory Stage III 289 Cobra Dragonsnake | CSX2427 | 2024 Mecum : Indy | $1,150,000 | ||
1965 Shelby 289 Cobra Roadster | csx2517 | 2023 Mecum : Indy | $700,000 | $900,000 | $1,000,000 |
1965 Shelby 289 Cobra Roadster | CSX2517 | 2023 Mecum : Kissimmee | $925,000 | $1,100,000 | $1,300,000 |
1965 Shelby Factory Stage III 289 Cobra Dragonsnake | CSX2427 | 2022 Mecum : Monterey | $1,400,000 | ||
1965 Shelby 289 Cobra Roadster | CSX2495 | 2021 Mecum : Monterey | $775,000 | $900,000 | $1,000,000 |
1965 Shelby 289 Cobra Roadster | CSX2327 | 2020 Mecum : Indy | |||
1965 Shelby Factory Stage III 289 Cobra Dragonsnake | CSX2427 | 2019 Mecum : Indianpolis | $1,400,000 | $1,750,000 | $2,250,000 |
1965 Shelby 289 Cobra CSX2588 | CSX2588 | 2019 Mecum : Indianpolis | $875,000 | $1,100,000 | $1,300,000 |
1965 Shelby 289 Cobra CSX2588 | CSX2588 | 2019 Mecum : Kissimmee | $1,050,000 | $1,200,000 | $1,400,000 |
1965 Shelby 289 Cobra Roadster | CSX2588 | 2018 Mecum : Monterey | $1,100,000 | $1,100,000 | $1,300,000 |
1965 Shelby 289 Cobra Roadster | CSX2588 | 2018 Mecum : Kissimmee | $1,000,000 | ||
1965 Shelby 289 Cobra Roadster | CSX2549 | 2018 Mecum : Kissimmee | $850,000 | ||
1965 Shelby 289 Cobra Roadster | CSX2549 | 2017 Mecum : Las Vegas | $925,000 | ||
1965 Shelby 289 Cobra | CSX2448 | 2017 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | $1,200,000 | $1,400,000 | |
1965 Shelby 289 Cobra Roadster | CSX2588 | 2017 Mecum : Monterey | $950,000 | ||
1965 Shelby Cobra | 2017 Auctions America : Fort Lauderdale | $1,000,000 | $1,150,000 | ||
1965 Shelby 289 FIA Cobra | CSX7051 | 2017 Worldwide Auctioneers : Scottsdale, AZ | $140,000 | $160,000 | |
1965 Shelby 289 Cobra CSX 2442 | CSX 2442 | 2016 Auctions America : Auburn Fall | $800,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,150,000 |
1965 Shelby Cobra | 2016 Auctions America : Auburn Fall | $110,000 | $130,000 | $160,000 | |
1965 Ford Shelby 289 Cobra Roadster | CSX2549 | 2015 Mecum : Indianapolis | $1,000,000 | ||
1965 Shelby Cobra | 2011 Mecum Auctions Monterey, CA The Daytime Auction | ||||
1965 Shelby Cobra | 2011 Mecum Auctions Monterey, CA The Daytime Auction | ||||
1965 Shelby 289 Cobra | CSX 2485 | 2011 RM Auctions Automobiles of Amelia Island | $425,000 | $500,000 | $600,000 |
1965 SHELBY COBRA | CSX4983 | 2011 Russo & Steele Scottsdale, Arizona | |||
1965 SHELBY COBRA REPLICA | 4CRDAK121NF000631 | 2010 McCormick's Auction #49 Palm Springs, CA | $30,750 | ||
1965 SHELBY COBRA REPLICA | 4CRDAK121NF000631 | 2010 McCormick's Auction #49 Palm Springs, CA | $30,750 | ||
1965 Shelby Cobra Replica | 2010 RM Auctions Collector Cars of Fort Lauderdale | $24,000 | $35,000 | $40,000 | |
1965 Shelby AC Cobra | 2010 Mecum Kissimee Auction | $42,000 | |||
1965 SHELBY COBRA REPLICA | 2009 Palm Springs Exotic Car Auctions November 22, 2009 | $55,000 | |||
1965 Shelby Cobra 4000 Series Roadster | 2009 Mecum Original Spring Classic Auction 22nd Year | $85,000 |
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2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic Sold for $478,000 2024 Broad Arrow : Porsche Air|Water | |
1934 BUGATTI TYPE 57 VENTOUX Chassis#:57297 Sold for $472,500 2024 Gooding & Co: Selections From The Mullin Collection Auction | |
2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic Chassis#:WP0AG2A94PS252096 Sold for $472,500 2024 Broad Arrow Auctions : Amelia | |
2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Weissach Package Chassis#:WP0AE2A99JS185802 Sold for $472,500 2024 Broad Arrow Auctions : Amelia | |
1938 BUGATTI TYPE 57C STELVIO Coachwork by Gangloff Chassis#:57606/57699 Sold for $472,500 2024 Gooding : Amelia Island | |
1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary Chassis#:ZA9CA05A5KLA12571 Sold for $478,000 2024 RM Sothebys : Arizona | |
1993 Jaguar XJ220 Chassis#:SAJJEAEX8AX220686 Sold for $472,500 2024 RM Sothebys : Arizona | |
1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Coupe Chassis#:188.014.6500116 Sold for $475,800 2024 RM Sothebys : Arizona | |
1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM SPLIT-WINDOW COUPE Chassis#:30837S108232 Sold for $478,500 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1938 Lincoln Model K Victoria Convertible Sold for $472,500 2023 Worldwide Auctioneers : The Auburn Auction | |
1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary Edition Sold for $472,500 2023 Worldwide Auctioneers : The Auburn Auction | |
1980 BMW M1 Chassis#:WBS59910004301442 Sold for $478,000 2023 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | |
1947 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Super Sport Coupe by Touring Chassis#:915539 Sold for $472,500 2023 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
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1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Touring Chassis#:9113600172 Sold for $473,884 2023 RM Sothebys : The Carrera Collection | |
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1968 LAMBORGHINI ISLERO 400 GT Chassis#:6282 Sold for $478,000 2023 Gooding & Company : Amelia Island Auction | |
1933 Lorraine-Dietrich B3-6 Sport Cabriolet Chassis#:125674 Sold for $477,073 2023 Bonhams : Les Grandes Marques du Monde à Paris | |
2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG Coupé Chassis#:WDB2093421F166034 Sold for $477,073 2023 Bonhams : Les Grandes Marques du Monde à Paris | |
1987 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL Chassis#:WDBBA48D9HA064904 Sold for $470,040 2023 RM Sothebys : Arizona |
1965 Shelby Cobra 289
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