1964 Shelby Cobra 289 Roadster

This Cobra is the first of the second series of original LeMans replica Cobra race cars that was built specifically to compete as a Sports Car Club of America race car in late 1963.

Special features include the 37 gallon fuel tank, which protrudes into the trunk area, allowing extended racing and a high revving 289 cubic-inch V8 engine. It is one of six LeMans cars that feature the short deck-lid, larger side vents, spats behind the front wheels and Halibrand magnesium wheels measuring 6.5-inches wide in the front and 7.5-inches in the rear. It also features the low profile race windscreen.

Since Ford and Shelby relied on selling street cars, it is believed that this is one of the first Cobra's built specifically to support the company's race efforts. True factory race cars are indeed a rarity. Many were used and abused and with the escalating value of Cobras over the years, some were converted for street use. Still others were modified for various reasons, often losing the most important elements of their past history.

This car was originally sold by Shelby as a new purpose built race car. Back then, nearly all of the Shelby Cobra's were street cars and the factory race cars were generally sold after being well used.