1965 Shelby Cobra 289 Roadster

By pairing a car chassis from the small British manufacturer AC with a small block 289 cubic-inch Ford engine, Carroll Shelby created one of the most recognizable sports cars in the world, the Shelby Cobra.

Because of the tremendous racing success Shelby had with these cars, they were an immediate hit; even Steve McQueen ordered one. Cobras sold for less than $6,000 new; in total, there were about 500 289 Cobras made from 1963 to 1965.

In 1965, Shelby American would offer what would be known as the MK. II Cobra. This model had a base price of $5,195, certainly a somewhat lofty price tag for a two-seat sports car. The Mk. II is powered by the 289 cubic-inch V8 Ford engine and it includes side cooling vents, a larger radiator, rack-and-pinion steering, and Ford Autolite electronics. It also features wider rear fender flares to accommodate the new 6-inch wide wheels.

Shelby Cobra CSX 2452 has been restored to its original color with chrome wires and a hardtop by Precision AR of Newburyport, MA. This car was originally purchased by Dan Gerber of Gerber baby food. It was ordered in July 1964. Mr. Gerber has enjoyed a widely varied career including professional race car driver, auto dealer, high school teacher, editor, journalist and award-winning American non-fiction author and poet. The Class A accessories include a chrome-tuned air cleaner, aluminum rocker arm covers, front and rear bumper guards, wind wings, tinted sun visors, competition seat belts and a heater. Additional accessories include a removable hardtop, chrome wire wheels and a rear sway bar.

The current owners of this car purchased it in 1998 and used it as a driver for nearly ten years. In 2007 a full body off restoration was commissioned, and two years later the car would emerge in its original color with considerable attention made to ensure that even the smallest detail is correct and to Shelby factory specification.