“The Cobra is my personal favourite car. The original 289 Cobra is the car I respect the most” – Carroll Shelby.
Boasting an unprecedented history, the Shelby Cobra 289 is revered from both sides of the pond as one of the greatest motoring gifts of all time.
After witnessing the enigmatic AC Ace compete at Le Mans, Shelby envisaged that a more powerful, muscular American V8 model could counteract the problems of the AC Ace to dominate racing for years to come.
Emerging from his wide-eyed dream, the Shelby 289 was born. Originally fitted with a dynamic 260 cubic inch engine, and latterly the 289 engine, the Cobra possessed a raw, imitable power that so few cars could rival.
This particular 1964 Shelby 289 Cobra remains in pristine condition, complete in the original white exterior with red interior, as it rolls up to auction via RM Sotheby’s Arizona series on the 28th-29th January 2016. Retaining a majority of original components, including the evocative aluminium body in the correct colour scheme, the overall finish of the body, paint and upholstery is exemplary for a car of its age and prestige.
The Cobra is also equipped with a multitude of factory accessories, including chromed wire wheels, a soft top convertible roof, a front grille guard, a rear bumper, adjustable ‘wind wings’ and chrome exhaust pipe tips.
Updated to compete at worldwide race meets, most recently at the Copperstate 1000 in 2014, the Shelby Cobra is fitted with an all-aluminium Borg-Warner four-speed T-10 transmission. Which ensures that this specific Shelby provides the best of both worlds, with the modern transmission creating an enthralling driving experience.
A fine, comfortable ride, the exquisite Shelby 289 Cobra is the perfect high-performance machine. For more auction information, head to the RM Sotheby’s website.
