There isn’t any scarcity of Shelby Cobra replicas to select from, however nothing beats an unique, like this 1963 Shelby 289 Cobra set to be auctioned off by Mecum on the agency’s sale coinciding with subsequent week’s 2023 Monterey Automobile Week.
Bearing the serial quantity CSX 2100, this Cobra is regarded as the one centesimal manufacturing automotive constructed after the preliminary Cobra prototype, CSX 2000, was accomplished in 1962. Based on the public sale itemizing, it was billed to Shelby American on March 13, 1963, and invoiced to McCollum Ford in Dishman, Washington, on June 7 of that 12 months.
Delivered to the dealership by Shelby American with black paint and a black inside, CSX 2100 is powered by a 289-cubic-inch Ford V-8 coupled to a 4-speed guide transmission. Later Cobra variants obtained greater engines, however earlier automobiles like this 289 Cobra helped set up Carroll Shelby’s sports activities automotive as an automotive icon.
Based on the World Registry of Cobras and GT40s, CSX 2100 was traded to a Seattle used automotive vendor in 1966, reportedly by the unique proprietor. It was later bought by Rupert Streets, additionally in Washington, who discovered an aftermarket bell housing and 4.56 gears, indicating the unique proprietor had drag raced the Cobra, the public sale itemizing states.
1963 Shelby 289 Cobra Roadster (picture by way of Mecum Auctions)
In 1967, Streets introduced the Cobra with him to Canada, promoting it to British Columbia resident Peter Kelley. The automotive was later parked in a barn with roughly 27,800 miles on the odometer. It was rediscovered in 1982, restored, and has modified arms a number of occasions since then.
CSX 2100 is not all unique—it acquired new paint and a brand new inside in its 1982 restoration—however any real Cobra is value some huge cash. Mecum expects it to promote for between $1 million and $1.2 million—properly in keeping with stratospheric Cobra values.
Mecum’s Monterey Automobile Week public sale runs Aug. 17-19.