Estimate: $800,000 - $950,000Chassis: CSX2023*Please note that this vehicle is titled as a 1963 Ford.
Outstanding and Recently Restored ExampleHistoric Early Small-Block Cobra – the 23rd Production CarGreat Colors; Freshly Rebuilt Engine and ClutchDocumented in the Shelby American World RegistryEssential Component of Any Proper High-Performance Collection
289 CID Hi-Po V-8 EngineSingle 4-Barrel Carburetor271 BHP at 5,800 RPM4-Speed Manual Gearbox4-Wheel Hydraulic Disc Brakes
PROVENANCEOriginal Owner (acquired new via Downtown Ford, Los Angeles)Private Owner, California (acquired in 1971)Tom Gloy, Carmel Valley, California (acquired from the above via Lynn Park in 2011)Auctions America, Auburn, Indiana (acquired from the above in 2013)Current Owner (acquired from the above)
LITERATUREThe Shelby American World Registry, discussed p. 33
THIS CARHaving reached the pinnacle of motorsports as a Le Mans-winning driver for Aston Martin in 1959, Carroll Shelby soon achieved greater fame as a constructor with his potent AC-based Cobra, powered by a Ford V-8. From August 1, 1962, roughly 75 Cobras were built with Ford 260 V-8 engines, followed by about 579 more powered by the larger 289; once the 289 became available in late 1962 or early 1963, many of the first Cobras built were soon retrofitted. Among the earliest Cobras is CSX2023, the 23rd production Cobra built and the outstanding example offered here.
Documented in the Shelby American World Registry, CSX2023 was first finished in white with red upholstery and completed on October 22, 1962. Ocean-freighted to the US, CSX2023 was invoiced in the amount of $4,996 to Downtown Ford in Los Angeles on November 28, 1962, with a retail price of $5,996.25. The identity of the original owner remains unknown. At some point in its life – likely quite early, as was often the case with other 260-powered Cobras – CSX2023 was upgraded to a 289 engine. The subsequent owner, then living in California, acquired CSX2023 during the summer of 1971 and purchased a hood and trunk lid as well as other components that were missing from the car from Cobra specialist Mike McCluskey. That owner recently advised that CSX2023 had been raced prior to his purchase; however, no records are available to confirm this history or prior owners. The Cobra was garaged while awaiting eventual restoration, which was completed in 1995. Thereafter, the car was driven and enjoyed daily. In 2011, CSX2023 was sold to IMSA and Indianapolis racer Tom Gloy via the renowned California Cobra expert Lynn Park, and in March 2013 it was acquired by the next owner, restored, and refinished to its wonderful present form.
The current owner acquired CSX2023 in 2014, and recent work resulted in the Cobra’s outstanding presentation, including new black carpeting with properly bound edges. Handling and steering response were upgraded significantly with careful revision of the steering-box mounting points. The 289 engine was rebuilt for enhanced performance and reliability, including new valves and valve springs, and installation of a new high-strength steel flywheel. Receipts document this work, and CSX2023 is further accompanied by weather gear including a convertible top and side curtains. As offered, this handsomely presented Cobra would be a wonderful choice for a vintage tour.
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