CSX2216 Vehicle Information and History:
- CSX 2216 is an iconic AC Cobra with a fascinating history that dates back to October 1963.
- Originally invoiced by AC Cars Limited, the body of CSX 2216 was finished in white with red trim and shipped to Shelby American, Inc. in Venice, California.
- The car was equipped with a 271 hp, 289 cu. in. Hi-Po V-8 engine, a four-speed manual transmission, and a Powr-Lok limited-slip differential.
- Henry Hartwell Hester, a prominent architect and motorsports enthusiast, was the first owner of CSX 2216, purchasing it on September 21, 1964.
- Hester actively documented the car’s details, including the chassis and engine numbers, service agent information, and tire specifications.
- In 1967, Hester had the car repainted black, and it remained in his possession until he sold it to James Gauthier in 1970.
- CSX 2216 underwent modifications for Solo I competition under Gauthier’s ownership before being sold to Ken Champion in 1982.
- Investment Motorsports of Illinois commissioned a restoration back to the car’s original specifications, performed by Baurle’s Autosport.
- Gerald A. Schwalbach of Minneapolis, Minnesota, acquired CSX 2216 in 1989, and the car recently underwent another meticulous restoration.
- CSX 2216 retains its original features, including doors, hood latch, trunk latch, and is accompanied by its original window sticker, Shelby American invoice, and AC Cobra Chassis Instruction Book.
On October 28, 1963, AC Cars Limited sent an invoice to Ford Motor Credit for a Cobra body finished in white with red trim, top, tonneau, and rack-and-pinion steering. The body was then shipped aboard the SS Pacific Fortune, bound for Los Angeles, California. Upon arrival, it was delivered to Shelby American, Inc. in Venice.
At Shelby American, the Cobra received its powertrain, including a 271 hp, 289 cu. in. Hi-Po V-8 engine, a four-speed manual transmission, and a Powr-Lok limited-slip differential. The car was invoiced to Pearson Ford in San Diego on January 13, 1964, for a total cost of $5,525.20.
CSX 2216 was originally purchased by Henry Hartwell Hester, a renowned architect and motorsports enthusiast. Hester, who had a passion for Formula 1 racing, motorcycles, aviation, and sailing, cherished his Cobra. His business card is even attached to the inside front cover of the original AC Cobra Chassis Instruction Book, where he meticulously documented his car’s particulars, including purchase date, chassis and engine numbers, and service agent information.
In May 1965, Hester placed the Cobra for sale in Road & Track magazine, but it remained unsold. In 1967, he decided to have the car repainted in black. Unfortunately, in 1969, while Hester left the Cobra for an oil change at an Oldsmobile dealership in La Jolla, an employee was involved in an accident. The car was repaired, and Hester eventually sold it to James Gauthier of El Cajon, California, in 1970.
Under Gauthier’s ownership, CSX 2216 underwent modifications for Solo I competition and was actively raced. In 1982, the car was sold to Ken Champion, who replaced the engine. Later, it was acquired by Investment Motorsports of Illinois, who commissioned a restoration back to its original specifications. The restoration work was carried out by Baurle’s Autosport in Addison, Illinois.
In 1989, Gerald A. Schwalbach of Minneapolis, Minnesota, became the proud owner of CSX 2216. The car has recently undergone another restoration, meticulously bringing it back to its original state. The slab-side body has been refinished in its factory white color, and it features front and rear nerf bar bumpers, wind wings, and sun visors. The car rides on Michelin XWX tires mounted on chrome wire wheels.
The interior is adorned with red leather upholstery and equipped with a wood-rimmed steering wheel featuring the AC center cap, Stewart Warner instrumentation, a clock, dash-mounted rearview mirror, and bucket seats with three-inch seat belts. Weather protection is provided by a tonneau cover and a convertible top with top irons.
CSX 2216 retains its original doors, hood latch, and trunk latch, each of which is correctly stamped “2216.” It is powered by an original 289 cu. in. K-code engine and retains its original Borg Warner T-10 aluminum four-speed manual transmission.
This significant Cobra still has its original window sticker, Shelby American invoice, certified copy of the AC Cars Limited invoice, and the AC Cobra Chassis Instruction Book in its original envelope. The meticulous restoration work and the car’s well-documented history make CSX 2216 a true gem, embodying the timeless allure of the iconic Cobra.
Photography by Patrick Ernzen
All images courtesy of RM | Sotheby’s
Updated.
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