1965 Shelby Cobra 289 CSX2445

The legacy of performance instilled by Carroll Shelby’s Cobras has never been questioned. Immediately identifiable by both its body form and fearsome reputation, these competition-level creations have had a serious following since their introduction.

Arriving via the SS Loch Loyal in Los Angeles on June 6, 1964, for delivery to Shelby’s construction headquarters, this car was initially sold to Broadway Motors in the Kansas City area in early 1965, arriving there via Shelby’s transporter. Built with the A-class accessory combination, the retail price was a stout $6,269.51.

Following the misfortune of a 1969 highway incident, the car was later returned to roadworthy status by Pat Crowley of Redondo Beach, California, for then-owner Larry Kay. This included the conversion of the color combination to its current red with black interior. Following that restoration effort, the car sold to Jerry Tarble of Illinois, who did a handful of performance upgrades, including adding a set of rare Weber carbs to the desirable model.

Today, CSX2445 is powered by the 289 Ford V-8 engine and sports the Cobra-themed engine dress-up parts and 4-speed manual transmission. The paint refreshing, though done 20 years ago, is also part of its appeal, while the interior still has the sort of serious functionality that Carroll Shelby would have actually insisted upon, including a wood-rimmed steering wheel and Stewart Warner instruments. Riding on Halibrand knock-off wheels and Michelin tires, this 289 Shelby Cobra showcases the reasons why these cars remain undisputed champions.