Cobra Authority

AC, Ford & Shelby Cobra: Originals, Kits, Replicas, Tributes & Continuation Cars

Original Shelby Cobras w/ CSX Chassis

For all of its fame, the original Cobra was produced in surprisingly low quantities–just 998 were assembled from 1961 until 1968 (655 leaf-spring 289 Cobras and 343 coil-spring 427 Cobras). These numbers include street cars, competition cars, semi-competition roadsters, etc.)

(CSX2000–2602)

The first 75 Cobra Mk1 models (including the prototype) were fitted with the 260 cu in (4.3 L). The remaining 51 Mk1 models were fitted with a larger version of the Windsor Ford engine, the 289-cubic-inch (4.7 L) V8.

In late 1962, Alan Turner, AC's chief engineer completed a major design change of the car's front end to accommodate rack and pinion steering while still using transverse leaf spring suspension. The new car entered production in early 1963 and was designated Mark II.

(CSX3001–3100) Competition models

Cobra Mark III production began on 1 January 1965. Only 56 of the 100 planned cars were produced. Of those, 31 unsold competition models were detuned and fitted with windscreens for street use. Called S/C for semi-competition.

(CSX3101–3360) Production models

Some Cobra 427s were actually fitted with Ford's 428-cubic-inch (7 L) engine, a long stroke, smaller bore, lower cost engine, intended for road use rather than racing.

1964 Shelby 289 Cobra CSX2208

CSX2208 is a 1964 Shelby 289 Cobra, a late-production Mark II car equipped with rack-and-pinion steering, finished in the rare factory color of Vineyard Green over Saddle leather. The car shipped from AC Cars in late 1963 aboard the SS Loch Loyal and was invoiced from Shelby American on January 8, 1964 to Broad Motors of Philadelphia for a total suggested retail of $5,584.05. … [Read more...] about 1964 Shelby 289 Cobra CSX2208

1962 Shelby Cobra 260 CSX2000

CSX2000 is the prototype Shelby Cobra, completed in February 1962 when Carroll Shelby and Dean Moon installed a Ford 260 cubic inch V8 into a motorless AC chassis at Moon's Southern California shop. It is the only Cobra ever built by Shelby American with inboard rear disc brakes, and it remained in single ownership for over five decades, offered at auction from the Carroll … [Read more...] about 1962 Shelby Cobra 260 CSX2000

1964 Shelby Cobra 289 CSX2216

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. … [Read more...] about 1964 Shelby Cobra 289 CSX2216

1966 Shelby Cobra 427 CSX3237

CSX3237 Vehicle Information and History: Built in May 1966, CSX 3237 is an iconic Shelby Cobra finished in red with a black interior. Previous owners of CSX 3237 include J. Rhoades Moore, French Hickman, and Phil Combs. Originally equipped with a powerful 428 cu. in. V8 engine. Underwent a restoration in the 1980s, bringing it back to its original red color and … [Read more...] about 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 CSX3237

1964 Shelby Cobra 289 CSX2421

CSX2421 Vehicle Information and History: Chassis number CSX 2421 was shipped to Los Angeles and initially invoiced to Jerry Watson Ford in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Shelby voided the invoice and brought the car back to Los Angeles for sale at Hi-Performance Motors. The car's whereabouts between 1965 and 1973 are not well-documented. Bill … [Read more...] about 1964 Shelby Cobra 289 CSX2421

1967 Shelby Cobra 427 CSX3279

CSX3279 Vehicle Information and History: Full body-off concours restoration by Canepa ensures exceptional quality and authenticity. Restored to its period-correct condition green acrylic paint and original black interior. SAAC Registry documented Cobra, providing provenance and historical significance. Retains original Sunburst … [Read more...] about 1967 Shelby Cobra 427 CSX3279

1965 Shelby Cobra 289 CSX2445

CSX2445 Vehicle Information and History: CSX2445 arrived in Los Angeles on June 6, 1964, and was initially sold to Broadway Motors in the Kansas City area. The car underwent a restoration following a highway incident in 1969 by Pat Crowley of Redondo Beach, California. Jerry Tarble of Illinois added performance upgrades to CSX2445, including … [Read more...] about 1965 Shelby Cobra 289 CSX2445

1965 Shelby Cobra 289 CSX2588

CSX2588 is the second-to-last 289 Shelby Cobra ever built and the last 4-speed 289 Cobra Roadster sold to the public. The final 289, CSX2589, was retained from new by Carroll Shelby and his family and was specified with an automatic transmission for Shelby personally, leaving CSX2588 as the last small-block Cobra collectors could acquire on the open market. The car sold at … [Read more...] about 1965 Shelby Cobra 289 CSX2588

1964 Shelby Cobra 289 CSX2518

CSX2518 - Shelby Cobra Vehicle Information and History: Documented in the Shelby Cobra Registry Authentic rack & pinion street Cobra Restored both mechanically and cosmetically Concours-level black paint work performed by Canepa 1,511 miles since restoration Shelby Cobra, chassis number CSX2518, first came through Canepa's … [Read more...] about 1964 Shelby Cobra 289 CSX2518

1966 Shelby Cobra 427 CSX3173

CSX3173 Vehicle Information and History: Impressively original with known ownership history since new Original window sticker Delivered new to Archway Motors in Baltimore, Maryland Original 427 CI 2x4 BBL engine 8 documented owners from 1966-1987 Exported to Japan in 1987 Shipped back to the United States and purchased by Steven … [Read more...] about 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 CSX3173

1965 Shelby Cobra 427 CSX3169

CSX3169 Vehicle Information and History: CSX3169 was built on work order #18044 opened on 10/1/65 and finished 12/1/65. Upon completion, the car was delivered to Hayward Motors and sold on 12/13/65 to J.S. Toma. This car was brought back to Hayward in April of 1966 for warranty work. The next known owner was Kevin Nugent, who sold the car in 1976 to Bob Able with 27,000 miles. … [Read more...] about 1965 Shelby Cobra 427 CSX3169

1964 Shelby Cobra 289 CSX2416

CSX2416 is the only factory Stage III 289 Street Cobra ever built, and one of the most extensively factory-optioned Cobras to leave Shelby American. The original 1964 MSRP totaled $8,684.05, a figure prominent enough to attract Shelby American's accounting department to itemize every option in the company ledger. The car was the last Cobra restoration completed by the late … [Read more...] about 1964 Shelby Cobra 289 CSX2416

1967 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C CSX3042

CSX3042 Vehicle Information and History: 1 of 29 Original Factory 427 S/C Cobras Produced Five owners since new 10,760 original miles Original engine Delivered new to Grappone Ford in New Hampshire John Grappone retained ownership of the car until 1982, making CSX3042 the last 'New' Cobra ever sold Dan Turman of Connecticut purchased the car in 1982 … [Read more...] about 1967 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C CSX3042