Although many accessory items from performance to cosmetic were available directly from Shelby, this Shelby Cobra was factory ordered new with the rare dual four-barrel carburetion propelling it to a top speed of over 154 mph, and a quarter mile time of under 13.8 seconds at 112 mph.  The car was invoiced on 12-20-64 with class ‘A’ accessories such as WSW tires, outside rear-view mirror, radio and antenna, soft top with side curtains and the previously mentioned dual four-barrel carburetors. It invoiced at $5,195.

Forty-five years and some ten owners later,  this Cobra survived unbelievably, probably because it was never put on a race track to compete. This blue and white Shelby has been lovingly cared for which kept it in the preserved condition it is in today. It has had reportedly one repaint from new and the mechanical care it has received has kept it in the perfect ‘survivor’ condition one hopes to find hiding in a barn somewhere lost in time. A real beauty to look at and a dream to drive.

 

In October of 1961 AC Cars Ltd. of England was successfully seduced by an idea of Carroll Shelby to co-build a lightweight sports racer with startling performance. After hearing that AC lost its engine supplier Shelby moved forward to broker one of the most important partnerships in sports motoring history. In a deal struck with Ford, a new smaller engine with near the exact weight of the previous AC Ace powerplant was on its way to eager AC Cars Ltd. to build what would become the most iconic of all sports cars, the AC Cobra.

The 289 Cobras were loved for their quick acceleration and nimble handling made possible by the lightweight engine and transverse leaf suspension. Changes for 1964 to the core mechanicals included the significant upgrades of push type rack and pinion steering and Autolite wiring.

When the big 427 V-8 was introduced many expected the little 289 to be left behind, but with increased weight of the 427 big block engine and the need to add coil spring suspension to carry it, handling became an issue. In many cases during competition a win came down to the driver’s ability to navigate the 289 Cobra through the turns where it made up for speed lost on the straight away racing against the mighty 427. In all at 2,026 lb. the 289 Cobras hold up extremely well when pitted against their bigger brothers and all other competition in its class, making it a target on race day as the car to beat. Prices for these coveted machines have risen to well over a hundred times their original invoiced price.