Photo: Mecum Auctions
Is there anybody out there that’s not familiar with the Shelby Cobra? We certainly hope not, because we’re dealing with an iconic design that made a tremendous impact on both public streets and race tracks.
What some of might not know is that some of the original Cobras (1962-1966) were also used at the drag strip. Specifically, Shelby American designed a special package that maximized drag racing performance. It was dubbed Dragonsnake and fitted on just eight vehicles.
One of these quarter mile-eating Cobras was commissioned by Jim Costilow and driven by Bruce Larson in several National Hot Rod Association events. The Dragonsnake dominated the A/SP, AA/SP, B/SP and C/SP classes in 1964 and set all new records the following season, when it won the NHRA Springnationals, Winternationals and the US Indy Nationals.
More success came in 1966 and 1967, with new wins at the Springnationals, Winternationals and US Indy Nationals, with the Dragonsnake setting new records and grabbing national titles in four separate classes through 1968. To make a long story short, Costilow’s Cobra was so successful that it overshadowed Carroll Shelby’s factory-sponsored Dragonsnake.
Known as chassis CSX 2093, this vehicle will be auctioned off next month in Houston, where Mecum Auctions is hosting a big sale event between April 10-12. The Cobra comes with its original 289 cubic inch engine and four-speed manual and full documentation of its NHRA records. The dragster was restored to show quality by Ziegler Coach.
There’s no estimate on the amount it could fetch, but based on its history we expect it will change owners for a seven digit figure.
- Authenticated and certified by the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) as a true and correct original car
- Senior award winner badge and Race car certification badge
- National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) record holder in retired classes AA, A, B, C/ sports
- Won 7 NHRA National events with Bruce Larson or Ed Hedrick driving
- Won the 1966 NHRA World Championship while owned and driven by Ed Hedrick
- Undisputed best winning record for the 6 factory and independently prepared Dragonsnakes
- Documentation of NHRA national records
- Show quality full and accurate restoration by Ziegler Coach, LA
- Deluxe side curtains and optional chrome front wire wheels included
One of these quarter mile-eating Cobras was commissioned by Jim Costilow and driven by Bruce Larson in several National Hot Rod Association events. The Dragonsnake dominated the A/SP, AA/SP, B/SP and C/SP classes in 1964 and set all new records the following season, when it won the NHRA Springnationals, Winternationals and the US Indy Nationals.
More success came in 1966 and 1967, with new wins at the Springnationals, Winternationals and US Indy Nationals, with the Dragonsnake setting new records and grabbing national titles in four separate classes through 1968. To make a long story short, Costilow’s Cobra was so successful that it overshadowed Carroll Shelby’s factory-sponsored Dragonsnake.
Known as chassis CSX 2093, this vehicle will be auctioned off next month in Houston, where Mecum Auctions is hosting a big sale event between April 10-12. The Cobra comes with its original 289 cubic inch engine and four-speed manual and full documentation of its NHRA records. The dragster was restored to show quality by Ziegler Coach.
There’s no estimate on the amount it could fetch, but based on its history we expect it will change owners for a seven digit figure.
1963 Shelby Cobra Dragonsnake highlights:
- The winningest competition Cobra in history- Authenticated and certified by the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) as a true and correct original car
- Senior award winner badge and Race car certification badge
- National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) record holder in retired classes AA, A, B, C/ sports
- Won 7 NHRA National events with Bruce Larson or Ed Hedrick driving
- Won the 1966 NHRA World Championship while owned and driven by Ed Hedrick
- Undisputed best winning record for the 6 factory and independently prepared Dragonsnakes
- Documentation of NHRA national records
- Show quality full and accurate restoration by Ziegler Coach, LA
- Deluxe side curtains and optional chrome front wire wheels included
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