Rare 1965 Shelby Cobra To Be Auctioned

An extremely rare Shelby Cobra is set to be sold without reserve by the Barrett-Jackson Company. The car, the only 687 built from 1962-1965, is part of the "The World's Greatest Collector Car Auctions,” scheduled to take place in Las Vegas on October 10, 2009.

The Cobra's original engine was upgraded and now develops 306 hp. The upgrade consisted of a Holley 715cfm center pivot carburetor, a Cobra high rise manifold, tubular Balanger headers and an aluminum Cobra 6-quart oil pan, all of which are still on this as-originally-equipped car.

Original style Dunlop racing tires on chrome Borranis wire wheels come with the car. All numbers on the chassis, engine, transmission and differential are correct and original. Moreover, the Cobra was restored to its original Princess Blue with red leather interior.

"This is the first time CSX2568 has been in the public in about 40 years and the first time it has been offered for sale since 1968," said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson, in a statement for the press.

"Incredibly, this car has only 32,906 miles on it and spent its entire life in the San Francisco area. The Cobra underwent a comprehensive two year Concours-level restoration where every nut and bolt on this very complete car was taken apart. The car comes with extensive photo documentation of the restoration."

CSX2568 has the original California black license plates and registration tags that expired in 1972. The original California title and pink slip also come with the Cobra.

"According to the consignor, this Cobra was never raced, never had any rust whatsoever and was never bent," noted Davis. "The original owner was part of the Jacuzzi family, of hot tub fame."