Rare Shelby Cobra Demo Car Going Under the Hammer

As we’ve reported about two weeks ago, a 1963 Cobra Dragonsnake will cross the block on April 10 in Houston. We’re talking about a drag strip-prepped Cobra that won numerous event and set several NHRA records. In fact, it’s the winningest competition Cobra in history.

Too extreme for you? Not to worry, a street-spec 289 Cobra is to be auctioned on May 17 at the Dana Mecum’s 27th Original Spring Classic. Although it’s much friendlier, this Cobra ain’t a regular roadster.

It was one of the first Cobras to receive a rack and pinion setup and was used as a demonstrator car before being handed over to its first owner. Recondition by Shelby in 1965, it received new wire wheels, carpet, a soft top, side curtains, seat belts and mufflers.

More recently - in 2006 to be precise - the 289 engine was replaced with a 347 cubic inch unit, but the former will be offered with the car, together with an additional set of Shelby knock-off wheels.

Mecum says CSX2135 is in pristine condition. All it needs is a new home and an anxious owner to take it to the streets.

1963 Shelby 289 Cobra Roadster highlights:

• CSX2135
• Early rack and pinion Cobra Demonstrator
• Consigned in August 1963 to W.J. Janner, FoMoCo Car Sales Promotion
• Shipped via Shelby American transporter with four other Cobras to the FoMoCo district office in Kansas City
• Invoiced in September 1963 to Jaques Passino, FoMoCo in Detroit
• After company use in the Kansas City area, the car was returned to Shelby in the summer of 1964 with 5,300 miles
• Ford authorized Shelby to recondition the car with new painted wire wheels, carpet, soft top, side curtains, windshield, rear bumper over riders, seat belts, mufflers and a repaint in Lucite
• Sold to Beverly Hills Sports Cars in 1965
• California car until 1999
• In 2006 a 347 CI engine was installed
• The original HiPo 289 V8 is included