Hank Williams, “The Snake Charmer,” bought this Shelby 289 Cobra new. However, it wasn’t an easy sale.
Williams was a WWII hero, medical professional, jazz musician and sports car racer. He had an Austin-Healey, but wanted something faster, like a Corvette. However, being a Black man during the 1960s didn’t make purchasing one easy. No one at his local Chevrolet dealership would even acknowledge him.
However, a new salesman at the Ford dealership wanted to make his first sale and drafted up a sales agreement for Williams. Williams paid the deposit but when he returned to pick up the Cobra, it was no longer there. The dealer said it wasn’t supposed to be sold, as it was on loan from another dealer. Williams told them he had a signed contract and had 24 hours to produce the car or he’d return with a lawyer. The Cobra reappeared and Williams took delivery of the new car.
This Cobra was Williams’ daily driver and weekend racer. With the Cobra, he became a West Coast legend, competing in nearly 400 events. Williams befriended many, including Carroll Shelby. After Shelby won at Le Mans, he showed up at a California race wearing one of the team shirts from Le Mans. Williams talked Shelby into giving him the shirt, earning him the nickname, “Snake Charmer.”
Find this 1964 Shelby 289 Cobra “Snake Charmer” for auction at RM Sotheby’s, with an estimated value available upon request.
