No, this isn't the first-ever Shelby Cobra, but it is the first one that came with the famed 289-cubic-inch V8.
There’s an interesting story behind how Dr. Harrison “Hap” Horn became the first owner of the first Shelby Cobra with a 289. The pioneering computer scientist’s persistent questions to Shelby delayed his order to the point he got one with a 289 instead of a 260. The squeaky wheel doesn’t only get the grease, but, apparently, it also gets the bigger engine.
Today, the car has a little more than 27,000 miles. It has gone through three owners, but, yes, it still carries the same numbers-matching 289 engine.
Find this 1963 Shelby 289 Cobra up for auction at RM Sotheby’s, with an estimated value of $1,200,000-$1,400,000.
