This is a real deal Mark II 1964 Shelby Cobra 289 (CSX 2208). In 1961, American retired race car driver and designer, Carroll Shelby would ask AC Cars to built him a car that was capable of housing a V8 engine. This resulted in the first Cobra prototype arriving in 1962, chassis CSX2000, known as the ‘AC Ace 3.6’. A total of 75 total MK I examples were built with a 4.3 260 cu in V8 engine, and 51 were built with a 4.7-litre (289 cu in) V8. Following this came the redesigned MK II, which was produced in 528 units from 1963 to the summer of 1965. Then came the 427 Cobra, a new model with a new chassis, wider fenders and a larger radiator opening. Multiple variations of the 427 became available, one being the Competition model, another being the other more powerful semi-competition (S/C) variation, producing 485hp, and capable of a top speed of around 185mph. With Cobra MK III production beginning in January of 1965, the world would only see 56 total of the planned 100 S/C 427 Cobras produced, and by 1966, Shelby would introduce the 427 Street Cobra. British-American sports car racing engineer and driver, Ken Miles, who became the chief test driver of Shelby-American in 1963 had a key role in the development of the Cobra and the success of the racing versions of the Shelby Cobra 289 in SCCA, USRRC and FIA. In the year 1962, Alan Turner, AC's chief engineer completed a major redesign of the Cobra model, resulting in the Mark II Cobra shown here. This example shown here is finished in it’s factory shade of ‘Vineyard Green’ over saddle leather upholstery, and was equipped from the factory with Class “A” accessories. The Shelby 289 Cobra example shown here was first ever billed to Shelby America from AC Cars on October 21st of 1963 and was subsequently dispatched to Los Angeles nine days later aboard the SS Loch Loyal.
How many made? 528
Engine: 4.7 L (289 cu in) V8•Debut: The first Cobra prototype arrived in 1962, chassis CSX2000, known as the ‘AC Ace 3.6’.
Top Speed: approximately 164mph
0-60mph: approximately 4.5-5 seconds
Photo Credit: @am_media_ny
Research: @rarecarsonly