1962 Shelby Cobra 289 Competition
1962 Shelby Cobra 289 Competition
Brand
Shelby
Year
1962
Country
United States
Generation
Cobra Mk II
1962 Shelby Cobra 289 Competition
Brand
Shelby
Year
1962
Country
United States
Generation
Cobra Mk II
About this car
Discover the history
The 1962 Shelby Cobra 289, with its FIA GT homologation, played a transformative role in American motorsport, marking Carroll Shelby’s ambitious entry into the global racing scene. Shelby’s vision for a powerful, lightweight car led to his collaboration with AC Cars of Britain. By combining the AC Ace chassis with Ford’s 289 cubic-inch (4.7L) V8 engine, Shelby created a lightweight, high-performance sports car with the potential to challenge Ferrari’s dominance in the GT class. This combination of British engineering and American muscle proved both groundbreaking and highly competitive. The Shelby Cobra’s rigid, lightweight chassis, paired with significant modifications for racing, made it not only fast but incredibly agile, especially on European circuits where handling was critical. The car’s construction featured a tubular steel chassis, independent suspension, and, for the 289 model, Ford’s small-block V8, which allowed for a balanced weight distribution and impressive handling characteristics for its time.
Shelby focused intensely on weight savings, and the Cobra 289 benefited from aluminum body panels that kept the car’s weight minimal. Alongside its robust braking system and powerful engine, this allowed it to compete with, and often outmatch, European sports cars known for their cornering prowess. The Cobra 289’s competitive edge came not just from raw power but from its balanced setup, which enabled rapid acceleration and nimble maneuvering, qualities that proved invaluable on tight circuits.
On the racing front, the Shelby Cobra 289 found early success in both American and European racing circuits. It debuted in FIA events in the early 1960s, with cars like the CSX2009 unit seeing extensive race use. The Cobra soon established a reputation for exceptional performance in endurance races, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it faced Ferrari’s GT-class dominance. In 1964, the Cobra 289 won the FIA GT World Championship, a monumental achievement that marked the first time an American manufacturer had defeated Ferrari on this level. The car’s victory not only solidified its legacy but also established Shelby American as a serious competitor on the world stage. The Cobra’s racing victories included key successes at the Nürburgring, the Targa Florio, and numerous SCCA events in the U.S., where the 289 often led the field in the B-production class.
In addition to factory-built competition models, the Cobra 289’s design allowed privateers to participate successfully in a variety of racing formats. Its adaptability and ease of modification made it a popular choice for independent racers, further contributing to its widespread racing legacy. Today, the 289 Cobra is highly prized not only for its historical significance but also for its status as one of the most iconic sports cars ever produced, with original examples valued at over $1 million due to their storied past and performance heritage.
