1963 Shelby Cobra 260
260ci OHV V8 Engine
Single 4-Barrel Carburetor
260bhp at 5,800rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Girling Disc Brakes
*Few long-time, California-based owners since the 1960s
*The 47th of just 62 early street Shelby Cobra 260 examples produced
*Documented provenance in the Shelby Registry
*Lovely example of the classic world-renowned Shelby Cobra
THE SHELBY COBRA
The Shelby Cobra story is quite well known, although depending who you ask, people tell it differently. A.C. Cars, Ltd., was a boutique British automaker whose heritage descended from 1908. Originally makers of small delivery vehicles (the initials came from Auto Carrier), the company got into sports cars in the 1920s. After World War II, there was a sports car hiatus while the company built some invalid cars, but in 1954 the Ace debuted, a new tube-frame car with all-independent suspension by John Tojeiro. From 1956, A.C.'s own engines were supplemented with outsourced units from Bristol and Ford of England.
Meanwhile, Carroll Shelby, a chicken farmer turned racing driver, approached A.C. about putting American V8s into the Ace chassis. Shelby had initially been interested in Chevrolet's small block engine, but General Motors turned him down, no doubt because of concerns over competition for the Corvette. A.C.'s Charles Hurlock expressed interest in the proposition, and shortly thereafter, in October 1961, Shelby learned of Ford's new small block V8, slated for introduction in the 1962 intermediate Fairlane model. Ford was more than eager to do business for the exact reasons that Chevrolet declined.
An example of the new engine was sent to England, where A.C. found it an easy fit, in part because of their experience with the British Ford six. This prototype chassis, number CSX2000, was then shipped to the United States, sans engine. The first 75 Cobras, a name that reportedly came to Shelby in a dream, were built with 260 cubic inch high-performance Ford engines. The later cars used the 289 cubic inch unit with similar high-performance upgrades. The Ace's differential had been uprated to a stronger Salisbury unit, as used in E-Type Jaguars, and the steering box, a worm-and-sector design, was moved outward to clear the engine. Disc brakes were used all around.
Production ramped up slowly during 1962, and in October the first competition Cobra contested the Los Angeles Times Grand Prix. It retired with a broken hub, but not until showing the Corvettes that it would be a force to be reckoned with. Rightfully regarded as one of the all-time great classic sports cars, the Shelby Cobra remains one of the most iconic and collectible cars ever made.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
As one of the pioneering 260 cubic-inch engined early Shelby Cobra Roadsters, Chassis no. CSX2047 offered here enjoys unique stature as one of the foundation stones of the Shelby American marque's beginnings. This early Shelby Cobra benefits from ownership by a few dedicated caretakers dating back to 1968, including one owner for over 45 years, resulting in a very pure and authentic example.
According to the records of the SAAC Shelby Cobra Registry, CSX2047 is one of approximately 62 street-specified examples that were originally equipped with the 260 cubic-inch engine. Billed to Shelby American on November 13, 1962, this Shelby Cobra was finished new in red over a black interior, just as it appears today. After being completed at Shelby's Los Angeles-based headquarters, CSX2047 was sold new on February 20, 1963 to Dave Grubbe Ford in nearby Burbank, California. The Roadster was optioned with sun visors, wind wings, front and rear bumpers, aluminum rocker covers, and chrome exhaust tips and hood latches. In 1968 the Shelby Cobra was purchased by Lieutenant Kit Coyle of La Jolla, California who was a fighter pilot stationed at the Miramar Naval Air Station. Lt. Coyle would use the Shelby as his daily driver for the following five years and commissioned a repaint in British Racing Green. He further installed a new exhaust system, battery, and carpeting before offering the car for sale in early 1973.
CSX2047 was then purchased by Bob Schiro of Saratoga, California, who was the proprietor of a dealership in the Santa Clara, California area. Mr. Schiro recognized the desirability and collectability of the early Shelby Cobra and began to assemble a personal collection that included numerous Cobras, Corvettes, and other Shelby models. To optimally preserve these cars, Mr. Schiro acquired a climate-controlled warehouse to house his collection, which became the home of CSX2047. The car was then fastidiously maintained and rarely driven. In 1977 Schiro conducted significant work on the engine and transmission, while in 1993 he replaced the battery and radiator hoses and rebuilt the carburetor. In 2001 the original aluminum bodywork was stripped and refinished in the original color of red, and white Le Mans stripes were added. Mr. Schiro occasionally offered the car for sale through the years but never received an adequate offer, so CSX2047 would remain in his collection until his passing in 2019, accounting for a remarkable 46 years of ownership. The car then changed ownership to a respected dealer in Northern California, and the Shelby Cobra was treated to a proper refinish in the original red color without the racing stripes.
Notable for featuring many of the interior details of Lt. Coyle's ownership, including period upholstery and trim pieces, CSX2047 retains its original bodywork and chassis and is documented with an entry from the SAAC Shelby Cobra Registry. It appears to have been spared from abuse and race circuit use and retains its distinct early-production features including the banjo-style wood rimmed steering wheel and mushroom-style gear knob. Upon close inspection, the last digits of the chassis number (47) can be found on the front and rear compartment closing mechanisms.
Offered from a prominent Southern California based collection of exceptional sports cars, CSX2047 is complete with weather equipment which appears to be largely original. Eligible for many prominent events around the globe, and with an equally international audience of admiring collections, this desirable early-production Shelby Cobra would fit any collection or pre or post war sports cars.
◊ Special formalities are required to bid on this lot. Contact Client Services at +1 (212) 644 9001 or [email protected] at least 24 hours in advance of the auction for registration and bidding options.
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260ci OHV V8 Engine
Single 4-Barrel Carburetor
260bhp at 5,800rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Girling Disc Brakes
*Few long-time, California-based owners since the 1960s
*The 47th of just 62 early street Shelby Cobra 260 examples produced
*Documented provenance in the Shelby Registry
*Lovely example of the classic world-renowned Shelby Cobra
THE SHELBY COBRA
The Shelby Cobra story is quite well known, although depending who you ask, people tell it differently. A.C. Cars, Ltd., was a boutique British automaker whose heritage descended from 1908. Originally makers of small delivery vehicles (the initials came from Auto Carrier), the company got into sports cars in the 1920s. After World War II, there was a sports car hiatus while the company built some invalid cars, but in 1954 the Ace debuted, a new tube-frame car with all-independent suspension by John Tojeiro. From 1956, A.C.'s own engines were supplemented with outsourced units from Bristol and Ford of England.
Meanwhile, Carroll Shelby, a chicken farmer turned racing driver, approached A.C. about putting American V8s into the Ace chassis. Shelby had initially been interested in Chevrolet's small block engine, but General Motors turned him down, no doubt because of concerns over competition for the Corvette. A.C.'s Charles Hurlock expressed interest in the proposition, and shortly thereafter, in October 1961, Shelby learned of Ford's new small block V8, slated for introduction in the 1962 intermediate Fairlane model. Ford was more than eager to do business for the exact reasons that Chevrolet declined.
An example of the new engine was sent to England, where A.C. found it an easy fit, in part because of their experience with the British Ford six. This prototype chassis, number CSX2000, was then shipped to the United States, sans engine. The first 75 Cobras, a name that reportedly came to Shelby in a dream, were built with 260 cubic inch high-performance Ford engines. The later cars used the 289 cubic inch unit with similar high-performance upgrades. The Ace's differential had been uprated to a stronger Salisbury unit, as used in E-Type Jaguars, and the steering box, a worm-and-sector design, was moved outward to clear the engine. Disc brakes were used all around.
Production ramped up slowly during 1962, and in October the first competition Cobra contested the Los Angeles Times Grand Prix. It retired with a broken hub, but not until showing the Corvettes that it would be a force to be reckoned with. Rightfully regarded as one of the all-time great classic sports cars, the Shelby Cobra remains one of the most iconic and collectible cars ever made.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
As one of the pioneering 260 cubic-inch engined early Shelby Cobra Roadsters, Chassis no. CSX2047 offered here enjoys unique stature as one of the foundation stones of the Shelby American marque's beginnings. This early Shelby Cobra benefits from ownership by a few dedicated caretakers dating back to 1968, including one owner for over 45 years, resulting in a very pure and authentic example.
According to the records of the SAAC Shelby Cobra Registry, CSX2047 is one of approximately 62 street-specified examples that were originally equipped with the 260 cubic-inch engine. Billed to Shelby American on November 13, 1962, this Shelby Cobra was finished new in red over a black interior, just as it appears today. After being completed at Shelby's Los Angeles-based headquarters, CSX2047 was sold new on February 20, 1963 to Dave Grubbe Ford in nearby Burbank, California. The Roadster was optioned with sun visors, wind wings, front and rear bumpers, aluminum rocker covers, and chrome exhaust tips and hood latches. In 1968 the Shelby Cobra was purchased by Lieutenant Kit Coyle of La Jolla, California who was a fighter pilot stationed at the Miramar Naval Air Station. Lt. Coyle would use the Shelby as his daily driver for the following five years and commissioned a repaint in British Racing Green. He further installed a new exhaust system, battery, and carpeting before offering the car for sale in early 1973.
CSX2047 was then purchased by Bob Schiro of Saratoga, California, who was the proprietor of a dealership in the Santa Clara, California area. Mr. Schiro recognized the desirability and collectability of the early Shelby Cobra and began to assemble a personal collection that included numerous Cobras, Corvettes, and other Shelby models. To optimally preserve these cars, Mr. Schiro acquired a climate-controlled warehouse to house his collection, which became the home of CSX2047. The car was then fastidiously maintained and rarely driven. In 1977 Schiro conducted significant work on the engine and transmission, while in 1993 he replaced the battery and radiator hoses and rebuilt the carburetor. In 2001 the original aluminum bodywork was stripped and refinished in the original color of red, and white Le Mans stripes were added. Mr. Schiro occasionally offered the car for sale through the years but never received an adequate offer, so CSX2047 would remain in his collection until his passing in 2019, accounting for a remarkable 46 years of ownership. The car then changed ownership to a respected dealer in Northern California, and the Shelby Cobra was treated to a proper refinish in the original red color without the racing stripes.
Notable for featuring many of the interior details of Lt. Coyle's ownership, including period upholstery and trim pieces, CSX2047 retains its original bodywork and chassis and is documented with an entry from the SAAC Shelby Cobra Registry. It appears to have been spared from abuse and race circuit use and retains its distinct early-production features including the banjo-style wood rimmed steering wheel and mushroom-style gear knob. Upon close inspection, the last digits of the chassis number (47) can be found on the front and rear compartment closing mechanisms.
Offered from a prominent Southern California based collection of exceptional sports cars, CSX2047 is complete with weather equipment which appears to be largely original. Eligible for many prominent events around the globe, and with an equally international audience of admiring collections, this desirable early-production Shelby Cobra would fit any collection or pre or post war sports cars.
◊ Special formalities are required to bid on this lot. Contact Client Services at +1 (212) 644 9001 or [email protected] at least 24 hours in advance of the auction for registration and bidding options.
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Estimate
Time, Location
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