Written by:
Media Release
11/20/2009
Scottsdale, AZ
The first production 1966 Shelby GT350 and an original 289 Shelby Cobra will headline the docket of collector cars featured at January’s 39th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale.
The first production 1966 Shelby GT350 will be sold at no reserve in Scottsdale. (Photo: Barrett-Jackson)
» More Photos
The two special Shelbys and hundreds of other desirable cars will be sold at no reserve during the sprawling Jan. 18-24 auction and lifestyle event at WestWorld. The famous event will have more than 1,000 collector vehicles at auction as well as a large selection of automobilia.
SPEED will broadcast nearly 40 hours of live, high-definition coverage of all six auction days.
The experts at the Shelby American Automobile Club report that the 289 Cobra, serial number CSX2091, is one of only 453 street versions of the 289 Cobra that were built. The Shelby GT350, number SFM6S002, was verified as the first production GT350 built.
This fully restored 289 Cobra was restored in its desirable original colors of gloss black with a red interior. (Photo: Barrett-Jackson)
» More Photos
“This Cobra and GT350 represent American performance at its height during a time when Ford and Shelby were beginning to flex their muscles in sports car racing,” said Craig Jackson, Barrett-Jackson chairman and CEO. “While many wonderful Shelby cars have crossed our block over the years, I believe these cars would make a fantastic centerpiece to any collection due to their condition, rarity and historical significance.”
According to SAAC’s most recent registry, Shelby American shipped CSX2091 on June 11, 1963, to Burton Motors of Sacramento, Calif. The roadster was restored in 1991 to its original black exterior with red interior and wire wheels, one of 13 cars made in this color combination. The Cobra features its original 271-horsepower engine, four-speed transmission, worm-and-sector steering, suspension and aluminum body.
“With their low production numbers, versatility and racing history, well-maintained, documented small-block Cobras have held their values over that past decade,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “CSX2091 Cobra underwent a restoration to return it to its original configuration in 1991 and remains in excellent condition with only 29,687 miles on its odometer. And since original Cobras usually qualify for historic events, it can also be driven on rallies and in other high-profile events.”
The first 1966 Shelby GT350 was the first of 252 “carryover” cars, even though it has the “002” serial number. The first serial-numbered 66 Shelby, SFM6S001, was a standard 1965 Mustang pulled from the assembly line and modified as a prototype for production 1966 Shelbys.
“The early production carryover cars combined the best of the 1965 and 1966 GT350 models,” Davis said. “While it retains the hardcore performance features of the 1965 model, this Shelby also has the distinctive 1966 visual features added that set it apart from regular production Mustangs.”
SFM6S002 just received a complete ground-up restoration to its original Wimbledon White with Guardsman Blue Le Mans stripes by Cobra Automotive of Wallingford, Conn. No expense was spared in the restoration back to its original state with many original date-coded parts.
The car is powered by its fully rebuilt 289 HiPo V8 and backed by the correct T-10M Aluminum four-speed transmission. It is equipped with a Holley 715 CFM carb, 3:89 Detroit locker rear, original dash-mounted tachometer, wood-grain steering wheel, original rear-seat delete package shelf and Shelby Cragar 15-inch wheels mounted on Goodyear Bluedot tires. Listed in the SAAC Registry, SFM6S002 comes with its original Shelby owner’s manual supplement and authentication.
“According to the consignor, the car has a tremendous racing history,” Jackson said. “Shortly after the second owner acquired the car, it was extensively raced in the Midwest including Road America, Black Hawk Farms, Grattan, Mid Ohio, Road Atlanta and Watkins Glen. Its ‘Number One’ production status and its racing pedigree make this a historically significant Shelby.”
For information about January’s auction, see Barrett-Jackson.
