Although not as revered as the Daytona Coupes, the FIA Roadster was extremely successful throughout 1964 beating the Ferraris at some of Europe's most challenging circuits. Of the two survivors one remains in remarkably original condition, while the other has recently been prepared for historic racing. Both are part of prominent American collections but are regularly brought out for all of us to enjoy.

Chassis CSX2260 was the second Cobra built to FIA Roadster specifications. It made its debut at the 2000 km of Daytona race in the hands of Jean Guichet and Jo Schlesser. Starting eighth, they failed to reach the finish due a piston failure. Two weeks later, Ken Miles used the car to win the USRRC GT race at Augusta, scoring the first victory for the type.

The Cobra FIA Roadsters regularly beat Ferraris at the world's most challenging road courses. (Photo: Wouter Melissen)

Miles recorded another class victory at Phoenix before the car was shipped to Europe for the remainder of the season. It was subsequently raced at the Targa Florio and two hill climbs with a sixth and second in class at Sierre Montagna as the best result.

Ahead of the 1965 season, the car was sold to Radford Racing along with FIA Roadster CSX2301 for $7,500 each. Unfortunately the season was cut short for the team when CSX2301 was fatally crashed by Tony Flory at Brands Hatch.

Presumably for international carnet reasons, CSX2260 was subsequently sold with the number CSX2301. This mix-up of identities has recently been discovered and the confusing history cleared up. Now beautifully restored, CSX2260 is a regular entrant at the Monterey Motorsports Reunion where it is seen here in 2011 and 2012.

Chassis CSX2345 was the fifth and final FIA Roadster built, making its competition debut at the Targa Florio where Phil Hill and Bob Bondurant had to retire after the suspension failed. Bondurant faired better at Spa, where he placed ninth overall and first in the GT class. Later in the year, he also won the class in the Schauinsland and Sierre Montagna Hill Climb.

For the 1965 season, the car was entrusted to Alan Mann Racing, which successfully fielded CSX2345 for John Whitmore at the Tourist Trophy and Bondurant at the Rossfeld Hill Climb. Before the end of 1965, the FIA Roadster was returned to Shelby American and sold to a customer, who stored the car.

Chassis CSX2345 reappeared in 1974, still in the exact same condition as when it crossed the line at Rossfeld back in June 1965. It is still in that same condition today and is believed to be the only Shelby American team car that has survived in its original configuration. Still in American hands, the car is proudly displayed in the beautiful Shelby American Collection museum in Boulder, Colorado.

At a rare outing, CSX2345 is seen here during the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where the 50th anniversary of the Cobra was celebrated. Not surprisingly, it won the special Cobra class.

For a gallery of photos, see Shelby Cobra FIA Roadster.

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