Photos Courtesy of Mecum Auctions, Inc.
Shelby Cobras and Mustangs at Mecum
Mecum Auctions is showcasing an amazing number of Shelby cars at their 2025 Kissimmee sale with 37 original Shelby Mustangs from 1965 through 1970 and five real Cobras available to purchase. This featured display is in The Room at the Kissimmee auction and is quite the sight to behold.
While we’d love to spend the time examining each of those Mustangs in detail, we know not everyone has the time to read the thousands of words it would take to discuss them so we’re looking at five Shelby cars in particular that are absolute must-see examples of the Shelby spirit.
An SAAC Gold Concours winner, SFM5S383 was sold new by Tasca Ford. It was used by its original owner for approx. 5 years and then sold to the second owner who parked it for 10 years, then the third owner kept it parked for 34 years! At that point it ended up at noted Shelby shop Cobra Automotive, who began a two-year restoration on this untouched and unaltered matching number GT350. After the restoration it appeared at the SAAC convention in 2016 where it won a coveted Gold award. Having traveled very few miles since, 5S383 was recently freshened by Cobra Automotive for the upcoming sale in Kissimmee. The glove box door has been signed by both Carroll Shelby and Chuck Cantwell (project manager for the GT350 program).
Shelby used the 289 cubic inch HIPO V8 with a Holley 4-barrel 715cfm carburetor. This motor was mated to a four-speed manual T-10 transmission with a Detroit Locker rear axle. Stopping power was supplied by front disc brakes and heavy-duty rear drums. The front suspension was lowered, and Koni shocks were added. Rear seats were removed for weight savings and replaced with a fiberglass package tray where the spare tire mount was relocated from the trunk. Wheels were 15-inch Cragar alloys wearing Goodyear Blue Dot tires. A 16-inch wood steering wheel was sourced from the Cobra.
We’re all familiar with the legendary race successes of the GT40, especially after watching the movie “Ford Vs Ferrari”. However, many are unaware that Ford produced a remarkable 31 road-going street GT40s. This particular example is one of those rare gems.
A 1966 Ford GT s/n P/1034, delivered on March 17, 1966, to a private owner in the UK, is on display here. It holds the distinction of being the first road car ever delivered to a private individual. The ownership history is meticulously documented, providing a fascinating glimpse into its past.
In the 1970s, this GT40 saw action as a race car before being sold to an owner in Australia. During this period, it underwent a repaint in the iconic Gulf colors. It eventually found its way to the US in the early 1990s, where it was acquired by the renowned Rob Walton.
Mr. Walton made history by using the P/1034 in the 1993 Copperstate 1000, showcasing its exceptional performance. Afterward, it was restored to its original Pine Green color and has since graced the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours and the Brands Hatch Concours.
Remarkably, the P/1034 retains its original body panels, tub, and transmission, ensuring its authenticity and integrity. It boasts Boranni wire wheels, interior carpeting, leather upholstery, a heated windshield, clock, reverse lights, fender mirrors, mufflers, and louvered vents.
This magnificent GT40 P/1034 is set to be auctioned off at Mecum Kissimmee next Saturday, January 18. We anticipate an exciting bidding war, with estimates suggesting that the GT40 could fetch a price exceeding $5 million.
The Cobra, a fusion of American brute force and English sports car handling, captivated the automotive world. Its 289 cubic inch V8 engine propelled these champions on the track and made them thrilling on the streets. Notably, only 428 street-legal 289s were ever produced, as documented by the Shelby Registry.
The Cobra presented here, CSX2242, boasts a striking Princess Blue paint job over a luxurious Red leather interior. It features rack and pinion steering, wire wheels, a 4-speed manual transmission, 3.77 gears, and a matching numbers engine. Moreover, it retains its original dual 4V carburetor setup.
Originally sold new at Fergus Ford in Skokie, Illinois, CSX2242 has a well-documented ownership history in the Shelby Registry. Over time, it underwent various transformations. It was once painted Red with a Black interior and equipped with a hood scoop and a roll bar. However, more recently, it underwent a meticulous restoration to its original configuration, as evident in the provided photographs.
We particularly admire the leaf spring Cobras, renowned for their exceptional handling and striking appearance. They offer a more comfortable ride compared to coil spring cars, providing greater legroom due to their narrower transmission hump in the cockpit.
CSX3009, a legendary Shelby Cobra, was displayed at the Mecum auction during Monterey Car Week 2024. Its restoration to its original Essex Wire livery, reminiscent of its 1960s racing glory, captivated enthusiasts.
Initially, Shelby dominated the 289 Cobra scene until Chevrolet’s introduction of powerful big block Corvettes. In response, Shelby enhanced the Cobra with a Ford 427 engine, reinforced the chassis, upgraded the suspension, and widened the body. The plan was to produce the first 100 of these “new” Cobras as competition models to meet FIA requirements. Production would then transition to a street version.
However, only 52 cars were completed before the FIA inspection, resulting in no certification. Without the FIA’s approval, the project lost momentum, and 25 of the 100 cars were sold as “Competition Roadsters.” The remaining 77 were converted to S/C specifications for street use.
CSX3009 initially found its owner in Robert Scott, who campaigned the car under the Essex Wire sponsorship with Dick Thompson as his relief driver. Throughout the 1975 season, the car achieved remarkable success, winning over 60% of the races it entered, including two SCCA National Championships. Many believe it achieved more track triumphs than any other Shelby.
After 1975, the car passed through a series of collectors before ultimately finding its way to Mike McCluskey in 2009. McCluskey underwent a meticulous restoration to its original specifications and livery, with Carrol Shelby himself providing valuable guidance during the process.
CSX3009 will make its next appearance at the Mecum auction in Kissimmee, Florida, where it will be offered for sale on Saturday January 18. The rarity and significance of this Shelby racing history make it an exceptional opportunity for collectors. Given the current market value of street 427 S/C cars, which fetch around $3 million, we anticipate CSX3009 to command a price close to $5 million due to its exceptional condition and historical significance.
Also on display in The Room is CSX2427, a 1965 Shelby Factory Stage III 289 Cobra Dragonsnake. This is much more than a standard 289 Cobra – indeed it was created for use on the drag strip. One of a handful of Dragonsnake Cobras to leave the factory, this is the only one equipped with the Stage III upgrade built for a customer.
CSX2427 was ordered new by John J. Reimer of Gettysburg, PA when he was in his late teens. It was ordered in a special yellow paint to match his Thunderbird tow car and retailed for $9,000, including freight charges.
When John went back to college his father listed it for sale for “$4650.00 firm.” The rest of the car’s history is very well documented and it eventually ended up in the care of Steven Juliano in 2007. Mr. Juliano restored this car to a concours-quality example of the legendary Dragonsnake. It was featured in the Ford display at the 2012 Monterey Motorsports Reunion.
Mecum previously sold this car in 2022 for $1,375,000 and it is available for direct purchase with an asking price of $1,750,000.