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1963 AC 289 Cobra
s/n CSX 2201
Blue with White Stripes and Black Interior

This Cobra, CSX2201, was the first of the third production run of 100 cars invoiced to Shelby American on October 11, 1963. With this run, new pricing was introduced, reflecting the use of Ford alternators, Ford wiring harnesses, and Stewart Warner gauges. This car is therefore the first of the more refined 289 series cars. Originally delivered to Los Angeles, the car was invoiced for $5,195.00 on May 13, 1964 to Paradise Ford in Scottsdale, AZ. CSX2201 was delivered with Group A accessories including aluminum rocker covers, WSW tires, and a luggage rack (options raised the price to $5,479.05). Finished in blue with red interior, the car sat on wire wheels with whitewall tires and must have looked very slick indeed. After delivery, the intended owner, a Mr. Bruce Douglas, decided not to purchase the car, and thus, the car remained at Paradise Ford for several months. During this time the aluminum oil pan, speedometer cable, and Cobra trunk emblem were replaced under warranty.

On September 21, 1964 the car was invoiced to Hayward Ford, Hayward, CA for $4,000.00 and subsequently purchased the following month by John C. Braun of Autosports Northwest in Salem, OR. Autosports sold the car in January 1965 to Oregon resident Dr. Linton Gil Weed. Dr. Weed modified the car for racing, fitting the car with large front and rear fender flares, 5 spoke American Racing wheels, side exhaust, roll bar, full windscreen, hood scoop, cooling scoops located below the parking lights, and an unusual but clever paint scheme mimicking black and silver snake skin around the front of the car. Weed raced the car in SCCA events in 1965 and 1966, selling it eventually to Francis D. Broderich (also of Oregon), who then sold it to Jerry L. Dryden a few months later. Dryden raced the car with the number 69 in June 1967 at the Rose Cup Races, at Portland Raceway. In the spring of 1968, Ted E. Baufus purchased the car and owned it briefly before selling it to William Bowen, who then offered the car for sale in 1971, at which time it was painted white with a central blue stripe.

The car was purchased by the current owner in Troutdale, Oregon, in May 1971 via Monte Shelton. He proceeded to restore it, painting it red, removing the roll bar and side exhaust, but retaining the fender flares and hood scoop. CSX2201 appears in The Shelby American Vol. 4, #6, page 35; Vol. 5, #1, page 45, and #55, page 6. In 1992, attending SAAC 17 in Portland, Oregon, CSX2201 showed 60k miles wearing the Oregon license plate COBRA (which it still retains today). In 1993, the car was repainted blue with white stripes and a white roll bar was installed (Source citation: World Registry of Cobras & GT 40s, 4th Edition, page 157, 158).

Today the car remains with the same owner who purchased it from Oregon motorsports racing enthusiast Monte Shelton in 1971. Shelton, recalling in conversation recently, confirmed that it was painted white with blue stripes and a black interior when he sold it to the current owner. Shelton, good friends with Dr. Gil Weed, reflected on the integrity of the car, stating, the body was never damaged in any way and the hood scoop and fender flares were done very professionally. Knowing the car to be sound, Shelton purchased it with the hopes of racing, but found he did not fit properly in the car, deciding shortly after to sell it to the current owner. Over the next 46 years, the car would be used for family outings and west coast car shows (including Portland, Seattle, Northern California, and Monterey to name a few). Most often however, the current owner drove the car back and forth to work as an Oregon Air National Guard pilot. A Cobra-driving jet pilot certainly brings to mind legends of Hollywood movies, but in the case of this car, it was true. The current owner treated the car carefully, storing it indoors, occasionally servicing it in his garage or with professional experts when required. In 1993, CSX 2201 was professionally repainted metallic blue with white stripes, retaining the 1965 fender flares and hood scoop.

Currently, CSX2201 remains as it was restored in 1993 with vivid metallic blue paint accented by dual white stripes. The paint finish is remarkably preserved given the age, showing very nicely with excellent gloss and attention to detail enhancing the factory aluminum body. Some areas are showing evidence of use including some light paint cracking at the lower rear under the trunk lid. A few areas of minor road chips and light scratching dot the car in typical areas, but do not detract from an otherwise strong visual presence. The exterior trim, while limited, is in very good condition overall including the windscreen trim and glass. The lights, lenses, and emblems are all in very good to excellent condition. The wheels are well preserved, having been replaced several years ago allowing for a wider stance, filling the flared fenders with ample rubber, appearing more like a competition 289 at first glance.

The interior was converted to black prior to 1971 and much of this interior remains the same today. The seats have a wonderfully settled patina, which is slightly weathered but still retains snug and supple feel when one is nestled in the drivers seat. The dashboard and instruments are properly arrayed with correct dial faces, which are nicely preserved. The Stewart Warner gauges are an iconic part of the 289s identity, and this car is further distinguished by its recognizable Ford ignition switch, dash clock, and switches for the lights, choke etc., all of which will look familiar to someone who has spent time inside a mid-1960s Ford. The steering wheel has been preserved over the years and maintains a remarkable warm wood tone with just the right amount of wear, reflecting the years of enthusiastic use. While by no means a show car with a recent full restoration, this Cobra offers something truly more engaging. CSX2201 reveals its storied past in a way that no freshly built replica can, with drivable integrity and genuine delight directly at your fingertips - driving as Shelby himself originally intended for all his cars.

Releasing the hood locks and raising the hood, the 2201 number is revealed on the hood latch, indicating the original factory aluminum hood remains with the car. The original engine was replaced some time ago but the current 289 in the car is a correct block, which was rebuilt and properly outfitted with correct Cobra series parts. Some allowances have been made with contemporary ignition wires and hardware, but the engine compartment and engine reflect proper care and attention to originality in general, as with the interior the finishes reflect a car that can be enjoyed without hesitation, eschewing the fussiness of a meticulous show car in exchange for the delights of very nicely outfitted drivers car.

The trunk compartment is easily opened twisting the original factory latch also revealing number 2201, indicating the correct factory deck lid, further authenticating the integrity of this car. Inside the trunk area is a clean and tidy representation of the original finishes along with a full sized spare. The underside of the car is very nicely finished and quite clean, with good attention to detail and excellent presentation. The clean and well-maintained underside is again reflective of the preservation and use dedicated to this car over the near half century of singular ownership. Further examining the underside, one is impressed with the bodywork when the fender flares were formed to the car in 1965.

CSX2201 fires up easily, instantly booming the thumping growl of a 289 that means business. The rear exit exhaust creates a nice taper to the sound, but one still feels the power rippling through the car, and yes, it does rock when you blip the throttle. Reaching inside to open the inner door latch, and easily nestling into the well-formed seat, the view over the twin-striped hood reflects decades of motorsports history. Once behind the wheel, an easy reach latches the updated competition seatbelts, and with a quick flick into first gear, youre ready for the drive of a lifetime. Even if youve driven a Cobra before, every drive is a revelation. It opens up smoothly and rapidly as first gear becomes a howling invitation to capture second gear. Within seconds you are enjoying freeway speeds amidst a symphony of sounds and sensations virtually unrepeatable in any other car. Handling and ride are part of the challenge and delight one doesnt drive a Cobra, rather it drives you. The gearing is relatively short and the acceleration is searing in every gear. Finally at rest, shutting the car off, the car quietly ticks and settles, the aluminum whispering to you, and a moment of realizationyouve just driven a Cobra.

This 289 Shelby Cobra comes with a host of original components including the original aluminum formed grille, several spare parts, a spare engine, and numerous documents outlining the decades of service and thoughtful ownership all of which have preserved this wonderful car. Capable of visual and driving delights like no other car, CSX2001 is ready for enjoyable showing, driving, events, tours, or enjoyable use just as the current owner has done for nearly half a century.