TGR StaffThe Shelby 289 Cobra is arguably one of the most beautiful sports cars ever produced by the legendary Shelby American and AC Cars Limited. A true icon of 1960s performance engineering, the 289 Cobra represents the beginning of Carroll Shelby’s historic partnership with Ford, which led to dominant victories in the SCCA, FIA, and 24 Hours of Le Mans.
While many enthusiasts are drawn to the muscular, wide-fendered 427 Cobra, the “Slab Side” 289 Cobra possesses a level of elegance and understated sophistication that its big-block counterpart simply can’t match.
A Piece of History – Shelby 289 Cobra CSX 2216
This 1964 Shelby 289 Cobra, currently offered by RM Private Sales, has a remarkable history. Originally shipped to the U.S. on November 7, 1963, the Cobra arrived at Shelby American’s Venice, California facility, where it received its factory 271-horsepower 289 Hi-Po V8 paired with a four-speed manual Borg-Warner T-10 aluminum transmission.
The car was then invoiced to Pearson Ford in San Diego in January 1964, with an original MSRP of $6,747.50—roughly $55,600 today, adjusted for inflation.
Ownership & Racing Provenance
The first owner of CSX 2216 was renowned San Diego architect and former Formula 1 driver Henry Hartwell Hester, who purchased the car in September 1964. In 1967, Hester repainted the Cobra black, but in 1969, the car was involved in an accident while at a local dealership for service. Following repairs, Hester sold the car in 1970 to James Gauthier of El Cajon, California.
Gauthier, an avid racer, modified the Cobra for Solo I competition, racing it through the early 1980s before selling it to Ken Champion. The car changed hands again in the late 1980s, when Investment Motorsports of Illinois restored it to its original factory condition before selling it to Gerald A. Schwalbach of Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1989.
A Meticulous Restoration
Recently, CSX 2216 has undergone a full restoration, returning it to its original white exterior with a red interior. It now rides on Michelin XWX tires, mounted on chrome wire wheels, maintaining the period-correct look.
While the original 289 Hi-Po engine was lost over the years, a correct K-Code 289 V8 has been installed, paired with the original Borg-Warner T-10 transmission. The body remains original, with the doors, hood latch, and trunk latch correctly stamped with “2216.”
Notable Features & Documentation
This 289 Cobra is a prime example of Shelby American’s racing heritage, accompanied by original invoices from AC Cars Limited and Shelby American. Additional highlights include:
- Chassis No. CSX 2216
- Original AC Cobra window sticker
- Includes the AC Cobra Chassis Instruction Book in its original envelope
- Factory-equipped with rack-and-pinion steering for precise handling
This 1964 Shelby 289 Cobra is a rare and significant piece of American sports car history, embodying the spirit of Carroll Shelby’s legendary craftsmanship and racing success.
For more details on this remarkable Cobra, visit RM Private Sales.
Photos by Patrick Ernzen, Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
