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Chassis:
Built late in 1961, chassis CSX2000 is the very first AC Shelby Cobra built. It was first run in England and subsequently used as a development vehicle before entering the show circuit. Painted yellow, it debuted at the 1962 New York Auto Show where it was one of the absolute stars. Repainted before almost every appearance, it was shown at events around the country until September. In between shows, the prototype was also inspected by the FIA to get the all-important homologation. Since then it had been carefully preserved by the late Carroll Shelby himself.
Rumour has it that he turned down offers of well into the seven figures for this, his firstborn and a unique piece of American road racing history. Still in completely original condition, CSX2000 has been regularly displayed in at shows and museums. In recent years, it has only made rare appearances. The Cobra prototype is seen here at the 2010 Quail, a Motorsports Gathering where 45 years of the Shelby Mustang was celebrated. Two years later it was back at the Monterey Peninsula to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Cobra, which doubled as a tribute to Shelby, who passed away a few months earlier.
It has now been consigned by Carroll Shelby's estate to the 2016 RM Sotheby's Monterey auction along with several other cars from the collection.
Chassis details |
Manufactured in |
1961 |
First owner |
Shelby American |
Last known location |
Carroll Shelby Estate |
Appearances |
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Most recent auction(s) |
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