Fantasy Junction

Description

1964 AC 289 Shelby Cobra
s/n CSX 2425
Burgundy with Saddle Leather

When AC lost their supply of Bristol and later Ford six-cylinder engines, it appeared that they would have to stop building the Ace, whose lightweight attractive aluminum body and sophisticated chassis and suspension made it in many ways the quintessential British sports car. At the same time, Carroll Shelby had recently retired from motor racing and was running a driving school and selling Goodyear tires, but wanted something more exciting. Having always wanted to build his own sports car, he approached the various Detroit manufacturers and was eventually offered a small but light eight cylinder engine by Ford from their pickup truck line. Aware of AC’s predicament, he approached the management with his inimitable flair, and the Cobra was born. The bodies were built by the AC factory in the United Kingdom before being shipped to the Shelby American’s Southern California factory. Initial impressions of the car, which was still in bare aluminum, were extremely favorable. Following its first competition outings, the bugs were gradually ironed out, and the car proved to be a durable, quick, and extremely capable car. The rest, as they say, is history, and the Cobras, in 260cid, 289cid and 427cid versions went on to achieve tremendous racing success, in addition to becoming culturally ingrained as one of the greatest and coolest cars ever made.

Like all Cobras, the body of this example was constructed at AC’s factory in the United Kingdom before being shipped to Shelby American for completion. It was finished in May of 1964 in white with red leather and shipped to Los Angeles where it was purchased by Gordon Gimbel of Sacramento, California. Early in the car’s life, Gimbel set the car up for drag racing with Weber carburetors and a hood scoop. Gimble reports achieving 11.8 sec quarters at 122 mph. Gimble sold the car on to Steve Degremond of Santa Rosa, California in 1979, who brought the car to Fantasy Junction on consignment in 1984. The car was advertised as follows: “1964 AC 289 Shelby Cobra CSX 2425, Webers, scatter shield, oil cooler and roll bar.” The car was sold to Lee Keating of Northfield, Illinois. Mr. Keating commissioned a pre-purchase inspection at the time which confirmed the car was mechanically sound with no evidence of metal work to the chassis or body, and was generally in excellent original condition. The current owner purchased this example in May of 1986 with vintage racing in mind. The racing preparation included the installation of a larger oil cooler, stronger clutch, adjustable suspension, nylon suspension bushings and a better roll bar. While the car was brought up to date mechanically, the body was left in its original trim (no flares, rolled fenders, or other modifications) and today remains one of the most correct 289 Cobras we have handled The car was vintage raced in the 1990s before be restored a second time, this time with rallying and showing in mind. Many of the mechanical items were addressed including the brakes and driveline. Most all the suspension components and other bits were removed, powder coated, and freshened with new bushings as needed. The car was painted and upholstered, and has approximately 3,500 miles of road use since. We have records on file for the above work completed.

Today the car remains in stunning condition. The body is exceptionally straight with excellent gaps and panel match. The repaint was a mirror finish job and has virtually no flaws from use or age. This example is fitted with external mounted polished fuel filler. All the glass and lenses are in good order, and the car sits on painted period correct wire wheels with AC factory knock offs and like new Goodyear 225/60/R15 tires.

The interior is trimmed in high quality saddle leather and carpets. The seats show virtually no evidence of use, while the carpets show light aging. The dash is exceptionally correct with all the original Stewart Warner gauges in place, along with the factory wood rimmed steering wheel. A SCCA approved fire system has been tastefully installed behind the passenger’s seat, and an exhaust temperature gauge near the gear selector. With the car comes all the weather equipment to make this car a functional event car for rallies including the top, top frame, and side windows.

The engine bay is beautifully detailed and makes a very strong impression. The inner fender wells and firewall are polished aluminum, and specially coated headers have been installed. The fuel lines have been updated with Aeroquip fittings and braided lines, and an electric radiator fan is mounted to the back of the radiator.

The underside is also beautifully detailed and displays evidence of all the recent work done to insure it is in top operating form. There are no unusual welds or alterations visible to the underside of the car, further supporting the unmolested nature of this example.

With the car comes documentation back to 1984, the top and associated weather equipment, the matching, restored spare wire wheel and an extra electric fuel pump.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a very usable example of one of the most iconic cars of all time. The 289cid examples have enjoyed considerable appreciation in recent years, and thanks to their more refined proportions and easier more pleasant driving experience, many enthusiasts prefer them to the overkill of the 427cid cars. This particular example is wonderful in terms of its body and chassis, has known history from new, and is absolutely ready to enjoy as a static addition to any collection, or enthusiastically on the road.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608