1964 Shelby Cobra: Power, Passion, and Pure American Grit
The 1964 Shelby Cobra stands as one of the most legendary sports cars ever built, a raw fusion of British engineering and American muscle. Conceived by Carroll Shelby, the Cobra combined the lightweight chassis of the AC Ace with the brutal power of a Ford V8, creating a machine that dominated racetracks and captured imaginations worldwide. With its unmistakable curves, thunderous exhaust note, and uncompromising performance, the 1964 Cobra embodies the golden era of motorsport and remains a symbol of pure, unfiltered driving passion.
A stunning 1964 Shelby Cobra is currently being offered by Joe Macari Performance Cars London — one of our exclusive advertising partners — and can also be viewed on Classic Motors For Sale.
1964 Shelby Cobra | £899,950.00
Born from the visionary partnership between Carroll Shelby and AC Cars of England, the Shelby Cobra 289 was a groundbreaking collaboration of American power and European agility. Introduced in 1963, the 289 variant featured Ford’s lightweight small-block V8, which dramatically improved handling dynamics compared to its big-block successor. With its fierce competition pedigree and iconic design, the 289 Cobra quickly established itself as a symbol of American motorsport prowess during the golden era of road racing.
1964 Shelby Cobra | £899,950.00
Built in limited numbers and revered for its raw driving experience, the 289 Cobra stands today as one of the most collectible sports cars of the 20th century. Coveted by enthusiasts and investors alike, original examples with documented provenance are highly sought-after and increasingly rare.
This particular Cobra was invoiced to Shelby American on May 14, 1964, and shipped to the United States just twelve days later aboard the SS Diemerdyk, notably, the first Holland America Line vessel constructed after World War II. Originally specified in the striking combination of Rouge Iris over Beige and ordered with the desirable Class A accessories package, this Cobra included five chrome wire wheels, whitewall tires, a luggage rack, external rear-view mirror, AM-FM radio, and antifreeze. The factory invoice totalled $5,800.05.
1964 Shelby Cobra | £899,950.00
The car was initially delivered by Shelby American to the Ford Motor Company in Michigan, where it was used for promotional and public relations purposes. In early 1965, having accumulated 5,177 miles, it returned to Shelby American to be prepared for resale. This included a full mechanical overhaul and a complete repaint, carried out over several months at a cost of $720. By May 1965, it was ready for a new chapter and was sold to Hi-Performance Motors in Los Angeles.
1964 Shelby Cobra | £899,950.00
In 2016, the Cobra was acquired by Marc Devis in Belgium before passing shortly thereafter to its current UK-based custodian. Since arriving in the UK, it has seen only limited road use and has been maintained by renowned marque specialist Steve Gilbey Classics. Most recently, the car was returned to its factory-original colour scheme, receiving a comprehensive respray in Rouge Iris and an interior retrim in Beige, expertly carried out by the highly regarded O’Rourke Coachtrimmers.
This Shelby Cobra 289 represents an unrepeatable opportunity to acquire an exceptionally documented and beautifully restored example of one of America’s most enduring automotive legends.
1964 Shelby Cobra | £899,950.00
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