Serial # 1 – the first production Shelby Cobra and among the initial 75 delivered to the dealers in 1962.
This car was originally fitted with a Ford Zephyr straight six-cylinder engine, but was removed and shipped from AC Bristol to Venice, CA where Shelby American dropped in a new 260 V8 and took the car for shake–down runs looking for Corvette owners to humiliate.
The Cobra was bought by Lloyd “Lucky” Casner, Comoradi Racing, to race at the 1964 Le Mans 24 Hour.
The car was modified with a 289 cubic-inch engine and updated to full FIA standards by Ford Racing in France. From 1964-1966, the car was campaigned in Europe and racked-up many victories across the continent. It is the only Cobra to race in the 1964 Tour de France.
The Cobra remained in Europe until 2006, when it was bought by the current owner and returned to the USA. It was restored by Mike McCluskey in Torrance, CA. The aluminum body, chassis and interior remain in their original well preserved state.
You may purchase a print in our dElegance 2012 online gallery.
