We are delighted to present to the market one of the earliest—and arguably most aesthetically refined—examples of the Shelby Cobra 289, chassis number CSX2082. This exceptional car retains the highly desirable early Mark I characteristics, including the elegant narrow wheel arches and distinctive wingless vents, emblematic of the model’s purest design phase.

CSX2082 was completed at the Thames Ditton works of AC Cars and dispatched to New York on 11th February 1963. The car was specified in red coachwork with a black interior, complemented by a black soft top and tonneau cover. Notably, it was also equipped with a heater. Upon arrival in the United States, it was delivered to RRR Motors of Homewood, Illinois for retail.

Period correspondence indicates that RRR Motors encountered difficulty securing a buyer for the car, ultimately returning it to Shelby American in March 1964 for full credit. Shortly thereafter, the car was resold to Ed “Ford” Flandro of Pocatello, Idaho. By the end of 1964, CSX2082 was again offered for sale, beginning a succession of private ownerships across the United States.

In the early 1970s, the car was acquired by Tim Elfrink of Akron, Ohio, who identified evidence of a prior accident and substandard repair work. Undertaking a comprehensive dismantling, Elfrink subsequently restored the vehicle for John Kaltenbach, who retained ownership for several years. Importantly, both custodians have provided valuable period photographs, contributing significantly to the documented provenance of the car.

The vehicle returned to the United Kingdom in 2003 and has since remained in the care of just three owners. Acquired by its current custodian in 2016, the car has benefitted from our close involvement since that time, including advisory support regarding its originality and historical integrity.

A meticulous restoration was carried out by our AC Heritage works, encompassing approximately 2,000 hours of work. Of this, some 1,500 hours were devoted to the chassis and metalwork, with a clear emphasis on preserving as much original material as possible. Further works included comprehensive attention to the suspension, differential, and braking systems, ensuring both authenticity and mechanical excellence.

This restoration was documented in a ten-page feature, including the cover, in Octane Magazine (Issue 214, April 2021),

A video on the vehicle is available to watch on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgRhp3I9jmc

POA

To find out more about this significant motorcar please contact our sales team for further details.
Viewing by prior appointment.

This Motorcar is being also being marketed by our sister company AC Heritage.