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. 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 are extremely scarce and often deemed too precious to race, so exacting recreations (to FIA HTP specification) like this one have become the obvious solution.
Built between 2021 and 2024 by a well-known Cobra racer on a no-expense-spared basis, this car utilises the best quality components available, ensuring both period accuracy and competitive performance. The chassis and body were supplied by Gerry Hawkridge (Hawk cars) and the aluminium coachwork has been finished in dark blue by Anson Clarke of Tetworth – all fabrication work was carried out by RW Racing and Eugene Farrell (ex Prodrive). The Cobra is correctly fitted with a period-correct, all new FIA sealed engine by Peter Knight (460bhp/395ft-lb). The Ford 289ci is fitted with MDS 6AL ignition (also wired for points) and has Peter Knight manifolds / exhausts with an RW Racing-developed stainless steel (re-packable) system. A Jim Inglese throttle linkage and KRS lightweight clutch were also incorporated into the build and the Ford motor is mated to a Rolltek T10 gearbox, with ’S’ ratios and a rose-jointed Hurst shifter (again built by RW Racing). Power is transmitted to the circuit via a gripper differential (3.2 ratio) and Hawk heavy-duty race prop shafts, plus engine and diff mounts. The Cobra rides on Koni 8211 shock absorbers and is fitted with coil springs by Brost Forge / RW. The anti roll bars are also RW-supplied units and stopping is aided via Girling ORA/CRA callipers with Tilton Master Cylinders and pedal box bias adjustment. The magnesium wheels and aluminium spinners were manufactured by Crosthwaite & Gardiner and are shod with period-correct FIA legal Dunlop L-section tyres. The car is fitted with a bespoke welded T45 roll cage by Custom Fabrications and the 165-litre safety bladder tank was supplied by Premier Fuel Systems. A lightweight Tillet B6 ‘Screamer’ seat is fitted to the cockpit, along with a Lifeline Zero 360 lightweight electric fire extinguisher system and Cartek GT Battery safety cut-out.
Offered for sale completely fresh with zero track miles and FIA HTP papers to 2035; This Cobra is highly-eligible for the best historic GT events including Motor Racing Legends, Masters, Peter Auto, GTSCC, HSCC Guards Trophy, Equipe Libre and much more. This Cobra certainly couldn’t be replicated for anything like the asking price!
