Description:

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 by UK racing Cobra specialist Steve Gilbey with a total disregard for cost, this car utilises only the very best components available. It was completed in April 2021 and has since seen circa 10 hours of use, with prolific historic racers Andrew Smith, Nigel Greensall and Matt Walton behind the wheel. Powered by the latest specification Steve Warrior 289ci engine and driving through a competition T10 gearbox by CRC Engineering (Gary Spencer); the foundations for the build were a Kirkham chassis and body unit. Exterior paintwork was tasked to Normandales, finished in striking Ferrari Blu Genziana metallic, which complements the blue leatherette and corduroy interior trim (by D Class Automotive). Following completion, a further £25k of bespoke bodywork modifications were crafted by Cobra expert Lawrence Kett (GA Fabrications), mirroring the iconic specification of the Willment Racing Team’s 1964 Goodwood Tourist Trophy entry. This includes the additional bonnet ‘nostrils’, deeper front wing vents and scalloped air ducts behind the rear arches. The cockpit houses two trimmed lightweight FIA-homologated Tillet racing seats (for driver and passenger), alongside a full roll cage by Andy Robinson. A lightweight Le Mans hardtop keeps the weather out, with other features including a lightweight battery and extinguisher, VBOX Video HD2 – 2 camera track system (including OLED display monitor) and G200 GPS professional rally computer. The braking system, diff casing and wheels were all supplied by Crosswaite & Gardener, whilst the uprights, hubs, stub axles and leaf springs were manufactured by CRC Engineering (Gary Spencer). The car rides on a set of Koni 8211 Cobra special-build dampers by SP Suspension and has a bespoke aircraft quality wiring loom (by Adrian Butt) and aluminium front screen frame to keep weight to an absolute minimum. Silenced and unsilenced exhaust systems by Elweld are included and Digital brake pressure sensors were recently fitted as part of the car’s latest development.

Spares –

Set of wheels and tyres (three new)
Multi-plate clutch kit (single plate type currently fitted for Peter Auto events).
Oil cooler
Drive shaft
Brake duct

Paperwork –

Uk V5c document, donor vehicle is a 1952 AC Convertible.
FIA HTP, valid until 31.12.2033.
File of receipts documenting the build and development costs.
Various certificates, dyno sheets and other paperwork / correspondence.

Eligibility –

Peter Auto Sixties Endurance
Tour Auto
Masters Gentleman Drivers
Modena Cento Ore
Spa 6 Hours
Equipe Europe
HSCC Guards Trophy
Available for viewing at our Cheshire showrooms, exclusively by appointment.

Please Note – VAT may be applicable on the sale price, depending on the purchaser. Please contact Adam directly to discuss this further.

Website:

https://adamsykes.co.uk/cars-for-sale/competition-cars/1965-spec-fia-shelby-ac-cobra-289/

Keyword Search Terms:

AC Shelby Cobra pre66 V8 Masters HTP Peter Auto HSCC Equipe Spa Modena Cento Ore Tour Auto