1965 Shelby 289 Cobra

1965 Shelby 289 Cobra CSX 2570

1965 New York Autoshow Cobra!!!

If ever a car had multiple lives it was the Shelby Cobra. In its first life it was a Tojeiro-Bristol. Next came the A.C. Ace, followed by the Ace Bristol and finally the Ace Ford. When it looked as if it was the end of the line for A.C.'s adaptable sports car, along came Carroll Shelby and the 289 Cobra was born.

Since then, these cars have turned into some of the most sought after collector cars in the world, and as is the case with most desirable collectibles, the story that accompanies the car is as important, if not more important than the car itself. The originality and preservation of these pieces is where the value truly lies, who owned it? For how long? How as it treated? In the case of Cobra's, the accumulation of history in the form of the Shelby Registry is incredible, public knowledge of the cars, both good and bad. For some cars, perhaps this is a detriment, but to others, it only further enhances their desirability as a desirable collector piece.

This Cobra is an incredible example of the latter!!!!!

Originally billed to Shelby America September 1^st, 1964,CSX 2570 crossed the Atlantic aboard the SS Diemerkyk; exactly two weeks later it then completed the long trek across America to Los Angeles CA for final assembly by Shelby America. Finished in Princess Blue with red interior and equipped with Class "A" accessories such as WSW tires and chrome wheels, this 289 Cobra was then selected to be a Shelby representative at the New York Auto Show at the New York Coliseum in late March 1965. After impressing thousands at the show, 2570 finally got to skip the long trip back cross country and was picked up by Berry Motors in Paramus New Jersey; after a little clean up and maintenance it was dispatched to Verner Cadby Ford in Caldwell New Jersey, where on December 22, 1965, the Cobra would finally meet its first, and ultimately only owner, Richard Larsen.

Encouraged by the words of wisdom from his 15 year old son "You'll never lose money on it", but held back by his brother calling him nuts for considering it, Mr. Larsen paid up the $6,900 price for 2570. In the following years, Mr. Larsen, a motorsports enthusiast, along with his son could be seen driving the Cobra to racetracks such as Lime Rock, Watkins Glen, Bryar and Marlboro, taking in the sports car races. This would inspire him to stretch the legs of his 289 small block on the back roads of New York State, and was a common attraction among local police, who for no better reason, would pull him over to marvel at the Princess blue finish and craftsmanship of 2570. 25 years after purchasing the car, and in recognition of his sons early wisdom, the Cobra was handed down to his son, he would then retain and enjoy the car for a further 20 years, still painted Princess Blue, with chrome wire wheels and beautiful red interior, showing the patina of 45 years worth of loving use. In the recent times CSX2570 was treated the car to some delicate cosmetic attention, being very careful not to tarnish the years of patina that makes this car so special. The mechanics of the car were also tended to make sure it continued to run and drive as well as it looks.  With just 69,000 original miles and a well maintained history, the driven train has never had to be removed!!! It still has its original factory applied paint on the underside of the hood and in the trunk.  Still complete with not only the original invoice from Verner Cadby Ford to the original owner, but the original cashed cheque used to pay for 2570, and it does not stop there, original Cobra chassis instruction book, AC Cars to Shelby America invoice, Shelby America vehicle sales docs, Shelby America Shipping receipt for 2570 delivery to the NY Auto Show and of course photos of the Cobra throughout the years of ownership with the Larsen's, This car has been blessed with loving care by its original owner and was the introduction to future enthusiasts into the Cobra world while on display at the NY Auto Show, it remains one of the true great, un-molested examples of Carroll Shelby's incredible legacy, in search of the next chapter of its storied existence.