1965 Shelby 289 Cobra

Chassis No. CSX 2588

There is just one other Shelby 289 Cobra produced after CSX 2588 and it's not for sale. As part of the Shelby family collection that once housed the Shelby Cobra prototype CSX 2000, CSX 2589 was personally constructed for Carroll Shelby himself. Naturally, with no immediate plans to sell such a personal vehicle, this 289 Cobra, the penultimate small-block produced, and the last to be sold to the public when new, is an intriguing 'bookend' example of one of the standout icons – automotive or otherwise - of the 20th century.

Originally delivered to Vel's Ford Sales of Torrance California, this example, finished in Rouge Iris and optioned with Class 'A' Accessories was purchased by A.L. Gassaway on 23 January 1965. The Class 'A' Accessories package added five chrome wire wheels, white wall tires, luggage rack, outside rear view mirror, an AM-FM radio, and antifreeze totaling $5,645.75. It is unknown if Gassaway knew of the importance of his special purchase when new but as evidenced by his ten year ownership until 1975 it is clear that he enjoyed owning it! Staying in Southern California with the next two owners, CSX 2588 did not stray far from its birthplace. Relocated to Las Vegas and sold to an Oklahoma based collector, CSX 2588 was later fortunate to join the collection of noted Shelby collector Colin Comer. After acquisition in 2006, Comer commissioned a repaint in the original color of Rouge Iris, just one of 56 small block Cobras finished in this eye-catching shade. Additionally, Comer treated his Cobra to a thorough mechanical sorting, notably without resorting to a full restoration. From there, it joined a significant collection of highly important sports and racing cars. Most recently, this matching numbers Cobra - still with its original 289 cu-in HiPo V8, aluminum intake, and Holley 715 'LeMans' carburetor - has found a home in the North East.

CSX 2588 truly represents the last of the breed. With regular servicing, a known list of previous owners, and listed within SAAC World Registry of Cobras & GT40s, Collectors Garage is proud to offer a significant matching numbers example of Carroll Shelby's finest creation.