Chassis Number: CSX2129
The end of 1962 brought major revisions which rendered the Cobra into its third — and most illustrious — form to which the model owes its revered status. Now utilizing rack-and-pinion steering and Ford’s new 289-cubic-inch V8, the 289 Cobra harnessed the perfect balance of handling and raw power for the lightweight chassis. Two of these first rack-and-pinion 289 Cobras produced in early 1963 were designated as “Sebring”-specification Works chassis for the Shelby factory racing team (CSX2128 and CSX2129). This duo joined a non-rack-and-pinion “Sebring” car, CSX2127, and immediately proved worthwhile exhibitors for the model’s superior tractability. CSX2129, offered here, is the second of those two rack-and-pinion “Sebring”-specification Cobras, and is arguably one of the most important and well-documented extant Shelby examples available. In March 1963, it was invoiced to Shelby American by AC Cars and delivered to Shelby’s Venice, CA, location shortly thereafter. By late May, the car had been completed to “Sebring” specifications, which included a 289 engine with Weber carburetors and 4-speed manual transmission, auxiliary instrumentation, black roll bar, hood scoop, flared fenders, Halibrand magnesium wheels, Raydot mirrors, side-exit exhaust, auxiliary oil coolers, competition brakes, improved suspension components, quick-jack pads, and a riveted hood. The car was notably finished in a bright red exterior and black interior without the prominent “elbow cut” doors found on the other Works chassis. In what would become an unprecedented year for Shelby, CSX2129 competed through the 1963 USSRC season at the hand of Bob Bondurant and, predominantly, Ken Miles. Perhaps its most notable entry came on July 7 at Kansas’ Lake Garnett Raceway, a day which featured the car’s first podium and first victory. Numerous class victories and pole positions marked CSX2129’s successful 1963 season, playing a major role in Shelby America’s win of the USRRC Manufacturer’s Championship, USRRC Driver’s Championship and an SCCA Championship. From its 1963 debut at Pensacola on May 26, to Mosport on September 28, CSX2129 earned nine podiums (all with Ken Miles) across 15 races, five of which came while racing under the Shelby livery as a factory entry. After passing through the hands of several Southern California SCCA members between late 1964 and 1966, in early 1967 this desirable Works Cobra was acquired by Bruce Goldsmith of Beverly Hills. Goldsmith fitted a new interior and replacement HiPo short block, reportedly salvaging all of the usable, original Shelby components for the engine rebuild. In 1968, Goldsmith sold this now-restored Cobra to Thomas Long of Hemet, CA, with whom it would remain until 2011. For many years, Long used CSX2129 as his daily transportation, until late 1984, when the body was stripped to its bare aluminum. Earlier fiberglass amendments to its front bodywork — undoubtedly provided during its racing career — were excised and replaced with aluminum, where required. Now covered in a dark blue exterior, CSX2129 was lightly used and exhibited for the next decade. In 1995 — realizing its tremendously increased value and historical importance — Long commissioned a complete and meticulous restoration of CSX2129 from noted Cobra authority Mike McCluskey of Torrance, CA. This unique 1963 Shelby 289 Works Cobra is now accompanied by an extensive history file, binder of historic imagery, service invoices, racing windshield, Shelby literature and multiple exhibition awards.
