Description
This Shelby Cobra 289 was produced in 1963. The first owner was FoMoCo General Office Accounting, you were undoubtedly already thinking what FoMoCo stands for, indeed: Ford Motor Company. The car was delivered to the Ford District Office in Jacksonville, Florida, where the car was used for promotional purposes.
Originally, the original Shelby Cobra came in Bright Blue, with chrome valve covers, WSW tires, a luggage rack and “5 quarts of antifreeze” that was charged $3. 55. The total new price was $5, 171. 55, including a FoMoCo discount of $300. The invoice is present.
After the promotional purposes were successfully completed, the car went to its first private owner who drove it until about 1972. Then used for drag races and vintage races in the 1970s and 1980s. Substantial rebuilds to the car followed, including HEMI engine and extensive modifications to body and suspension. It didn’t make them any better, but luckily it didn’t mean the end for this rather unique Shelby. In fact, history only gets better.
In 1989 the car was purchased by a buyer in California who had the car restored to original street specifications. He drove several historic races with it. Although the car was in a good condition again, it was not enough for the next owner who took the car to Larry Pond, of Gemini Racing Systems. Pond was allowed to restore the car to concours condition with ‘a blank check’ from the owner. A very extensive, complete body-off restoration that was completed by painting the car in a beautiful Guardsman Blue paint.
Not only was the owner’s mouth watering at his car: the car was so beautiful that it became a ‘display car’ at Shelby, the official Shelby American Ltd. Later fitted with a roll cage, single seat and other racing parts, the car competed in several major events such as the 2012 Goodwood Revival and the 2013 Oldtimer Grand Prix where it was driven by Jochen Mass.
In 2014 it was once again time for a complete ‘rebuild’, this time by Torsten Schwartz of Total Performance. After all the work and adjustments, the engine now produces 410 hp. The car has recently expired 2012 FIA papers and is ready to compete in events such as Le Mans Classic, Monterey Road Races, Goodwood Revival, Spa Classic, etc. The car has hardly been used since the major overhaul and is in top condition with a beautiful, subtle patina.
A Shelby Cobra with an amazing, well-documented history with beautiful names that were part of the history of this car. The Cobra is in absolutely brilliant condition and is a dream to drive. A heavy dream, indeed.
