Description
To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Paris event, 28 January 2026.
Offered Without Reserve | €750, 000 - €950, 000 EUR
One of only 580 leaf-spring Shelby Cobras powered by the 289-**-in Ford V-8
Supplied new to California; boasts period competition history in autocross events
Remained in the United States until 2015, then purchased and exported to the United Kingdom by the consigning owner
Presents in its factory-correct Wimbledon White following a repaint by RW Racing Services over 2018 and 2019
Accompanied by a November 2025 inspection report by Blakeney Motorsport
Offered with a spare set of Borrani wire wheels
Assigned the “CSX” chassis number prefix, just 655 leaf-spring Cobras were originally produced by Shelby American. The first 75 of which gained 260-**-in (4. 26 litres) engines, before the remaining 580 were fitted with the brawnier 289-**-in (4. 7 litres) Ford V-8.
Of those, the 1964 example offered here was finished in Wimbledon White and supplied new to California. It was then bought in The Golden State in December 1966 by college student Richard Pryor of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Mr Pryor recalled paying in the region of $3, 200 for chassis number CSX 2255 at a time when it had covered fewer than 5, 000 miles. He ordered a set of Borrani 7-inch wheels from Italy in addition to fitting headers from the Cobra campaigned by sportscar and Ferrari North American Racing Team driver Charles Parsons, prior to fielding the Shelby in autocross events.
Later purchased by serial Cobra owner Mr David Lerian, the car remained in the United States through to 2015. Since changed to yellow, chassis CSX 2255 was bought by the vendor and exported to the United Kingdom. It was sent immediately to specialist RW Racing Services, based in the ‘Motorsport Valley’ region of England, to be serviced and registered for road use. Between 2018 and 2019, the workshop returned the wheel arches to original specification and then changed the car to its factory Wimbledon White colour. An inspection report, issued by Blakeney Motorsport in November 2025, is available to view on file.
Spawning countless homages, the Cobra is a true American automotive icon. This authentic example is ready to be adored by its next owner in any number of enthusiast and competitive events.
Please note this lot has entered the EU on a temporary import bond, which must be cancelled either by exporting the lot outside of the EU on an approved Bill of Lading with supporting customs documentation or by paying the applicable VAT and import duties to have the lot remain in the EU.
Veuillez noter que ce lot est entré dans l'UE sous couvert d'une autorisation d'importation temporaire, qui doit être annulée soit en exportant le lot en dehors de l'UE avec une lettre de débarquement approuvé accompagné des documents douaniers nécessaires, soit en payant la TVA et les droits d'importation applicables pour que le lot reste dans l'UE.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys. com/ auctions/ pa26/.
