Car enthusiasts hold few machines in such high regard as the Shelby Cobra. This legendary American sports car transcends its status as a powerful vehicle, becoming a cultural icon and a symbol of a bygone era.
Carroll Shelby, a titan of the racing world, envisioned the Cobra not just as a car, but as the ultimate expression of automotive potential.
It wasn’t simply a collection of parts; it was the harmonious fusion of American muscle with the precision engineering of British craftsmanship.
The 1960s birthed the Cobra, a time when car companies weren’t afraid to push boundaries and prioritize unbridled performance.
From the outset, the Cobra was a champion on the track, bred for pure dominance. Its distinctive design wasn’t just for aesthetics; it was a reflection of Shelby’s racing pedigree, perfectly optimized for speed and agility.
This wasn’t lost on the racing world. The Cobra quickly took both American and European circuits by storm, leaving an indelible mark on motorsport history.
Born from a transatlantic partnership, the Shelby Cobra emerged as a potent force on the racetrack. AC Cars of Britain provided the foundation: a lightweight chassis from their nimble Ace roadster.
Carroll Shelby, the visionary American car designer, saw the potential for greatness and dropped in a brawny American engine.
Ford’s 289 cubic inch V8, a compact powerhouse, became the Cobra’s beating heart. Shelby’s engineering prowess further enhanced the car’s capabilities, ensuring it could handle the extra muscle.
The result? A lightweight and aerodynamic champion that could hang with, and often surpass, the best of Europe’s sports cars. Despite its legendary status, production numbers remained low.
Fewer than 1,000 Cobras rolled off the assembly line between 1962 and 1967, making them highly sought-after collectibles today. While all Cobras are special, one particular unit stands out from the rest.
A testament to both exhilarating performance and meticulous care, this 1964 Shelby 289 Cobra, nicknamed the “Snake Charmer,” boasts a unique history intertwined with its one and only owner, Hank Williams.
A decorated war hero, accomplished jazz musician, and passionate racer, Williams wasn’t your typical car collector.
In 1965, he found himself drawn to a rare Princess Blue Cobra, one of just three built that year, at Norman Ford in California.
This unrestored, single-owner 1965 Cobra retains its original condition and remarkable racing history, making it a true collector’s item.
Up for auction for the very first time at RM Sotheby’s Monterey Car Week event, the “Snake Charmer” comes with the original title still bearing the name of owner Hank Williams, along with racing trophies, Williams’ racing jacket, and even a t-shirt gifted by Carroll Shelby himself to commemorate his Le Mans victory.
