A few years prior to Carroll Shelby and Ford’s illustrious defeat over Ferrari at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, Shelby was involved in another extraordinarily noteworthy Le Mans entry, partnering with AC to help deliver the British firm’s inaugural entry to the iconic endurance event in 1963. And 57-year later, one of the original factory AC Shely Cobra racers has surfaced for sale.
Capable of 160mph speeds, this 1963 AC Shelby Cobra Le Mans Coupé (CSX 2142) was built around a twin-tube chassis that housed a heavily-massaged, experimental version of Ford’s 289 V8. The team campaigning this very Cobra was managed by Stirling Moss, and over the years saw a slew of legendary drivers compete and/or assist in the development of the British-American race car including Ken Miles, Paul Hawkins, Peter Jopp, Ed Hugus, and Jo Schlesser. CSX 2142 was later purchased and campaigned by Ford of France in 1964 and ’65, before receiving a complete restoration in the ‘90s where it was returned to its Le Mans race livery. This unique piece of automotive history is currently on offer through Cotswolds, England-based dealership, William I’Anson where the price is available upon request.
