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1963 Shelby Cobra
Fantastic True Original
A classic sports car, the original AC Cobra is without question one of the most desirable sports cars of all time. Without the initial success of the original leaf spring Cobras, it is very possible that the Shelby legend as we know it today would be quite different. Even today, they still offer "hard to beat" performance, predictable and balanced handling, in addition to reliability and comfort. Qualities that when combined are difficult to find in any sports car. The 289 was perhaps the most capable sports car available in its day yet it retained that timeless 1950s sports car appearance that makes it so outstanding.
THIS CAR…
This cobra was one of the first two hundred Cobras produced at AC Cars, Ltd. under the newly agreed contract with Shelby American. Finished in Princess Blue metallic paint it was shipped from AC Cars Ltd. to Shelby's Los Angeles headquarters on May 2, 1963, where work soon began to prepare this smart roadster for the road. This was one of the first approximately 50 cars to be fitted with the stronger 289 CID Ford V-8 Engine. When work at Shelby American was completed, the car was consigned to the Car Sales Promotion department of the Ford Motor Company, who planned to use it as a Ford District Car. It made the trip to Dearborn aboard one of the FoMoCo transporters, where it arrived for its new duties on August 10. Ford employee Jaques Passino became the car's first official owner with his purchase on September 16, 1963 for $5,182 (including his $300 employee discount).
About one year later, the car was returned to Shelby American with 4,058 miles showing on its odometer. In addition to a tune-up, service and cosmetic overhaul, it received a Rotunda tachometer, Smiths clock, Ford air cleaner, as well as a new soft top and tonneau. Shelby American also added a tool kit, whitewall tires on 6" rims, new front carpets and new wind wings.
Ready for its next customer, Hi-Performance Motors of Los Angeles bought the car on August 10, 1964. They sold it to Robert Brandes who, approximately a year later, sold the car to Monte Stutes of Conroe, Texas. Mr. Stutes kept the car until September 1973, when he offered the car for sale under the following description: "26K Miles -One owner last 8 years. Perfect all original condition - $7,800."
It was then bought by W.H Griffin of Topeka, Kansas, presumably a dealer. He kept it for about a year before selling it to John D. Leatherman who resided in Pennsylvania. Bill Milburn of Appleton, Wisconsin, bought the car from Leatherman in 1976, and sold it on to Jim Cowles of Green bay, Wisconsin. Mr. Cowles would enlist the services of famous Cobra restorer, Bill Murray of Longmont, Colorado. Mr. Murray's work would include a complete ground up restoration as well as drive train rebuild. The engine and suspension was tuned for maximum performance on the street and open track events.
In January 1994, this special Cobra gained some excellent exposure with its appearance in that month's issue of Mustangs and Fast Fords. David Furay, from Colorado, acquired the car in 1996, and sold it on to his brother Dan Furay of Frankfort, Illinois in 2001. Also caught by the Cobra-collecting bug, Dan was not one to let a car sit and not be used. During his ownership the car would be used regularly on Sunny days. Whether it was on the street or for a lapping day, he enjoyed getting the cobra out to stretch its legs. Today this beautiful Cobra is showing only 39,000miles and is in great mechanical and cosmetic condition. It is a wonderful example of Carroll Shelby's best known car, and with its powerful 289 Ford engine and timeless British body, is a true testament to the famed Texan's genius and vision.
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