There’s an immaculate example of one of the most iconic cars ever up for sale.
BY MACK HOGAN
In collecting some of the greatest sports cars of all time for an upcoming Road & Track story, the Shelby Cobra 289 was a natural invite. That gave me the opportunity to drive one, a day I’ll never forget. The 289 is, quite simply, one of the most memorable and incredible sports cars. And you can own this one, for sale from Canepa.
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The price isn’t disclosed, but expect a clean one like this to pull seven figures. That sounds absurd for a Sixties car with a Ford engine, but anyone not around during this car’s golden age has likely lost sight of what a feat it was. It brought American muscle to the sports car, teaming V-8 power with lightweight construction in a way that utterly embarrassed every other sports car. It was dominant, winning races and stunning audiences to the degree that its greatness is still imitated by countless kit cars today. It was seminal, impactful, and new.
None of that matters one bit from behind the wheel, though. It’s an experience that far transcends the value or the history, the drumbeat of its heart dispelling any rational thought save for "keep going." It’s a fire-breathing puppy dog, as friendly and predictable as a Miata with the roar of the Almighty quaking your bones. At one point I just howled, the red-blooded absurdity of the drama provoking a deep guttural reaction. It doesn’t matter what you’ve driven before this, you emerge from the Shelby glassy-eyed and awestruck. A look usually reserved for near-death experiences and falling in love, neither of which will be far from your mind when driving a Shelby.
I got three laps. Not nearly enough—there never can be enough. This is a thing that shines more the harder you push it, the more time you spend earning it. Our example had over 130,000 miles and had run rampant across this vast country. This for sale model is hardly started, with only 1511 miles on it spread thin over 56 years.
If you’ve got a seven-figure discretionary budget, there’s no better way to use it.