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How much is the first ever Shelby Cobra worth? Try $18 million...

Aaron Lofts
Contributor
25 Dec 2017
2 min read

Clearly, the most collectible Shelby ever made.

​Body number CSX2000 may not be instantly familiar to all enthusiasts, but you’ll definitely know the iconic name Carroll Shelby and his famous Shelby Cobra roadsters. 

Yeah, the first ever Cobra.
Yeah, the first ever Cobra.

The pictured car is his first ever Shelby Cobra – and was recently offered at auction by RM Sotherby’s. 

Part of the Carroll Hall Shelby Trust, this original unrestored Survivor is the most collectible and desirable Shelby car ever made. This car was the beginning of the empire, a thrilling combination of a small light weight chassis and body with a powerful V8 engine and performance drivetrain.

The original engine and transmission as fitted by Mr.Shelby himself.
The original engine and transmission as fitted by Mr.Shelby himself.

This actual car features the original 260ci Ford V8 and Borg Warner 4-speed transmission fitted by Shelby, as well as the original seats, knock off wire wheels, and the last coat of blue paint which was applied early in its life is still retained.

 million won't buy you many seats, though...
million won't buy you many seats, though...

Cars like this do not come up for sale often, and when they do they command the attention of buyers from all over the world. This car was no exception - the final sale price of this car at auction – a staggering USD$13.75 million, or roughly AU$18 million! 

Source: Survivor Car Australia

Is there any car in the world you'd think is worth this much? Tell us in the comments.

Aaron Lofts
Contributor
From a very young age, Aaron was drawn to cars. Spotting chrome bumpered classics from the back seat of a 1978 Toyota Corolla as a child, his knowledge grew from basic brands and models to more details and specifications as a teen. He began buying and collecting magazines, reading them cover to cover absorbing as much information as possible. Primarily following local motor racing – and the cars they were built from, Aaron would watch the Bathurst 1000 coverage each year from start to finish. With a broad passion for all classic cars, his specialty is locally built and assembled muscle cars, whilst keeping an eye on the oddballs. Hunting for old cars and the stories surrounding them is a lifelong obsession, often finding them in the most unusual places or via the most unusual people. Fast talking and quick thinking, he’s always on the go. If you want to chat - you're going to have to try and keep up with him!
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