The 1965 Shelby 289 Cobra Roadster remains an undisputed titan of American performance and transatlantic design collaboration. Chassis CSX2445 serves as a masterclass in high-level preservation, having recently undergone a comprehensive nut-and-bolt rotisserie restoration. Finished in its original and evocative Princess Blue over a vibrant red interior, the car captures the exact spirit of Carroll Shelby’s early vision. It represents a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire a vehicle that has been returned to its factory-delivered glory. Every detail on this roadster reflects a commitment to historical accuracy and mechanical perfection for the modern stage.
Chassis History and Global Journey
Records indicate this 1965 Shelby 289 Cobra Roadster was originally billed to Shelby American on May 26, 1964. It began its journey to the United States aboard the USS Loch Loyal, arriving in Los Angeles on June 6, 1964. Eventually, the car was invoiced to Broadway Motors in April 1965, marking the start of its life on North American roads. While the car suffered an accident in 1969, subsequent decades of expert care have completely erased those early battle scars. Expert restorers in the mid-seventies and again in 2020 worked tirelessly to ensure the frame and body met original specifications.
Rotisserie Restoration and Original Colors
The most recent restoration was completed by the renowned Don Dickinson in 2020, focusing on every individual nut and bolt. This process involved stripping the car to its bare essentials to ensure the structural integrity matched its visual beauty. By refinishing the car in its authentic Princess Blue, the restorers honored the specific heritage of chassis CSX2445. The red leather interior provides a sharp contrast, creating a color combination that was as daring in 1965 as it is today. Such a high-tier rebuild ensures that the car is ready for the most prestigious concours events in the world.
Cockpit Appointments and Period Instrumentation
Inside the cabin, the 1965 Shelby 289 Cobra Roadster features a classic wood-rimmed steering wheel that offers a tactile link to the past. Drivers monitor the car’s vitals through a full suite of Stewart Warner instruments set into the minimalist dashboard. Every toggle switch and gauge has been refurbished to function with the precision of a new vehicle. The cockpit remains a focused environment, free from unnecessary distractions, emphasizing the raw connection between the driver and the road. A tinted windscreen provides a slight reprieve from the wind while maintaining the low-profile silhouette of the original design.
Mechanical Hardware and Running Gear
This roadster sits perfectly on a set of traditional knock-off wire wheels, which are wrapped in Goodyear Polyglas tires. These period-correct tires ensure the car maintains its original stance and handling characteristics during spirited driving sessions. Underneath, the dual exhaust system exits through bright tips, providing a soundtrack that is both mechanical and melodic. The suspension and braking systems have been fully rebuilt to handle the torque of the small-block V-8 with total confidence. Every component from the dampers to the manually locking wire hubs has been inspected and certified for high-performance use.
Engine Performance and V8 Specifications
The 1965 Shelby 289 Cobra Roadster is powered by its original 289 CI V-8 engine, designated as number 5902. This powerplant utilizes a 4-barrel carburetor and is dressed with iconic finned Cobra valve covers for a classic look. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a rugged 4-speed manual transmission that offers crisp and rewarding gear changes. From the factory, this lightweight configuration allowed the Cobra to dominate both the street and the racing circuits of the mid-sixties. This numbers-matching engine remains the heart of the car’s value, delivering an authentic and visceral performance experience.
Summary of the Princess Blue Cobra
This 1965 Shelby 289 Cobra Roadster, Lot V648, is scheduled to cross the block at the Glendale 2026 auction on Saturday. It represents a significant historical artifact that has been saved and perfected by the industry’s top restoration experts. The combination of the Princess Blue exterior and the rich red cabin makes it a standout even among other high-profile Shelbys. Prospective buyers are essentially bidding on a factory-fresh car with the added weight of six decades of documented history. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the small-block Cobra and the craftsmen who keep them alive.
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Source: mecum.com
