1964 Shelby 289 Cobra Independent Comp
The Shelby 289 Cobra emerged in 1963 as the refined evolution of Carroll Shelby’s visionary AC Cobra, combining the lightweight British AC Ace chassis with Ford’s potent 289 cubic-inch V8 engine. The model quickly established itself as one of the dominant sports cars of the 1960s, achieving success in SCCA competition, international endurance racing, and GT championships.
Independent Competition (or "Comp") 289 Cobras were a limited-production variant built specifically for racing, featuring lightweight aluminium bodywork, flared wheel arches, larger fuel tanks, competition suspension, uprated brakes, quick-lift jacking points, and enhanced cooling systems. Jut 31 of these factory-prepared competition cars were made. Lighter, more powerful, and more focused than standard street Cobras they are among the most desirable and successful racing Cobras of the era.
Independent Competition 289 Cobras were a familiar sight in SCCA racing during the mid-1960s, where private owners and small teams competed alongside factory-backed efforts. The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) fostered a uniquely enthusiastic racing culture, with amateur and semi-professional drivers towing their cars to circuits, working on them in paddocks, and racing for prestige rather than large financial rewards. This grassroots atmosphere created a close-knit community of competitors and enthusiasts, making SCCA racing a vital proving ground for American sports cars and numerous victories across regional and national events helped cement the Cobra’s legendary reputation.
Billed to Shelby American on May the 14th 1964 and shipped to LA later that month aboard the SS Diemerdyk, CSX 2448 was invoiced to the Foreign Car Center in Birmingham Alabama. Red over Black, the invoice for Class “A” accessories including WSW tires, less sun visors and luggage rack, with antifreeze, a radio and antenna, an outside rear-view mirror and 5 chrome wheels totalling $5,845.25 with freight included.
Upon purchase by Paul Wood on the 30th of December 1964, local mechanic Bob Wallace set out readying the car for the SCCA production-class racing. Wood and Wallace would go on to race the car all over the South claiming a 2nd overall and 1st in class at their debut in Louisiana as well as further podiums and wins in Alabama and Georgia.
CSX 2448’s second owner, Pat Colletti of Tucson, Arizona, purchased the Cobra in 1973 and sold the car on in 1976 to Pat Price. Price had intended to rebuild the car for historic racing, but it was kept in storage in California for what turned into 30 years. In 2006, the restoration process began with trusted marque experts Hall Fabrication & Racing.
The work totalled more than $470,000, and is fully documented in the comprehensive history file. Every car was taken to preserve the originality of the car and it was fitted with rare and desirable new old-stock parts where needed. Sold from 40-year ownership in 2019, CSX 2448 competed at Goodwood Speedweek and the Silverstone 3 Hrs in 2020 where it come 2nd Overall. Also displayed at Villa d’Este Concours of Elegance in 2022, CSX 2448 recently raced in the Equipe Libre series and at the 2023 and 2024 Goodwood Revival in the highly competitive RAC Tourist Trophy with Le Mans winner David Brabham.
CSX 2448 presents a rare opportunity to acquire a period-raced Independent Comp. 289 Cobra that is as capable on the road as it is on the track.
