- The Cobra, chassis CSX2161, was driven frequently back McQueen during the mid-1960s.
- After spending most of its life in the U.S., the car has spent the last two decades in Europe.
- The Shelby retains its original body and engine.
A classic 1963 Shelby 427 Cobra Roadster once driven by the legendary Steve McQueen will be auctioned off by Mecum later this month. It’s expected to sell for between $1.25-$1.5 million and might be the perfect Cobra for any enthusiast collector.
This Shelby, chassis CSX2161, was driven regularly by McQueen from 1965 to late 1967, although he was never actually a registered owner of it. According to the auction house, it was originally registered to film producer David L. Wolper before being purchased by Elmer Bernstein, who provided the car to McQueen to use. After Bernstein sold the Cobra in late 1967, McQueen was permitted to continue driving the Shelby for several months before the new owner got the keys.
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The car would go on to live much of its life in the U.S. but was imported to Switzerland in 2003 before being moved to the UK in 2006, where it resided until earlier this year. In the early 2000s, the car was repainted to the current shade of black and includes a roll bar behind the driver’s seat, 15×6.5-inch FIA Halibrand wheels, and a hood scoop.
While there’s plenty to like about this Cobra, one of its key appeals is that it retains the original body and engine. That engine is a 289 cubic-inch V8 with forged aluminum pistons and a steel crankshaft, coupled to a four-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels. It also features wishbone front and rear suspension, rack and pinion steering, and disc brakes at all four corners.
Classic Shelby Cobra models like this are popular to restore and modify, but we think a car with this kind of history is best left as is. It is listed in the Shelby Registry and would be an awesome addition to even the most awe-inspiring collections.
