At the foundation of Carroll Shelby’s dynasty, the Ford-powered Cobra and its variants require little introduction. One of the most interesting is CSX2549, catering to possible buyer demand for a somewhat civilized version of Shelby’s all-conquering race cars. According to the Shelby Registry, fewer than 20 small-block Cobras were built with Ford’s C4 automatic transmission, including CSX2549. This Cobra is also one of just 43 factory-finished in distinctive Silver Mink paint. According to documented history, CSX2549 was invoiced on January 28, 1965, to Reynolds Motor Company in Los Angeles, California. However, Reynolds was unable to sell the car and asked to return it to Shelby American for credit against future GT350 Mustang orders. Returned to Shelby American’s inventory in California in August 1965, CSX2549 was eventually invoiced to Carroll Shelby’s auto dealership, Hi-Performance Motors, and sold circa 1967 to Marv Tonkin Ford. Tonkin sold the car to Jim Farmer of Lake Oswego, Oregon, and in 1978, the Cobra was sold to noted racer and collector Monte Shelton of Portland, Oregon. In 1988, auto journalist and collector Jerry Heasley purchased CSX2459, and he commissioned Wayne Davis to refinish the car in its distinctive and rare, originally specified Silver Mink paint finish. Integrity is exceptional, with CSX2549 retaining a potent, matching-numbers 289 CI V-8 engine, mated to a C4 automatic transmission. In addition to a rich red leather interior, the Cobra is equipped with the Class A accessory package and, of course, includes bucket seats, a tachometer and chrome wire wheels mounting Pirelli tires. Weather gear includes the convertible top, top frame and a racy tonneau cover. Original wheels, supplied by former owner Jerry Heasley, are included with the sale of CSX2549 and mount correct Michelin tires. The comprehensively restored trunk compartment is equipped with a roadside jack, tools and a correct tool pouch, and the Cobra comes with 56,871 miles on the clock. Exceptionally rare, even within the low-production Shelby Cobra pantheon, CSX2549 simply marks a great collector find on all counts. THE DR. J. CHRISTIAN AND JENNIFER McCARTER COLLECTION
