2000 AC

This is the very first of the slab side 289 leaf spring Conitinuation Cobras produced by Shelby Automobiles Inc, it marks an important stage in the history of the Cobra and features an exceptional and unique specification. CSX 8001 is sanctioned and authorised by Carroll Shelby and referenced on pages 794, 795 and 796 of the World Registry of Cobras and GT40's (4th Edition).

Shelby were very reluctant to produce a slab side 289 Continuation model preferring to steer prospective customers into the 427 wide body design, however, thanks to the tenacity of Mr Bob Kenney, the first owner of CSX 8001, the model became available. In 1996 Mr Kenney approached Shelby hoping to commission a 289 Continuation having read in the motoring press of Shelby’s plans for a Continuation Series. Despite much correspondence, persistent requests and even a visit to the factory in Las Vegas, it was clear to Mr Kenney that Shelby had no interest in building a small black 289 roadster. A final attempt was made, Mr Kenney deposited a cheque with Shelby for the full amount of a new continuation roadster, to be cashed in the event that they agreed to produce his dream slab side Cobra. Every month Mr Kenney would check his account and finally in September 1997, to much excitement, he noted that the cheque had been paid.

Mr Kenney was invited to the Shelby factory shortly afterwards to specify his car. He had clearly spent much time planning the specification of the car and knew exactly what he wanted. Firstly, Mr Kenney insisted on the very first car, chassis CSX 8001 with a bare aluminium hand crafted body fitted to the much stronger advanced tubular triangulated reinforced chassis as used in the racing Daytona Coupes. Finally, Mr Kenney produced his own engine for the project, an original small block 1965 K code Hi Po engine that he had bought many years ago in anticipation of this happening. The full specification continues without compromise including race option Weber carbs, 7 quart oil pan, remote oil filler and oil cooler, big block competition high volume radiator and Le Mans quick release fuel filler.

CSX 8001 was finally completed on the 31st July 2000, both Shelby Cars and Mr Kenney were delighted with the result, all the effort, time and enormous additional cost of this specification all suddenly seemed worth it. Finished in polished aluminium with black Le Mans stripes and black leather interior, the car looked fantastic then and perhaps even better today, the car having developed a subtle authentic patina. All aspects of the detail from seats to instruments, gauges, lights and wheels are correct with none of the jarring introduction of modern componentry that so often ruins such projects.

Mr Kenney used the car sparingly and very carefully for a number of years, gradually perfecting it and eliminating any snagging issues. The Cobra has featured prominently at a number of historic Cobra events as illustrated by a number of photographs on file. However, as he became older the Cobra proved rather taxing and so it became available for sale in 2014.

The Cobra was spotted by an English enthusiast who very quickly negotiated the purchase of the car. The import and registration of the car proved arduous, however, once completed, this second owner has greatly enjoyed the car in dry summer conditions. The owner, a regular Hairpin customer, is rather a perfectionist, we have sold several of his cars before and each has proved to be in the peak of condition. The Cobra is no exception with an uncompromised approach to fully sorting and developing the car with Thunder Road, the go-to Cobra specialists in the UK. As in the US, the car has featured extensively at a number of events and is very highly regarded, indeed there is a fine shot on file of Derek Bell smiling from the driver’s seat.

So here we have a rather wonderful and unique Cobra. The very first Continuation 289 Slab Side Cobra, the only one to feature the advanced tubular triangulated chassis and aluminium body and featuring an actual Series and Date Code correct engine. The rest of the specification matches this high bar and the car has been honed close to perfection. It has covered just 10,000 miles since build and comes with full weather equipment and a very comprehensive history file that documents the life of CSX 8001 from inception to date. The Shelby Certificate of Authenticity is present as are many invoices for work completed, US title copy and UK V5 Registration Document and current MOT Certificate.