1963 Shelby 289 Cobra
- Engine
- 289 cubic-inch V8, engine no. 3011B-524
- Colour
- White enamel
Chassis CSX 2044 holds the distinction of being the first Shelby Cobra delivered new from the factory with the 289 cubic-inch V-8 engine, fitted in early May 1963. Originally commissioned by Dr. Harrison 'Hap' Horn, a Stanford computer scientist, the car retains its original engine, interior, windshield, and chrome roll bar, and is accompanied by an exceptionally thick documentation file spanning its entire life. Stored in the Horn family garage for over three decades after a minor mechanical mishap, it has remained largely unaltered from its as-delivered configuration.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$1,215,000
- 1963-05-21 → 2001Factory deliveryDr. Harrison 'Hap' Hornfull documentation
Stanford computer scientist who special-ordered the car with extensive custom specifications; accumulated over 23,000 miles then stored the vehicle unrepaired for more than three decades while engaged in early personal-computer development.
- 2001 → 2013-08-01Private saleLynn Parkpartial documentation
Noted Cobra enthusiast selected by Dr. Horn after a careful vetting process; the car received one correct repaint in its original color during this period and was returned to road use.
- 2013-08-01 →Private saleCurrent consignorpartial documentation
Purchased from Mr. Park; drove the car only approximately 200 miles over roughly a decade of ownership.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Repair
Muffler became detached after catching on the garage threshold lip. The repair was never carried out, leading to an extended storage period.
Occurred in late 1969; the unresolved issue resulted in the car being laid up for over 30 years.
- —Bodywork
Single full repaint carried out in the original factory colour following the car's return to use after its long storage.
Performed after 2001 when the car re-entered active use under its second recorded private owner.
- —Modification
Carburetor replaced with an upgraded unit; new tyres fitted.
These are described as the only mechanical changes beyond the owner-fitted larger tail lamps from a period Ford pickup and reflective tape applied shortly after original delivery.
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