1963 Shelby Cobra 289
- Engine
- 289 cu. in. (4.7L) Ford V8, 271 hp
- Colour
- Bright blue
Chassis CSX 2195 is a 1963 Shelby Cobra 289, one of approximately 580 produced, and among a small number specially ordered by Ford for exhibition and promotional purposes. Delivered in Bright Blue with extruded rear wings, a factory roll bar, and a Class 1 accessories package, the car was subsequently drag raced extensively by Tony Fisher of North Carolina — reportedly undefeated across two seasons — before passing to Canadian owner Jim Walker, who campaigned it under a pseudonym in various U.S. events. Following decades in private ownership, the car underwent an incremental ground-up restoration completed in 2018.
Ownership
- —Auction saleEstimate US$725,000 – US$900,000
- 1963-10-01 →Factory deliveryFord Motor Companypartial documentation
Vehicle was specially ordered by Ford for exhibition and demonstration use, shipped to Los Angeles and then transported to a Virginia dealership for promotional events.
- → 1967Private saleTony Fisherpartial documentation
North Carolina owner repainted the car gold and campaigned it in drag racing for roughly two seasons with an all-female pit crew, reportedly undefeated and earning substantial prize money.
- 1967 →Private saleJim Walkerpartial documentation
Canadian owner raced the car in the United States under the alias Jay Walker, reportedly winning various events including a NASCAR Gold Cup Championship.
- → 1985Acquisition unknownLarry Epworthpartial documentation
Also Canadian; retained the car until selling it in 1985.
- 1985 →Private saleCollector and racing enthusiast from Clackamas, Oregonfull documentation
Car was never raced again under this ownership; a staged restoration was carried out between 2006 and 2018 returning it to original specification, and it has remained with the owner's family.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownS.P. Spaulding Fordpartial documentation
Richmond, Virginia dealership received the car as part of Ford's promotional activities; likely a custodial rather than ownership relationship.
Competition
- 19631963 Le Mans 24 Hours7th overall
Result attributed to the Shelby 289 Cobra model generally, not specifically to chassis CSX 2195.
- 1963-09-01FIA1963 Bridgehampton 500 KMDriver: Dan Gurney1st
Noted as the first victory by a US driver in an FIA-sanctioned race behind the wheel of an American-built car; result is for the model, not specifically CSX 2195.
- 19641964 Le Mans 24 Hours4th overall, 1st in GT class
Result attributed to the Shelby Cobra model generally, not specifically to chassis CSX 2195.
- 1964Drag racing events, 1964 seasonDriver: Tony FisherReported undefeated
Owner ran the car extensively throughout the season with an all-female pit crew, claiming no defeats and over $18,000 in combined prize money and side wagers.
- —Various US circuit eventsDriver: Jim WalkerMultiple wins reported
Raced under the alias Jay Walker; believed to have taken victory in several events including a NASCAR Gold Cup Championship, though documentation is indirect.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2006Restoration
An incremental ground-up restoration began, eventually covering every component and element of the car — all items replaced, renewed, rebuilt, or upgraded. The body was returned to the original Bright Blue colour and both the interior and exhaust system were brought back to factory specification. Work continued through 2018 and is documented by extensive records detailing hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars expended.
Restoration was commissioned by the Clackamas, Oregon collector-owner and carried out over roughly twelve years. Supporting documentation accompanies the car.
- —Bodywork
Car was repainted gold by Tony Fisher after acquisition; this was a departure from the original Bright Blue factory finish.
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