One to Buy: ex-George Reed 1962 AC Shelby Cobra 260 Competition
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As a consequence of its lusty 260 cubic-inch V8 engine, light weight construction and excellent handling characteristics, the Mk1 Shelby Cobra was a fast and reliable entry for all manner of motor sport disciplines.
AC exported the overwhelming majority of these early cars to Shelby American where they were fitted with engines and gearboxes and then prepared for sale.
Nearly half went on to see some kind of competitive action to include this car currently on offer at the Henderson Fellowes showroom in South West London.
Chassis CSX 2051 was invoiced from AC Cars to Shelby in California on November 22nd 1962. Upon completion, the white car with black interior was sold to famed racer and dealer, George Reed of RRR Motors in Homeward, Illinois.
George Reed and RRR Motors (which stood for Reed’s Race Rats) were perhaps best known for their exploits with various competition Ferraris during the 1950s and early 1960s.
The Cobra was reputedly ordered for Nathan Karras who would co-drive it with Reed at the 1963 Sebring 12 Hours. To this end, CSX 2051 underwent a series of competition modifications to include installation of a roll hoop, anti-roll bars, racing tyres and en enlarged hood scoop.
Reed was an early retirement in the race owing to ignition failure and Karras ultimately backed out of the deal which left RRR Motors to find a new owner for CSX 2051 which still had less than 300 miles on the clock.
Pat Manning went on to purchase the little used Cobra for 1964. He fitted the latest 289 cubic-inch motor and successfully campaigned CSX 2051 throughout 1964 and ‘65 in both SCCA and USRRC events.
Today, chassis CSX 2051 is presented in superb race-ready condition with a current FIA Historic Technical Passport and would make an ideal mount for all manner of historic events.
