CSX 2005 is the 6th Cobra ever made and was delivered to Ed Hugus' European Cars Inc. in August 1962, becoming the first Cobra ever sold at retail.
From his home in Massachusetts, first owner Richard Neil Jr set out on an ambitious coast-to-coast 3,000-mile road trip, but a breakdown in New York meant he would be trailered all the way to Shelby American in California. Ever the salesman, Carroll took the 260 in exchange and upsold Richard the first 289 Cobra publicly available and his racing antics in “Hairy Canary” became legendary.
ON SET OF THE KILLERS (1964)
Carroll Shelby leased CSX 2005 to Universal Studios for use in the upcoming movie The Killers. Based on Hemingway’s short story, the cast included John Cassavetes, Angie Dickinson, Ronald Reagan in his last acting credit, and Lee Martin who won a BAFTA for the role.
THE CARROLL SHELBY SCHOOL OF HIGH PERFORMANCE DRIVING
After retiring from racing, Carroll Shelby turned to teaching in 1961. By 1964 demand for his school was high and Shelby added CSX 2005 to his training fleet. 27-year-old racing driver Pete Brock was the school’s Headmaster, with others, including Ken Miles, John Timanus, and Carroll Shelby (when the cameras were on) on hand as instructors.
Pete had been a stunt driver in The Killers, so he knew CSX 2005 well and taught drivers of all occupations and skill levels how to tame the snake. They even sent a company-wide memo to Shelby American employees inviting them to attend. 1959 Miss Universe Akiko Kojima, Grand Prix actor James Garner, journalist John Jerome (shown in the dunce hat), baby food scion Dan Gerber, and motorsports fanatic and actor Steve McQueen all cut their teeth at the school.
TO READ PETE BROCK'S ACCOUNT Click here
Shelby sold his school to Bob Bondurant in 1968 and CSX 2005 passed into private hands, remaining on the West Coast until purchase by her current owner in 2016. Having been restored to "T" Car specification by expert Mike McCluskey in 2010 and further venerated to Concours condition, CSX 2005 was presented at the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours of Elegance.
CSX 2005 is a lovely early example of the 260 Cobra indelibly linked with the silver screen, having both starred and taught the stars of a generation. Instantly recognisable in its "T" car livery, CSX 2005 is an eminently eligible addition to any distinguished collection.
EX-LE MANS, JOHN WILLMENT AUTOMOBILES, & FORD FRANCE
CSX 2142, the Le Mans entry built by the factory for Cobra pioneer Ed Hugus, was the second car snapped up off our Retromobile stand! With JWA and Ford France history, as well as competitive modern historic race history, we can't wait to see this 289 out on track with its new owner soon.
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