Steve McQueen’s 1963 Shelby Cobra is original;

Later this month, Mecum will auction off a classic 1963 Shelby 427 Cobra Roadster that was once driven by the legendary Steve McQueen. Expected to sell for between $1.25 million and $1.5 million, this car could be the perfect Cobra for any avid collector.

The Shelby, chassis number CSX2161, was driven by McQueen from 1965 until late 1967, though he was never actually registered as the owner. According to the auction house, the car was originally registered to film producer David Wolper and later purchased by Elmer Bernstein, who offered it to McQueen. After Bernstein sold the Cobra in late 1967, McQueen was allowed to continue driving the Shelby for a few months until the new owner got the keys.

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The car spent a lot of time in the US but was imported to Switzerland in 2003 before being moved to the UK in 2006, where it remained until earlier this year. In the early 2000s, the car was repainted in its current black colour and fitted with a roll cage behind the driver’s seat, 15×6.5-inch FIA Halibrand wheels and a hood scoop.

While there’s a lot to like about this Cobra, one of its most appealing features is that it retains its original body and engine. The engine is a 289 cubic-inch V8 with forged aluminum pistons and a steel crankshaft, connected to a four-speed manual transmission that drives the rear wheels. It also features wishbone front and rear suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and four-corner disc brakes.

Classic Shelby Cobra models like this are great candidates for restoration and modification, but we think a car with this kind of history is best left as is. It is listed on the Shelby Registry and would be a great addition to even the most amazing collection.

McCombs Auctions