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1964 AC Cobra 289
An exceptionally good and very original left hand drive Cobra with a continuous history. It is very fast and particularly well sorted on the road following an engine rebuild last year by Peter Knight and mechanical overhaul by Stanton Motorsport. Now in lovely mellowed condition, this is just how a Cobra should be!
CSX 2283 was completed in March 1964 and sold via dealer Precision Motors of Tucson, Arizona on the 3rd May 1964. Finished in white with red interior the car had a high specification including large oil pan, dual 4v carbs and manifold.
As noted in the Cobra World Registry, the car was acquired by Bill Kemper, of Barrington, Illinois in 1972, in 1976 he repainted and retrimmed 2283 in black before selling it to a Mr Mike Wilson, who sold it on to Ron Baumhover. He took the car to SAAC 5, Dearborn in July 1980 and took 3rd place with the car in the popular vote 289 class.
In the late 1980's the car underwent restoration by Bill Murray for Japanese collector Hitoshi Saito. As can be seen in the extensive photo archive of this work the car was in good shape prior to this work and upon stripping the car it can be seen to be extremely good and original and not in any way messed about with or modified, unlike so many Cobras. It had clearly led a relatively easy life and been well looked after and carefully used. As the photographs show the original body was completely stripped to bare metal and refinished in red, the chassis was stripped and refinished and all components were refurbished. A full mechanical rebuild was completed. Importantly, the emphasis was on refurbishment, meaning that the car remained original in even the detail areas. For example, all original Instruments are present, including original steering shell and rare indicator column stalk.
Following completion of this work and looking resplendent in red with black interior, the car went to Japan and featured in the Car Magazine of Japan. In October 1998 it came to Europe, having been bought by Rik de Muelenaere of Belgium, who used the car in the Tour De France in 1999.
Cobra specialist Didier Burgisser of Switzerland purchased the car and advertised it in June 2001 and it was purchased by prominent English driver and collector Mr Frank Sytner, who has owned a number of good Cobras.
Following its arrival in England the car was sent to Ian Nuthall Garages for a check over and service, a number of small items were attended to, resulting in an invoice of £3,925.88. The car remained in Mr Sytners collection until 2009 and was used sparingly whilst being maintained as required by recognised specialists. In 2006 it was checked and serviced by RW Racing Services prior to its appearance at the Goodwood Revival Meeting. In 2008 Simon Hadfield rebuilt the differential and set the car up on the rolling road prior to the Goodwood Revival.
In 2009 the Cobra was advertised for sale and was purchased by the last owner, a collector of fine cars for many years. He specifically wanted a very good original body example that had not been messed about with and had been looking for the right car for some time.
In March last year Cobra Specialist Knight Racing Services rebuilt the engine. Invoices on file detail the high standard of work and specification includes custom pistons, new flywheel, HD starter, electronic ignition, Edelblock carb and high volume oil pump. The original Holley carb and distributor are with the car.
Whilst the engine was being rebuilt, 2283 was at Stanton Motorsport with all mechanical issues and detail being addressed, work included engine bay detailing, gearbox strip, new clutch along with a myriad of detail matters. The engine was then reunited with the car and a careful shakedown and running in period began. Invoicing indicated that nearly £10,000 was spent with Stanton Motorsport, in addition to the £7,500 for the engine rebuild.
A really great Cobra in super order throughout, the restoration work of the late 1980's has now mellowed beautifully and it is a very accomplished performer on the road following the mechanical rebuild. It comes with a full photographic record of the rebuild in the late 1980?s and a number of invoices for work completed, a full hood and side screens are present as is a spare wheel, wheel changing equipment and the original carb and distributor.
Just the car to own in the fiftieth anniversary year of the Cobra!!!