Shelby Cobra
Sold prices, market value and cars for sale
As of October 21, 2026, Shifty has recorded 45 public sales of the Shelby Cobra. The records run from January 2018 to October 2026. In the past 12 months, 14 sold at a median of $768,939. 2 are listed for sale now. The Shifty Estimate runs from $80,300 for the 427 to $832,100 for the 260/289 289.
Generations
Versions
About the Shelby Cobra
- Built
- 1962 to 1967
- Versions
- 3
- Body styles
- Roadster
- Power
- 271 to 425 hp
- 0 to 60
- 4.2 to 5.5 s
- Top speed
- 138 to 165 mph
- Designer
- Carroll Shelby
The Shelby Cobra was built from 1962 to 1967.
The 260/289 289, the most traded version: The 289 Cobra launched Carroll Shelby's legend, combining Ford's small-block V8 with AC's nimble Ace chassis. While less powerful than later 427s, the 289's 271 hp provided exceptional balance and handling that many consider superior to its big-block siblings. Production of 654 units over three years makes 289s more attainable than 427s, though still highly coveted. The original $5,995 price point positioned it as an affordable giant-killer, capable of embarrassing European exotics. Early examples featured the coveted 260ci engine before Ford's 289 became standard. Racing success in SCCA and international competition established the Cobra's reputation for giant-killing performance. Today's collectors appreciate the 289's more manageable character—quick enough to thrill without the 427's intimidating power delivery. Values have appreciated steadily, with early small-block cars commanding six-figure sums. The 289 represents the purest expression of Shelby's original concept.
The market
Recent sales
For sale now
Common questions
How much does a Shelby Cobra cost?
In the past 12 months, 14 sold at a median of $768,939. Half of the 20 most recent sales landed between $175,500 and $900,000. The Shifty Estimate runs from $80,300 to $832,100, depending on version.
What is a Shelby Cobra worth today?
The Shifty Estimate depends on the version. Each describes a well-kept example. 260/289 289: $832,100. AC-Shelby Cobra: $120,000. 427: $80,300.
What is the cheapest Cobra to buy?
The 427 has the lowest Shifty Estimate, at $80,300. In the past 12 months, 4 sold at a median of $569,500.
Which Cobra is worth the most?
The 260/289 289 has the highest Shifty Estimate, at $832,100. In the past 12 months, 7 sold at a median of $792,500.
How many Shelby Cobras have sold?
Shifty has recorded 45 public sales since January 2018. 14 came in the past 12 months. The most recent sold for $120,000 on Oct 12, 2026.
How many Shelby Cobras are for sale right now?
2 are listed for sale today. The newest asks $113,777 for a 1965 Shelby Cobra 427 with 10 miles.
What generations of the Shelby Cobra are there?
Shifty tracks 3 generations of the Shelby Cobra: 260/289 (1962 to 1965), 427 (1965 to 1967) and AC-Shelby. The busiest is the 260/289, with 7 sales in the past 12 months. The 260/289 has the highest 12-month median, at $792,500.
Which Cobra sells most often?
The 260/289 289 trades most often, with 24 recorded sales. 7 came in the past 12 months. More sales make its value the firmest to read.
Where do Shelby Cobras sell?
Of the last 20 sales with a known venue, 7 were at Gooding & Company. The rest: Bring a Trailer (4), RM Sotheby's (4), AllCollectorCars (2) and Car & Classic (1).
How many miles do Shelby Cobras have when they sell?
Across the last 9 sales with a recorded odometer, the median was 8,501 miles. The lowest showed 31 miles and the highest 64,000 miles.
Where do Shifty's Shelby Cobra prices come from?
Every figure here comes from recorded public sales and live listings of the Shelby Cobra. Each sale is filed by version and year. Shifty leaves out cars without a clean title, mismatched cars and implausible prices. The Shifty Estimate weights the most recent sales most heavily. These figures were read on October 21, 2026.