Shelby Cobra 260/289
Sold prices, market value and cars for sale
As of October 21, 2026, Shifty has recorded 24 public sales of the Shelby Cobra 260/289. The records run from January 2018 to September 2026. In the past 12 months, 7 sold at a median of $792,500. The Shifty Estimate for the 289 is $832,100.
Versions
About the Shelby Cobra 260/289
- Built
- 1962 to 1965
- Versions
- 1
- Body styles
- Roadster
- Engine
- Naturally Aspirated V8, 4.7L
- Power
- 271 hp
- 0 to 60
- 5.5 s
- Top speed
- 138 mph
- Designer
- Carroll Shelby
The Shelby Cobra 260/289 was built from 1962 to 1965.
The 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
Common questions
How much does a Shelby Cobra 260/289 cost?
In the past 12 months, 7 sold at a median of $792,500. Half of the 20 most recent sales landed between $746,878 and $967,500. The Shifty Estimate is $832,100.
What is a Shelby Cobra 260/289 worth today?
The Shifty Estimate for the 289 is $832,100. It describes a well-kept example.
What is the most expensive Shelby Cobra 260/289 ever sold?
The highest sale on file is $1,402,500, for a 1964 Shelby Cobra 289 at Broad Arrow.
How many Shelby Cobra 260/289 examples have sold?
Shifty has recorded 24 public sales since January 2018. 7 came in the past 12 months. The most recent sold for $791,000 on Sep 24, 2026.
Where do Shelby Cobra 260/289 examples sell?
Of the last 20 sales with a known venue, 11 were at Gooding & Company. The rest: Bring a Trailer (5) and RM Sotheby's (4).
How many miles do Shelby Cobra 260/289 examples have when they sell?
Across the last 5 sales with a recorded odometer, the median was 36,000 miles. The lowest showed 365 miles and the highest 64,000 miles.
Where do Shifty's Shelby Cobra 260/289 prices come from?
Every figure here comes from recorded public sales and live listings of the Shelby Cobra 260/289. 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.