The $14 Million Shelby Cobra Mystery: Is CSX2000 Truly the First Cobra?

Read the full story on Modern Car Collector

The $14 Million Shelby Cobra Mystery: Is CSX2000 Truly the First Cobra?

In the world of collector cars, few machines carry as much weight—or controversy—as CSX2000, the very first Shelby Cobra ever built. This hand-assembled prototype, constructed by Carroll Shelby himself in 1962, didn’t just set the stage for a racing dynasty—it created an entire American sports car legend.

When the car crossed the auction block in 2016, selling for an astonishing $13.75 million, headlines called it the “holy grail of American performance cars.” But beneath the glamour of that record-breaking sale lies a mystery that has divided collectors for years: Is CSX2000 truly original, or has it been altered so much that its legendary status is more myth than reality?

The Birth of CSX2000

Carroll Shelby, already a respected racer by the early 1960s, dreamed of creating a lightweight British chassis paired with reliable American horsepower. His first Cobra prototype, CSX2000, was hand-built in his Southern California shop and fitted with a Ford 260-cubic-inch V8.

In a clever marketing move, Shelby repeatedly repainted the car—blue one week, red the next, then silver—tricking journalists and the public into believing multiple Cobras had been built when in fact only one existed. This single car effectively launched the Shelby American brand.

A Record-Breaking Sale

After spending decades in the Shelby family’s hands, CSX2000 was finally offered for sale at the 2016 Gooding & Company Pebble Beach Auction. The final hammer price shocked even seasoned collectors: $13.75 million, making it (at the time) the most expensive American car ever sold at auction.

The buyer paid for more than just a car—they paid for a piece of Shelby history.

The Controversy Over Originality

However, not everyone was convinced that CSX2000 deserved its mythical status. Over the years, the car underwent several restorations, and some experts argue that major components—including body panels—may have been replaced.

While it retains its original chassis number, purists question whether it is still the exact car Carroll Shelby built by hand, or a heavily restored version sharing only its original frame.

Some go even further, suggesting that parts from CSX2000 may have been swapped with early production Cobras during its active years, muddying the waters of what “original” really means.

The Debate Continues

For most collectors, CSX2000’s historical significance outweighs any questions of originality. After all, Carroll Shelby was a racer first, and he cared about performance, not preservation. Still, among serious investors, the debate rages on:

Did a buyer pay $14 million for a truly untouched piece of history, or for a well-restored car wearing the right chassis tag?

What Do You Think?

The mystery of CSX2000’s authenticity may never be fully solved, but its place in automotive history is undeniable.

Do you believe CSX2000 is still the “real” first Cobra, or does originality matter less when it comes to a car this important? Let us know in the comments below.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter