At first glance I thought it was a big block, then I read the description and realize it's a genuine small block Cobra, CSX2517, but one which subsequent owners modified to be more big block in looks. Here's the official description (one long quote ):
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"CSX2517
Invoiced to Yount Ford Sales, Inc. in Barrington, Illinois on November 6, 1964
Circa 1969, the car's original body and substructure were sold and removed while the original chassis and legal paperwork remained with the original owner
The chassis and drivetrain were acquired in 1975 by Cobra specialist Bill Kemper of Barrington, Illinois
Kemper proceeded to reconstruct the car to street specs using fresh substructure, the undamaged left-hand side sheet metal from CSX2215 and fresh right side alloy panels
Owned by famous actor and comedian Tim Allen from 2007-2022
Finished in Black with Black leather interior
289 CI V-8 engine with Weber carburetors
4-speed manual transmission
Desirable rack and pinion specification
SC Competition-style wheel flares
Oil cooler slot
Chrome roll bar
Quick jacks
6-spoke Halibrand wheels
Detailed history listed in the Shelby Registry
Owned by famed actor-comedian Tim Allen from 2007 to 2022, this 1965 Shelby 289 Cobra Roadster was invoiced to Yount Ford Sales Inc. in Barrington, Illinois, on November 6, 1964. CSX2517 was delivered finished in Rouge Iris paint with a beige leather interior and fitted with Class "A" accessories including WSW tires, five chromed wire wheels, an outside rearview mirror and a radio and antenna. It was reportedly sold to a young enthusiast who, after several unsuccessful attempts at obtaining an SCCA competition license, parked the car.
He was later approached by a friend who wanted to purchase the body and substructure, and circa 1969 the car's original body and substructure were removed and sold while the original chassis and legal paperwork remained with the original owner. In 1975, Cobra specialist Bill Kemper of Barrington, Illinois, purchased the chassis and drivetrain from the original owner. Kemper proceeded to reconstruct the car to street specs using a fresh substructure, the undamaged left-hand side sheet metal from CSX2215 and fresh right-side alloy panels.
After a number of subsequent owners including John McCaw of Seattle, Washington, CSX2517 was sold to a Spanish buyer and then spent time in Japan before being acquired and returned to the United States by Symbolic Motorcars of La Jolla, California. Purchased by Tim Allen in 2007, this highly documented, early rack-and-pinion Cobra is now finished in black with a black leather interior. It is essentially prepared to USRRC specifications, incorporating a Weber-carbureted 289 CI V-8 engine, long-tube headers with side-exit exhaust, a 4-speed manual transmission, an engine oil cooler, quick jacks, a chromed roll bar and S/C-style wheel flares. An interesting detail can be found in the car's FIA Halibrand six-spoke knock-off wheels, which were cast by Bill Kemper, who then owned the original molds. Offered with an unbroken chain of title since 1964 and documented in detail in the Shelby Registry, CSX2517 is an outstanding specimen of the highest quality and is sure to bring its new owner the enjoyment only possible behind the wheel of Carroll Shelby's epochal creation."
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My reaction is: it would be more practical to drive than a big block, not so quirky (even Carroll Shelby told me "a big block can kill you in a second") yet can be counted on to always appreciate because, under the big block updates, it's the real thing. It could be converted back to small block body styling, and repainted the same color it was when new. I view it as like a thoroughbred horse that you find over in some riding stable but nobody knows its pedigree, it's got the breeding and the potential...
The celebrity owned thing? Maybe I'd like to buy a car owned by some more macho dude like Clint Eastwood...not a comic. I mean look at that Jag XKSS once owned by Steve McQueen...to me, it has more presence when you think who owned it.
CSX2517 was delivered finished in Rouge Iris paint with a beige leather interior and fitted with Class "A" accessories including WSW tires, five chromed wire wheels, an outside rearview mirror and a radio and antenna.
How is the car being offered equipped? It seems to be a long way from CSX2517. How many CSX2517 parts are on it today?
WHY would someone tear apart a perfectly good sports car?....was it wrecked at that time?
Back when its original owner agreed to sell off the body and supporting tubing, the value of a 289 Cobra was at its low ebb. He was no longer driving the car and to him the offer made sense. Today, not so much.
Just out of curiosity, have the original body and supports ever shown up?
- Phillip
I was introduced to Tim Allen by a mutual friend to help go over the car at the Russo And Steele auction along with Tim's car guy (as he put it). After looking it over and although it looked very presentable I advised that he pass given his celebrity status that he could find a better car with a better history . His eyes kind of glazed over as I explained the different pros and cons. I don't think he understood the relevance that the body ,chassis and parts in relation to perceived value of the car.At least as it relates to the Cobra at that time.
From my files, the body of CSX2517 on a custom chassis with J-34 jet engine :o
Quite the story in my 4th. edition of the registry regarding this chassis. anything new come to light since about the body, last in the
UK.
Mike
Was the "fresh substructure" from AC? If you make it from scratch you have to have a real Cobra body removed to copy from. What happened to tge jet powered car? Did it crash?