From Shelbys to Supercars

RM Sotheby's Arizona sale offers iconic collector cars of every era.

The Luxonomist. 18/12/2015

American racing legends are set to roar across the podium at RM Sotheby’s Arizona sale, January 28-29 in Phoenix. Leading an incredibly diverse list of recent entries for the company’s 17^th annual Arizona Biltmore auction is a 1965 Shelby 427 Competition Cobra, chassis no. CSX 3010.

Sotheby's 2 — 1963 Shelby 289 Cobra ‘Dragonsnake’ (Photo: Drew Shipley © 2015 Courtesy RM Sotheby’s). Click to view lots

One of just 23 examples produced, CSX 3010 was delivered new to Don Russell Jr. of South Carolina, equipped with a less aggressive exhaust for street use, a shoulder harness, and road lights. Russell soon determined the 620bhp Cobra was too wild for the road, and sold the car.

Sotheby's 1 — 1965 Shelby 427 Competition Cobra (Photo: David Bush © 2015 Courtesy RM Sotheby’s). Click to view lots

Remaining in the Northeast, CSX 3010 landed with Peter Consiglio of Massachusetts, who raced the Cobra in regional SCCA events in 1967 with mild success, before stepping up to SCCA National competition in 1968. Prepared for the track with black paint and gold leaf stripes, Consiglio proved a worthy competitor behind the wheel, landing on the podium for all but three of the 11 SCCA races that season to ultimately claim the 1968 A Production championship.

Sotheby's 4 — 1933 Packard Twelve Convertible Victoria / 1968 Alfa Romeo Gran Sport Quattroruote by Zagato (Photo: RM Sotheby’s). Click to view lots

“We’re excited to present the 427 Competition Cobra within one of the most diverse lineups we’ve had the pleasure of offering in Arizona,” says Gord Duff, car specialist, RM Sotheby’s. “With period competition success, long-term ownership, and extensive vintage event participation, it’s these true enthusiast examples that keep the hobby alive, and breed interest for the next generation of collectors.”

(Featured Image: 1956 Jaguar D-Type ‘Long Nose’)