How much would you pay for an original 1963 Shelby Cobra->ke2263 – chassis number CSX 2080 – that hasn’t been used, let alone touched, since 1981? If you’re having trouble gauging its value, Auctions America by RM has an estimate that could make you double over in disbelief.

It's estimated to fetch a price tag of a little less than half-a-million dollars. Unbelievable.

This particular Shelby Cobra is widely considered as “one of the most original Cobras in existence”, and if you take Donnie Gould, the president of Auctions America by RM, and his word, then you better believe that this particular model is the perfect centerpiece for any collector of classic vehicles. "The discovery of CSX 2080 represents an important collecting opportunity for automotive enthusiasts," he said.

The event is going to be held on March 3rd to 5th at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale.

Details after the jump

1963 Shelby Cobra

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 1963 Shelby Cobra
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR

This particular one has only had two owners in its lifetime and its body and interior - the red exterior and the black interior - remains in good condition given the circumstances of a car that’s a little short of 40 years old and hasn’t been touched in 20 years.

PERFORMANCE

Even its original powertrain - a 289 cubic-inch small block V8 engine - was given an overhaul to keep it up to the times. While the 271 horsepower output at 6,000 rpm with 312 lb/ft of torque at 3400 rpm of this Cobra isn't huge by any means in today's world, back in it's day, it was as fast as a slithering serpent out on the street.

PRICING

The car, which remains in good condition despite the three-decade long hibernation, is being headlined at the Collector Cars of Fort Lauderdale event where it is expected to fetch somewhere around $425,000 to $475,000.

Here’s the amazing part: that kind of money just might even be a bargain for an original 1963 Shelby Cobra.

COMPETITION

It's hard to imagine a car that can come close to the legacy and history of the Shelby Cobra so it really doesn't matter what kind of car you put up against this timeless work of engineering. Not only does the Cobra not have any peer when it comes to its iconic status, trying to find one is really an exercise in futility.