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This 1965 AC Cobra 289 is pure legend — hand-built heritage, 300 hp of raw V8 power, and a backstory as iconic as the car itself.
Overview
SBX Cars is proud to offer for sale this 1965 AC Cobra 289 Mark II, showing just 6,399 mi (10,301 km) on the odometer at the time of cataloging. Finished in blue over a black leather interior, this Cobra is an incredible blend of rarity, provenance, and legendary motorsport spirit.
In 289-powered Mark II guise, the original Cobra formula was sharpened with nimble responses and visceral feedback. Its compact footprint, immediate throttle response, and open-air soundtrack are coveted the world over for the kind of unrivaled driver experience collectors prize.
Preserved with exacting standards by a professional race engineer to retain its authentic character, this Mark II is as rewarding to drive as it is to behold. Equally suited to spirited backroad runs or the concours lawn, this is a truly special car, and one with a fascinating backstory...
The owner’s mother ordered this Cobra new from the AC Cars factory in June 1965, due to her son’s experience with a white Mark II Cobra owned by a friend. However, his father insisted the order be paused after discovering insurance on “the fastest accelerating car in the world” would be impossible for an 18-year-old driver.
The car remained unfinished and in storage until 1986, when the owner inherited the Cobra following his mother’s death. The owner had known Brian Angliss, owner of AC Cars Ltd., for a number of years and in 1989 Mr. Angliss asked the owner if he wanted the car to be completed. A deal was struck to carry out the order in exchange for collectible Mauser Broomhandle firearms. It was restored to the original specification and colors, along with an upgraded alloy intake manifold and 650 cfm Holley carburetor to push power from 271 hp to more than 300.
Mr. Angliss had fit the car with non-original chrome wire wheels but the owner wished to use his original set of Dunlop-manufactured 70-spoke enameled wheels. The owner notes that the front right wheel arch has a slight flat in the radius (shown in photos), which denoted that the alloy body was handmade on the original AC Cars "wooden bucks" like all original Mark II Cobras.
In recent years, the owner was invited to run some laps at the Concours d’Elegance at Circuit Zolder in 2017, which he knows well having won the 2000 Grand Prix at that location, and after completing some 20 laps received a standing ovation from the marshalls. This Cobra has also been featured in 4 major European automotive magazines, including covers on Motor Klassik and Classic Cars.
Specifications & Options
Exterior
- Blue finish
- Black soft top with matching side curtains
- Original 15” knock-off wheels
- Tigar Prima tires measuring 205/60 front and 205/65 rear
- Stainless steel front and rear bumpers
- Front fender vents
- Driver-side mirror
- Original chromed locking fuel filler cap
- Dual exhaust outlets
Interior
- Black leather with color-coordinated doors, dash, and carpeting
- Riveted wood-rimmed steering wheel
- Smiths analog gauge set:
- 160-mph speedometer with inset odometer reading 6,399 mi
- 8,000-rpm tachometer
- Amperage
- Oil temperature
- Water temperature
- Fuel level
- Oil pressure
- Cowl-mounted rearview mirror
- Center console-mounted fire extinguisher
- AC-branded pedal set
Mechanical
- Naturally aspirated 289 cid V8, engine number 5A-29M
- Edelbrock chrome air cleaner
- Holley 650 cfm carburetor
- Alloy intake manifold
- Rated for 300+ horsepower
- Original BorgWarner T10 4-speed lightweight alloy closed-ratio gearbox
Service History
There are no service records for this 1965 AC Cobra, as it has always been maintained by the owner, who is a professional race design engineer.
Included in the Sale
- Tonneau cover
- Spare wheel
- Two sets of keys
- Factory tools
- Original owner’s booklets and sales brochure
- Large and complete history file
- Certification letter from AC Cars
- Spare components, including the original Ford carburetor and cast-iron intake manifold
Summary
A landmark of performance and design, this AC Cobra captures the essence of analog driving with all-time collectible provenance. With its unfettered blue exterior, classic black leather interior, and the aural wonder of a free-breathing 289 Hi-po V8, this stunning example offers the pure Cobra experience in a presentation that will resonate with the most discerning enthusiasts.
As part of the consignment process, SBX Cars requests a range of information from the seller pertaining to the subject of their offering. The auction listing description therefore is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. However, it is the responsibility of a potential buyer to satisfy themself as to the accuracy of the auction listing description. This includes conducting an in-person inspection, which may be arranged between the buyer and seller, as well as verifying the condition, authenticity, value, and title before committing to bid or buy. Please see our Terms of Service for full details.
Buyer's Premium
The Buyer’s Premium will be added to the final sale price and is payable directly to SBX Cars. Sales tax applicability will be determined by buyer's location.
- Buyer's premium: 5%
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