Car of the Week: This 1963 Shelby Cobra Was Loaned to Steve McQueen. Now It’s up for Grabs.

Just about every car with the Shelby name attached has a story that goes with it. After all, Carroll Shelby was known for stories of his own: some real, some imagined, but most all of them highly entertaining. Throughout his lifetime and beyond, he and his cars have fueled enthusiasts from all walks of life, many of whom were as colorful—some even more famous—as Ol’ Shel himself.

The man, like his vehicles, stirred up lots of commotion, winning races and generally upsetting the status quo. The Cobra was Shelby’s first foray into so-called series-production manufacturing, though by any stretch of the imagination, the approximately 1,000 total examples of 260-, 289- and 427-powered Cobras were all handmade affairs.

The small-block model, powered by Ford’s 289 cubic-inch V-8 engine developing about 271 hp (a lot of horses for a 2,100-pound roadster), is generally regarded as hitting the automotive sweet spot. That consensus would assuredly be shared by the chain of notable owners who had the pleasure of driving this example, CSX2161. As part of Northern California’s Monterey Car Week, the vehicle will be offered through Mecum auctions at its annual sale held at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa—Del Monte Golf Course on August 15 through 17.

“The evolution from the 260 ci V-8 to the potent 289 during the production sequence adds performance and desirability,” says John Kraman, director of company relations and lead TV commentator/analyst for Mecum Auctions. Kraman adds that, “the original engine is still in place, along with the original body to further heighten bidder interest. But perhaps the most noteworthy part of the history of CSX2161 was its possession in the mid-’60s by Hollywood superstar and car enthusiast Steve McQueen, adding top-shelf star power to go along with its high-winding horsepower.”

Delivered from AC Cars in the UK to the Shelby American facility during July of 1963, CSX2161 was painted silver with a red interior, and equipped with the Class A Accessories Package, which included chromed valve and air-cleaner covers, front and rear bumper guards, a luggage rack, tinted sunshades, competition seat belts, a Smiths heater, and whitewall tires. Pure 1960’s style.

Following final assembly by Shelby, including fitment of the drivetrain, the car was sold to Wolper Productions on October 30, 1963. David Wolper, who went on to produce such films as Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, The Thorn Birds, Roots, and L.A. Confidential, next sold it to Hollywood composer/conductor Elmer Bernstein in 1965, who loaned it to his friend Steve McQueen.

The actor drove the car regularly from 1965 through early 1967, then it was sold that year to Richard Mathis, who allowed McQueen to continue using it for a few more months. Like so many Shelby Cobras (and most other used sports car of the day) CSX2161 quickly changed hands, selling in 1969 to Wayman McCoo, brother of singer Marilyn McCoo and road manager for her group, The Fifth Dimension.

In 1983, the car—now red with black upholstery and painted wire wheels—was seen for sale at the Monterey Historic Races. Several owners ensued, and by 2003, the Cobra was exported to Switzerland. There, it was painted black, fitted with a roll bar, big Halibrand wheels, a hood scoop, and chrome quick-jack mounts front and rear. From 2006 to present, it has been in the UK.

Despite this Cobra’s numerous dance partners, including McQueen, who doubtless drove it like he stole—or at least borrowed—it, the car significantly retains its original body and engine, the latter a relative rarity given the throw-away nature of high-performance American iron in its day.

The next owner will need to decide whether a sympathetic restoration, preserving the patina of multiple paint jobs and worn replacement leather, is preferred to a restoration going back to the silver-over-red aesthetic it had originally. Or, perhaps, it’s a compromise of sorts. Whichever route is taken, the eventual goal should be plenty of motoring on a winding road with no particular destination in mind, other than enjoying one of the most pure and elemental sports cars ever made.

As for what it’s worth, the Hagerty Valuation Guide prices such original Shelby Cobras at between $771,000 (for one in good condition) and upward of $1.1 million (for a concours-quality example). But ex-McQueen provenance gives this Cobra its own “King of Cool” cachet, so only time will tell what that adds to the equation when it crosses the auction block next month.

Click here for more photos of this 1963 Shelby 289 Cobra Roadster.