Barrett-Jackson 2014: 1963 Shelby Cooper Monaco King Cobra is a racing classic at $1.65M

While nowhere near as famous as some of Carroll Shelby's automotive creations, the Cooper Monaco King Cobra is nonetheless an interesting machine that saw some amount of success in sports car racing events in the 1960s. Importantly, this is the only original remaining King Cobra known to exist, and it offers a confirmed pedigree from Shelby American.

A Ford-sourced 289-cubic-inch V8 engine with four Weber carburetors is mounted behind the driver for optimum weight distribution, and it puts down 400 horsepower at 7,000 rpm through a five-speed ZF gearbox. Four-wheel independent suspension and disc brakes all around round out the racing package.

The final selling price for this unique piece of racing history sits at $1.65 million. Check out our live image gallery above, and read through the official auction description below.

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Chassis No. CM/3/63. The only original surviving Shelby Factory Team King Cobra authenticated by Carroll Shelby and SAAC that retains most of its original components. Eligible to participate in the most important historic events. An essential part of Shelby history and a unique opportunity. This is one of the most sought-after and significant automobiles ever built and raced by Carroll Shelby and the Shelby American team. CM/3/63 has been driven by America's premier drivers including Holbert, Miles, Leslie, Pabst, Scott and Bucknum in the USRRC Series, setting the stage for the most famous of all American road race series, the Can-Am. This magnificent beauty has impeccable history and provenance from new. Rand E. Bailey, renowned Shelby restorer and Concours Director, found that many of the Shelby/Ford sourced parts are stamped with matching date codes, a testament to this car's authentic character. CM/3/63 has been authenticated on several occasions in writing by Carroll Shelby and has a known, continuous history, as verified by the Shelby Registry, since leaving Shelby American's ownership. Powered by a 289cid OHV V8 with four Weber carburetors and 400hp at 7,000rpm. Also features a 5-speed manual transaxle, 4-wheel disc brakes and 4-wheel independent suspension with coil springs over tubular shock absorbers. One of two Cooper-Monaco Shelbys purchased by Shelby American for the 1963 Fall Series. Ray Salvadori, Ford Advanced Vehicles Europe driver, raced this car as the development vehicle for the Ford GT40 Program. Coming from the same collection as the record setting Carroll Shelby Super Snake.