1963 Cobra 289 Roadster
History: Billed to Shelby American February 1, 1963, shipped to New York, #2081 was invoiced on March 20, 1963 to European Cars, Inc. (Pittsburgh, Pa.) with a heater for completion and retail sale. It was purchased by F.G. “Chek” Beuf of Pennsylvania in 1964. Beuf installed a full-width roll bar and Michelin radials. Beuf enjoyed the car and traded #2081 in for a new 427 Cobra from Gilboy Ford (Allentown, Pa.) in June of 1966.
The next owner, Weston A. Hook of La Jolla, California and Honolulu, Hawaii acquired the Cobra and kept it for the next 50 years. For most of his time with #2081, the Cobra remained in storage in La Jolla. Selling in 2016 to its third owner and in 2017 to its fourth owner.
Condition: An extremely original example of an early Cobra, this is the 10th Cobra 289 powered car built. Very low miles. No known accidents. Sound, original frame and body. Still has the original inner panels in the trunk and engine bay. Original engine and transmission. Serviced and maintained as needed. Refurbishment to include, just one repaint, brakes, carbs and recent engine rebuild. A wonderful, correct, highly original example.
Of Note: Grand Prix Classics knows the prior owners of this Cobra well. Grand Prix Classics sold Chek Beuf’s 1966 Cobra 427 in 2012. The very same Cobra 427 he traded 2081 for in 1966. Mark Leonard, owner of Grand Prix Classics, knew Weston Hook for more than 10 years as a fellow La Jolla resident. Hook’s widow and son still visit the shop on occasion.
Accessories: Has soft top, side curtains, jack, grease gun and original painted wire wheels.
