Vehicle Description
It was Road & Track who referred to piloting a Shelby Cobra as
"driving at its brightest," this car being no exception. Noted for
its pivotal role in the early days of Shelby American, CSX 2032 -
more commonly known as the "Lance Reventlow Cobra" is a true
one-of-one. Invoiced to British-born American entrepreneur, racing
driver and heir to the Woolworth fortune Lance Reventlow on January
2, 1963, CSX 2032 represents an important chapter in Carroll
Shelby's enduring legacy. As the 32nd Cobra scheduled for
production CSX 2032 was one of only 73 Cobras fitted with the early
260ci Hi-Po V8 engine. Delivered in white with a red interior, the
Cobra was highly optioned having been ordered with nearly all
factory available competition items. The sole exception being the
Halibrand "kidney bean" alloy knock-off wheels. The car was also
optioned with bumper guards, wind wings, sun visors, safety belts
and other items more commonly found on road going Shelbys. As
indicated in the World Registry of Cobras & GT40s, "Reventlow may
have simply decided to order a Cobra with as many available options
as possible in an effort to lend financial support to his friend
Shelby." As long-standing friends, Shelby and Reventlow had raced
together on numerous occasions. Reventlow, owned Scarab, an
American racing constructor noted for being the first American
outfit to venture into the open wheeled world of Formula 1. Based
in Venice, CA, Scarab employed engineering genius Phil Remington as
chief engineer as well as famed racing driver Ken Miles. In June
1962, Reventlow ceased operations of Scarab's racing endeavors and
leased his shop and manufacturing facility to Carroll Shelby for
use in developing and building the Shelby Cobra. Included in the
sale of this historic Shelby Cobra is the first original rent check
that was given to Reventlow Automobiles Inc. on August 15, 1962.
This check as well as CSX 2032 represents the business relationship
that Carroll Shelby shared with Lance Reventlow. Wonderfully
documented CSX 2032 boasts a storied history all its own. The car
traded hands through a number of high-profile collectors and in the
late 1970s (1977-1978) was campaigned as a winning race car. In its
current configuration the car is powered by a Bob Prouty built
289ci V8 engine built to Hi-Po specifications. During its days as a
racer, the fenders were flared to accommodate larger wheels and
tires. Although several upgrades and modifications have been added,
all parts and components are proper and correct Shelby Cobra parts
and CSX 2032 still maintains its original body, frame and chassis.
The car currently presents in black with solid white roundels
adorning the side and yellow stripes over the front fenders. This
1962 Shelby Cobra CSX 2032 is one of the most important cars to the
legacy of all Cobra's built and all Shelby's still being built
today. ** PREVIEW
