The one-of-a-kind 1964 Shelby Cobra 427 Prototype s/n CSX 2196, nicknamed “The Flip-Top” for its unique clam shell design, is set to cross the block at RM’s Automobiles of Arizona event at the Biltmore Resort and Spa in Phoenix on January 22nd, 2010.
Its design, build, development and racing were spearheaded by legendary racing driver Ken Miles and after months of testing and modifications, 2196 became the only prototype produced for the famed 427 Cobras that followed. It was raced in period at Riverside, Sebring and Nassau.
Over the years, 2196 has competed in many of the world’s historic races including Laguna Seca, Monterey Historics and Goodwood Festival of Speed. Today, the well-documented Flip-top sports its original livery of Guardman Blue with white stripes and black interior, and is unquestionably one of the most desirable Shelby Cobras ever built. (Estimate: Available upon request)
“The 2010 Arizona auction presents one of RM’s most diverse line-ups of automobiles ever offered at the luxurious Biltmore Resort & Spa, ranging from historically significant Shelby Cobras to an unprecedented selection of important concept cars,” said Ian Kelleher, President and Chief Operating Officer, RM Auctions. “Every facet of collector cars is represented at this year’s event with the schedule being extended to two days for a British-themed Thursday evening sale.”
The 1941 Chrysler Thunderbolt Concept Car by LeBaron (s/n 7807943), one of five originally built and four in existence, is also Arizona bound. The full-envelope body with concealed headlights, fully retractable and disappearing hardtop, push button starter and backlit Lucite gauges make the Chrysler Thunderbolt one of the most significant concepts of its time. This multi-award winning motor car with its unique contrasting green and copper exterior has been fully restored and enjoyed considerable success as a show car, including at the famed Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance this year. (Estimate: Available upon request)
The range of notable consignments for the January 22nd sale also includes a 1930 Duesenberg Model J Arlington Club Sedan offered without reserve (Estimate: $450,000 – $650,000), a beautifully restored 1933 Rolls-Royce PII Continental 3-Position Drophead Coupe (s/n 74PY) with coachwork by J. Gurney Nutting (Estimate: $400,000 – $500,000) and a 1913 Packard Model 1-38 Runabout formerly of the esteemed John McMullen Collection (Estimate: $400,000 – $500,000).
Now in its 11th year, RM’s Arizona event will present for the first time an additional opportunity to purchase important cars produced by British manufacturers during an evening auction on January 21st. A preview of the 2010 line-up will be held January 21st from 9am to 4pm, followed by the British-themed Thursday night auction, billed ‘The British are coming!’, starting at 6pm. The auction action continues on Friday, January 22 at 11am. Admission is by catalog purchase only, which admits two.
For more information, visit www.rmauctions.com or call +1 519 352 4575.
[Source: RM Auctions]
ugly Car!
Dear sirs: Your discription is quite inaccurate, you should get the facts from the cobra registry. CSX-2196 was not built as a 427… The motor was an experimental all aluminum 390!!!! Sorry, fred
Interesting about the 390 engine, although I don’t the the description is inaccurate as they never mention what engine was in the Cobra, only that “2196 became the only prototype produced for the famed 427 Cobras that followed.”
You are right Fred. 2196 was not built as a 427.
I owned CSX 2196 for a while…thought the story was cool and was interested in keeping it, but it was not just not pretty…I didn’t call it the Flip-Top…I nicknamed it the “flip flop” because the car did not know what it was supposed to be..I sold it to Bob Lee. More story here than substance.