Vehicle to be offered for Auction sale August 17th - 19th, 2017 at Russo and Steele\'s 17th Annual Monterey, California Auction. Please contact us for more information. In September 1961, American automotive designer and racer Carroll Shelby approached AC asking if they would build a car for him that was modified to accept a V8 engine. AC agreed, provided a suitable engine could be found. Shelby went to Chevrolet to see if they would provide engines, but not wanting to add competition to the Corvette they declined. However, Ford wanted a car that could compete with the Corvette and they happened to have a brand-new engine which could be used in this endeavor the Windsor 221 cubic inch engine – a new lightweight, thin-wall cast small-block V8. Ford provided Shelby with the engines and AC exported completed, painted, and trimmed aluminum bodied cars to Shelby. He then finished the cars in his workshop in Los Angeles by installing the engine and gearbox and correcting any bodywork flaws caused by the car\'s passage by sea. In the first year of production 75 of the AC-bodied Shelbys were produced at a list price of 5995. The next 51 Mk1 models were fitted with a larger version of the Windsor Ford engine, the 289 cubic-inch V8. A total of 580 289 Cobras were produced between 1962 and 1965. In late 1962 Alan Turner, AC\'s chief engineer completed a major design change of the car\'s front end to accommodate rack and pinion steering while still using transverse leaf spring suspension. The new car entered production in early 1963 and was designated Mark II. The steering rack was borrowed from the MGB while the new steering column came from the VW Beetle. The consignor has owned this 1965 Shelby 289 MK II since 1975 and states that the car was used as a factory demonstrator. The car received a total restoration by McCluskey Ltd. in 2012-2014 that included a complete new skin. It was a complete body off restoration with all mechanicals rebuilt or replaced. All the electrical components were redone and it received a new dash and upholstery. It was delivered in Princess Blue with red interior and repainted in a correct shade of white. A five-speed transmission was added for touring but the original re-built aluminum Borg Warner T-10 transmission and linkage are available. The engine has been replaced with a 6-bolt block but the Hipo Heads, manifold and Wedge bell housing has been retained. The original heater/defroster and an optional Paxton super charger with mounts and small air box are also available along with the top bows and frame. This Shelby Cobra has been properly maintained and driven regularly. It has been presented at numerous SCCA shows and events and is always well received.