Shelby Cobra 289
1964–1965
Lowest price
US$330,000
Since 2020
Median price
US$976,250
Since 2020 · n=8
Highest price
US$1,375,000
Since 2020
Sold cars
10
All time
Sell-through
100%
Of 10 lots
Based on 10 verified auction results
US$1,031,250
Market value · recent verified sales
-0.2%
12-month change
Fair Entry
Stable prices. Negotiate on spec and condition.
Prices have been flat (-0.2%). No strong directional signal.
MSRP
—
Collectibility
6/10
Collectible
3-Year Forecast
US$1,026,758
-0%
5-Year Forecast
US$1,025,329
-1%
Estimates based on 10 verified United States sales.
Market scores
55
Desirability
Moderate
55
Liquidity
Moderate
50
Resale Outlook
Marque analyst note
The Shelby Cobra 289 is holding steady at a US$1,031,250 median, with essentially flat movement over the past year despite a marginal 0.2 percent decline. The HOLD signal reflects a market in equilibrium, with no clear momentum in either direction and medium confidence in near-term pricing.
Liquidity remains moderate, with ten tracked sales over the past twelve months—a modest transaction count that suggests these cars trade infrequently but with consistent buyer interest. The absence of active listings currently underscores the supply constraints typical of this segment, meaning pricing power rests primarily with sellers of exceptional examples.
Classified as an appreciating classic, the Cobra 289 occupies a secure tier within the collectible market, though desirability registers as moderate rather than peak-tier. The specific combination of production scarcity, racing heritage, and marque appeal supports its standing, though it does not command the stratospheric valuations of its 427 counterpart.
Base projections suggest only marginal erosion over the medium term, with prices expected to drift to US$1,026,758 in three years and US$1,025,329 in five years—declines of 0.4 and 0.6 percent respectively. This gentle downward slope reflects no structural weakness but rather the gradual repricing common to appreciating classics as original production becomes ever more scarce and provenance becomes the primary value driver.
For buyers entering at current levels, the stable footing and moderate liquidity profile present a fair entry point, provided condition and documentation meet market expectations. Sellers should recognize that patience and selective marketing will likely yield better results than rapid liquidation, given the measured trading pace and balanced supply-demand dynamic.
Depreciation Benchmark
- Current avg valueUS$1,031,250
- Annual appr. rate-0.2%/yr
- Segment average+3.0 to +9.5%/yr
Vehicle History Signals
- Auction lots tracked10
- Damage or salvage declared0 (0.0%)
- No damage declared10 (100.0%)
Est. Annual Ownership Costs
- Insurance (agreed value)US$8,240
- MaintenanceUS$5,360
- StorageUS$3,220
- Depreciation— (appreciating)
- Total annual costUS$16,820
Market Liquidity
- Active Listings0
- Sales Last 12 Months3
- Sell-Through30%
Market Snapshot
- Active Listings0
- Avg Sale PriceUS$1,060,300
- Avg Mileage at Sale—
- Recent Price RangeUS$330,000 – US$1,760,000
- Total Sales Tracked10
Recent sales
Showing latest 10US$1,072,500
mecum · 15 Aug 2026
Guardsman Blue · Manual
US$330,000
mecum · 21 Mar 2026
Brushed Aluminum · Manual
US$1,298,000
mecum · 18 Jan 2026
Yellow · Manual
US$990,000
mecum · 17 May 2025
Copper · Manual
US$962,500
mecum · 14 Jan 2024
Red · Manual
US$907,500
mecum · 15 Jan 2023
Red · Manual
US$1,375,000
mecum · 16 Jan 2022
Yellow
US$907,500
mecum · 14 Aug 2021
Black
US$1,760,000
mecum · 19 May 2019
Red
US$1,000,000
mecum · 15 Aug 2015
Blue · Manual
Indicative only — not investment advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future value.