Marque
Search a car…
United States market

Shelby Cobra 289

1964–1965

Add to Garage
  • 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

Shelby Cobra 289

Based on 10 verified auction results

HOLDStablemedium confidence

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%)
No damage or salvage declarations found in the titles and descriptions of the auction lots we track for this model. That's a good sign, not a guarantee — always commission a professional inspection and history check before buying.

Est. Annual Ownership Costs

  • Insurance (agreed value)US$8,240
  • MaintenanceUS$5,360
  • StorageUS$3,220
  • Depreciation— (appreciating)
  • Total annual costUS$16,820
This car has historically appreciated — carrying cost is offset by value growth, not eroded by depreciation.

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 10
  • US$1,072,500

    mecum · 15 Aug 2026

  • US$330,000

    mecum · 21 Mar 2026

  • US$1,298,000

    mecum · 18 Jan 2026

  • US$990,000

    mecum · 17 May 2025

  • US$962,500

    mecum · 14 Jan 2024

  • US$907,500

    mecum · 15 Jan 2023

  • US$1,375,000

    mecum · 16 Jan 2022

  • US$907,500

    mecum · 14 Aug 2021

  • US$1,760,000

    mecum · 19 May 2019

  • US$1,000,000

    mecum · 15 Aug 2015

Indicative only — not investment advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future value.