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United States market

Shelby Cobra 289

1964–1965

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  • 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.

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Market scores

55

Desirability

Moderate

55

Liquidity

Moderate

50

Resale Outlook

Marque analyst note

The Shelby Cobra 289 is trading at a median of US$1,031,250 in the current market, with essentially flat performance over the past twelve months, down just 0.2 percent year-over-year. The HOLD signal reflects a market in equilibrium, neither gathering momentum nor showing stress.

Trading activity remains modest but consistent, with ten transactions tracked over the past year. This moderate liquidity means buyers and sellers should expect measured competition and reasonable time to negotiate, though the scarcity of comparable sales also limits price discovery.

The 289 sits in the appreciating classic category with a collectibility score of 6, placing it among established blue-chip British sports cars. The model's status as a milestone in automotive history—low production volume and iconic design—sustains steady collector interest despite moderate current desirability signals.

The three-year outlook projects a slight erosion to US$1,026,758, representing a 0.4 percent decline from current levels. The five-year base case is similarly modest, suggesting a drift toward US$1,025,329, down 0.6 percent, reflecting the mature position of these cars in an already-established collector segment.

Near-term entry conditions favor buyers patient enough to wait for selective opportunities, as the fair-entry recommendation and stable status indicate pricing is neither stretched nor compelling on fundamental grounds. Without meaningful momentum in either direction, the next twelve months will likely resemble the last—a holding pattern for owners and a measured market for new acquisitions.

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 tracked11
  • Damage or salvage declared0 (0.0%)
  • No damage declared11 (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

Common questions

What is a Shelby Cobra 289 worth in 2026?

The current United States market median is US$1,031,250, based on 10 verified auction sales. Recent sales ranged from US$330,000 to US$1,760,000.

Is the Shelby Cobra 289 going up in value?

Over the last 12 months its United States median moved -0.2%. Past movement is not a guarantee of future value.

How many Shelby Cobra 289s are for sale right now?

No live auction listings tracked right now — new lots are swept in several times a day, and you can follow the model to be notified.

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