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.
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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%)
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
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.