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 market has stabilized near $1,031,250 in median price, with a marginal decline of 0.2 percent over the past year signaling a pause in momentum rather than distress. The HOLD signal reflects a balanced market where recent transactions align closely with the established trend, suggesting equilibrium between buyer and seller expectations.
Moderate liquidity conditions are evident from ten sales tracked over twelve months, a sample size that provides meaningful directional insight but indicates these cars move deliberately through the market. The absence of active listings at present underscores their scarcity once a sale closes, typical for cars of this tier.
The Cobra 289 carries a collectibility score of 6 and remains classified as an appreciating classic despite recent flatness, with desirability rated as moderate. Without production-volume data to anchor the rarity argument, valuation relies largely on mechanical provenance, documented history, and specific market conditions tied to individual examples rather than broad supply constraints.
The three-year base projection suggests minimal erosion to approximately $1,026,758, while five-year forecasts settle near $1,025,329, reflecting a market plateau rather than appreciation. These conservative expectations reflect broader softness in the upper-tier classic segment and warrant caution for buyers seeking strong near-term gains.
At current levels, entry is characterized as fair rather than compelling, positioning the 289 as a hold for current custodians and a measured acquisition for collectors prioritizing historical significance and driving authenticity over price momentum. The moderate liquidity and absence of heating demand argue for patience should additional examples surface.
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.