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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.

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%)
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.