One of the most storied American race cars re-emerges with verified provenance and a legendary past.
A Long-Lost Racing Icon
A legendary piece of American racing history is set to cross the auction block. A rare 1966 AC Cobra 4.7-Liter Two-Seat Competition Hardtop Coupé is expected to command as much as $2.7 million USD at Bonhams’ upcoming Goodwood Revival: Collectors’ Motor Cars and Automobilia sale on September 13, 2025. This isn’t just any classic car; it’s one of only two Cobras built to race at the 1963 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Provenance Confirmed
The chassis, No. CS 2131, is among the earliest five right-hand drive AC Cobra chassis built before November 1963. Its identity was long considered lost until a forensic magneto-photographic analysis in 2024 confirmed the original chassis number. Driven by Ninian Sanderson and Peter Bolton of the AC Cars factory team, the Cobra hit 160 mph on the Mulsanne Straight and covered 2,592 miles at an average speed of 108 mph, ultimately finishing seventh overall.
A Rare Auction Opportunity
Today, the Cobra stands as one of the most original surviving AC/Shelby American Cobras, presented in the Bell & Colvill racing livery and powered by a 440 hp 4.7-liter V-8 engine. Its rediscovery and verification transform it from a lost chapter of motorsport history into a fully authenticated artifact, offering collectors a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a true legend.
