1965 Shelby Cobra 289 for sale at Mecum Ex-Tom Payne Competition Roadster Racing Cobras have been associated with many great drivers, and this competition-built 1965 Cobra 289 is no exception. CSX2430 was the subject of Ford “Special Vehicle Performance Work Order” number 1017 approved by Jacques Passino, to create a “Competition Cobra for Tom Payne”, specifying “1 Cobra roadster, competition, color it RED.” Along with that Red paint, this Cobra was equipped with a full-race 289 engine with four downdraft Weber carbs, a hood scoop, side exhaust, oil and differential coolers, FIA flares, Halibrand wheels, chrome roll bar, competition brakes with cooling ducts, two fuel tanks, a racing bucket seat, Sun tach and fuel pressure gauge. It was a potent package, and Payne not only showed that he knew how to use it, but he also earned instant and lasting popularity with race fans one of his first times out in the car. CSX2430 had arrived late at Mosport for a practice session, and Payne, who had never driven there, was able to take but five practice laps to familiarize himself with the circuit. Without time to don his driving suit, he set out in the car wearing his jacket, white shirt and tie, and a crash helmet. The sight set off alarms with track workers, who initially thought the car had been hijacked by an adventurous spectator! The race began almost immediately after the practice session, so Payne stayed in his street wear and started the race from the back. An amazing driving exhibition ensued as Payne took his bright Red Cobra into the lead with two laps to go and won the race, earning a place in the hearts of Canadian racing fans and his nickname, “Gentleman Tom”. The jacket and tie were thereafter his brand, as evidenced by period photos. The nattily-attired Payne campaigned the car throughout the Midwest and central Canada, from Lynndale Farms to St. Jovite and even Nassau, usually finishing well up in the GT ranks. He then sold the car to John Addison, who raced it in 1966, after which it was purchased by Dan Schlames, who competed with it in SCCA B/Production. Rick Nagel took possession of it in the early 80s, restored it to original condition and raced it at vintage events, including the 1984 Texas Can-Am challenge where it was raced by none other than Carroll Shelby! Under Steve Volk’s subsequent ownership, the car was restored once again in 1986, this time to its present, better-than-original concours condition by the extremely talented Bill Murray of Longmont, CO. Famous for his outstanding racing Cobra restorations that emphasize retaining as many original parts as possible, Murray spent over 1,100 hours repairing and rebuilding CSX2430. Since then it has been displayed in the Shelby American Collection, has appeared on the covers of American Rodding and the Shelby American, and in Lagate’s Cobra, Dave Friedman’s Shelby Cobra and Mills’ AC Cobra. Highlights: - Ordered for competition by Ford’s Jacques Passino for racer Tom Payne - Full-race 289 engine with four downdraft Weber carbs - Side exhaust - Oil and differential coolers - FIA flares - Halibrand wheels - Chrome roll bar - Competition brakes - Successfully raced in SCCA and USRRC - Concours restoration by Bill Murray - Displayed in the Shelby American Collection - One of the best-known competition Cobra 289s Mecum Link
