Even though the Cobra is one of the most well-known vehicles in history, Shelby American only produced less than 1000 of these powerful compact American roadsters. It is one of the most expensive classic cars in the world as a result.

If one wants to distinguish between the different Cobras in the line of automobiles, Shelby divided them into many categories and even more specifics. Drag-racing Cobras, known as the Dragonsnakes, were the most well-known of them. Most renowned of them, perhaps. Some of Shelby American’s employees participated in drag racing with the Cobra in the FIA competition against Ferrari. The Shelby Cobra 289 Dragonsnake was the name they gave it for drag racing, which makes it sound more fearsome.

Only eight of the Shelby Cobra 289 Dragonsnakes were ever made. And because Shelby produced them for a brief time between 1963 and 1965, they are highly prized collectibles among auto aficionados. One of the rarest Cobras ever produced, the vehicle has a lengthy history of racing in drag racing. Throughout the 1960s, Carroll Shelby and his racing crew remained a powerful force in the world of motorsport.

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The Cobra Dragonsnake Was Born To Race

One of the most famous sports cars ever made was possible by Carroll Shelby’s idea to mount American V8 engines on a British chassis. The regular Shelby Cobra chassis served as the foundation for the Dragonsnake’s construction. But Shelby made a number of changes to Dragonsnake, making it more suitable for drag racing.

Shelby made a four-stage engine option ranging from 271 hp to 385 hp for the Dragonsnake. They upgraded the normal 289 V8 engine that came with the Shelby Cobra for the 289 Dragonsnake backed up by a 4-speed transmission.

Shelby Dragonsnake Cobra Side View
Mecum Auctions

Shelby altered the engine to produce greater power and make it better suited for drag racing. The engine underwent changes, receiving a bigger Holley carburetor and a high-performance camshaft. As a result, power output rose to about 400 horsepower with a stage three engine option.

Other significant aspects include a strengthened frame, a bigger radiator, and a limited-slip differential, which improved its ability to handle the added power. Its distinctive styling, potent engine, and cutting-edge technology made it a dangerous opponent on the drag racing circuit and a direct rival to coveted Corvette Stingrays.

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Dragonsnake Is A Beautiful Racing Legend

Shelby Dragonsnake Cobra Rear Quarter View
Mecum Auctions

The Shelby Cobra 289 Dragonsnake’s design prioritized increasing speed and performance. The car had a long hood, a low-slung cockpit, and a short rear deck, giving it a clean appearance. The car’s body was entirely built of aluminum, which reduced weight and improved performance. It weighed just 2,235 lbs. The name of the car, “Dragonsnake,” was emblazoned across the hood and sides of the car in large letters.

Additionally, the automobile had a strengthened frame, which enhanced handling and stability during fast runs. To increase grip and power transfer to the rear wheels, additional components such as a limited-slip differential and Special drag strip Cure-Ride shocks were also installed.

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The Shelby Cobra 289 Dragonsnake Sells For Insane Money Today

1965 SHELBY FACTORY STAGE III 289 COBRA DRAGONSNAKE front third quarter ariel view
Mecum Auctions

The Dragonsnake ended its competitive career in 1965, and it sold all of its vehicles to private owners. The base model used to cost at least $7,500 USD, with just eight versions produced for the public.

However, it appears to have spent nearly as much time in the trade show as it did on the drag strip. There have been instances where highly collectible Cobra 289 Dragonsnake vehicles have sold for significant sums of money. For $1,300,000, Worldwide Auctioneers sold it in Auburn in 2015. Prior to being sold for a $770,000 price at Mecum in 2019, RM took a turn in Arizona in 2016 for $990,000.

The Dragonsnake was the topic of a few high-profile bids lately, one of which just sold for over $1 million with 3,596 miles on the odometer. It is the only Stage III client car ever built and one of just five Cobra Dragon Snakes Carroll Shelby manufactured. Similar to the lone surviving Super Snake, it is as unique as they come.

It’s regarded as one of the most precious and limited edition American sports cars of all time because of the model’s uniqueness and historic stance. That’s due in part to the car’s wild appearance and in part to its past performance. Mecum hails this dragon snake as “the best Cobra in history.”

A Shelby Cobra 289 Dragonsnake in pristine condition can sell for between $1.5 million and $1.7 million. It will be interesting to observe how this particular Dragonsnake does, given that previous ones have sold for up to $1.25 million.

Sources: The Shelby cars, Mecum, Classic Cars