that made collectors rich overnight
$1.6 million
One of the first Anglo-American hybrids and one of the period’s best sports/racing cars
Photo: Hot Rod
The story of Shelby Cobra 289 is a widely known one, but it’s still interesting enough to be told again.
In 1962, Shelby used the AC Ace body and installed Ford 289 V8, creating one of the first Anglo-American hybrids and one of the period’s best sports/racing cars (via Motorious).
$1.8 million (not sold)
Although it wasn’t the only one, the Green Hornet features the most innovative features
Like a 390 V8 equipped with fuel injection, unique disc brakes on all four wheels, and independent rear suspension.
With this layout, the Green Hornet was a capable car that handled and stopped better than any other sports car.
Unfortunately, the cost of producing those features was too high, and Ford and Shelby decided to go with more conventional technology.
$2 to 4 million
One of the fastest and most desirable muscle cars ever made
Two of the biggest Chrysler legends from the classic days of muscle car culture are the Barracuda and the 426 Hemi engine.
All throughout the 1960s, those icons of the industry didn’t mix, at least not in street-legal cars.
In 1970 Plymouth offered this legendary engine in Barracuda body style, immediately creating one of the fastest and most desirable muscle cars ever made (via Motor Trend).
$2.2 million
This unique Shelby GT500 was produced as a rolling laboratory to showcase the possibilities of the Mustang platform and test Goodyear’s “Thunderbolt” tire line.
Photo: Mecum
It had Le Mans-winning GT 40 race engine, special transmission, suspension, and tires, and was produced in one example.
$3.2 million
They are the most expensive since they combine enormous power with unique styling
Photo: Hot Rod
The C2 Corvette was produced from 1963 to 1967, and collectors highly seek after all examples.
The big-block models, introduced in the 1966 model year. (via Motor Trend).
$3.74 Million
One of the biggest Mustang legends is the Bullitt movie car.
In 1968, the legendary actor Steve McQueen starred in the hit detective flick “Bullitt” and played a detective who drove a mean-looking ’68 GT390 Fastback.
Two cars were used during the shooting with one reportedly being destroyed and the other being used for close-ups and promotional shoots.
They were also driven, modified, and preserved by McQueen due to his love for the car (via MotorTrend).
$3.85 million
Carroll Shelby built only 36 fire-breathing pure racing Mustangs for the 1965 model year.
Each of those examples had numerous wins under its belt, and every R model is considered to be an extremely valuable piece of Mustang and racing history (via Motor Trend).
$5.5 million
Only two Super Snake Cobras were ever built.
Both featured a highly tuned 427 V8 engine with a supercharger on top, providing the driver with almost insane levels of power and performance (via Road and Track).
$7.25 million
They only made six of them
Photo: RM Sotherby
The Daytona Coupe was a pure racing car barely suitable for street driving and intended to destroy the competition.
$7.25 million
They only made six of them
Photo: RM Sotherby
The Daytona Coupe was a pure racing car barely suitable for street driving and intended to destroy the competition.
$13.75 million
The CSX2000 is the first Cobra ever made, and it was in the personal fleet of Carroll Shelby for decades
Photo: AutoWp
It was also the first magazine loaner car, publicity shot car, and demonstration model driven by many famous names. Basically, this Cobra is an enormously important part of American car history which justifies the price.