The Carlsbad, California company will have the rare car, now in its initial stages of restoration, on display in the paddock during the HMSA Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion August 17-19 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

Serial number CSX2416 sat untouched for more than 30 years, owned by one man in Anaheim, CA who put it up for sale in 2011.  The buyer, a commissioned broker himself, quickly sold it to a private collector.  The new owner had his coveted barn-find Cobra, but this would turn out to be much more significant than realized at time of purchase.

After conducting more detailed research on the chassis the historical experts at Competition Classics (www.competition-classics.com), with help from the SAAC’s 289 Registrar Ned Scudder,  discovered the key piece of evidence that identified CSX2416 as an unaccounted- for Shelby factory DragonSnake and a most unique “Barn Find within a Barn Find.”

This Cobra was one of just two factory-prepared DragonSnakes to ever come with Shelby American’s 325 horsepower Stage III-D Competition Motor.  The car was ordered with a cold air box and hood scoop, custom two-into-two-into-four exhaust system with low restriction mufflers, polished Torque Thrust magnesium wheels and a hard top.

“This is really an exciting find,” said John Bessey, co-owner and lead restoration expert at Competition Classics.  “With only six ever made, a DragonSnake sold at auction last year for $875,000 so we have a rare and really valuable piece we intend to make whole again.”

Like a lot of the cars from the 1960s CSX2416 underwent various modifications for racing and show, with no thought to preserving its heritage.  It received flared fenders, a bronze metallic repaint, chromed side exhaust, and roll hoop in preparation for vintage racing.  In fact, it raced at the very first Monterey Historic Automobile Race, placing second, in 1974.

Then it was put in storage and sat for three decades.

Having been properly identified, Competition Classics has started the meticulous restoration work that will bring it back to its original condition in time for the 2013 Monterey Motorsports Reunion.

About Competition Classics

Competition Classics, Inc. (www.competition-classics.com) is a leading provider of historically correct vehicle restoration services and parts for premier concourse events and vintage racing. The Carlsbad, California company was started by Automobile restoration expert John Bessey and entrepreneur Donn Vickrey to help preserve, protect and celebrate automotive history.  One of John’s most significant restorations was a 1957 Ferrari Testarossa (#0716), which achieved the highest price paid for any auction vehicle of $12.4 million.