Sometimes the word legendary is easily overused or thrown around in such fashion that it really doesn’t mean what it should. However, in the case of this 1962 Shelby Cobra, the word legendary hardly describes this illustrious car.

You see, this is the one that started it all. CSX2000 is the first Shelby Cobra that Carroll Shelby ever created. And next month, all eyes will be on Monterey, California as this piece of muscle car royalty crosses the auction block. Word is this car is poised to set a record for the largest amount paid for a car at auction. When we visited Shelby American’s headquarters in Las Vegas last November, we were told that $27 million was once offered and turned down for CSX2000.

If this car could talk, imagine all the stories and secrets it could tell. It could describe the number of times it was painted to give the impression that Shelby had built several Cobras. It could also brag how it could sprint from 0 to 60 in only 4.2 seconds.

The Carroll Hall Shelby Trust is offering the opportunity of a lifetime to own this magnificent Shelby Cobra. This piece of automotive history is being auctioned by RM Sotheby’s during their Monterey, California auction that runs August 19^th and 20^th. For more information, go to rmsothebys.com.

Update 8/24/2016: The winning bid for the 1962 Shelby Cobra was $13.75 million (including fees).

Photo credit. rmsothebys.com