The magnificent Cobra from the 1960s that costs over two million euros

What many consider one of the greatest sports cars of all time was born as a result of one of the most influential automotive collaborations of the era, during the 1960s. We're talking about the Cobra, the brainchild of the British brand AC Cars and American racing driver and entrepreneur Carroll Shelby. From its inception, the model captured the attention and admiration of automotive enthusiasts on both sides of the Atlantic.

Its widespread popularity was further fueled by its success on the racetrack, and one example that clearly contributed to forging that winning legacy will go up for auction on September 13. It's the 1966 AC Cobra Competition Hardtop Coupé with a 4.7-liter engine and a rigid roof. In addition to its prolific racing career until the 1980s, it is notable for being based on the chassis that competed in the 1963 24 Hours of Le Mans.

It's worth noting that only five right-hand drive AC Cobra chassis were built before November 1963, and the one fitted here is one of them. This chassis was used by Ninian Sanderson and Peter Bolton of the AC Cars factory team during the legendary French endurance race.

On that occasion, the Cobra won its class, covering 4,160 kilometers at an average speed of 174 km/h and approaching a top speed of 257 km/h on the iconic Mulsanne Straight. The following year, John Willment Automobiles Ltd. acquired ownership of the vehicle and competed it extensively, including races at Goodwood and Silverstone.

After an accident at the Nürburgring in which it suffered no serious damage, the chassis was sold, subsequently restored with a new body, and given a new lease of life in 1966. This is the example now up for auction.

This Cobra achieved true racing prominence under the direction of entrepreneur Martin Colvill, after achieving 12 overall victories and finishing first in its class 44 times in over 100 races.

After changing hands a couple of times after Colvill, it has remained with the same owner since 2000 and has frequently participated in prestigious classic car events. Powered by a 4.7-liter V8 engine producing 440 hp, this legendary Cobra retains the same appearance as when it competed under the Bell & Colvill team.

All of this makes this Cobra very valuable, as it is expected to fetch over 2 million euros at its next sale.

If you're interested in seeing how the Cobra has evolved to this day, just check out the accompanying video, where you can enjoy the new AC Cobra GT Coupé, which was first shown to the public last year.