Starting with the 76th chassis delivered from AC Cars in Thames Ditton, England, to Shelby American in Venice, California, the Cobra skin had evolved slightly to incorporate a number of minor updates. The new bodywork featured simple yet striking side vents to help remove engine heat. To this day, the side vents help visually identify the 289 "Mark II" Cobra from its predecessor.
Most notable, however, was the introduction of the newly developed Ford 289 c.i. V8 motor. While Shelby had been busy selling and racing the first Cobra Roadster, Ford occupied themselves with the development of the 260 engine into a unit that displaced 289 cubic inches and developed 11 more horsepower in stock trim. Customers buying a Cobra 289 from Shelby American could, however, have something a little more special; optional modifications yielded as much as 370 bhp from the new Cobra. At the time, Shelby American claimed that the 289-powered Cobra was the fastest production car in the world!
Exoto's Cobra 289 Roadster finished in authentic black on saddle interior features factory options that only became available with the 289: front grille guard and rear bumper guard, adjustable "wind wings" (side windows), sun visors, competition seat belts, and white side wall tires.
Actor and skilled racer, Steve McQueen, visited Shelby American in June, 1963. A few days later he returned to take delivery of his 289 Cobra.