Italy vs USA — 1967 vs 1963
| 1750 GTV | Cobra 289 FIA Roadster | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 118 hp | 271 hp |
| Torque | 123 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,779 cc | 4,727 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 9.0 sec | 5.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 118 mph | 155 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.5 sec | 13.2 sec |
| Weight | 2,249 lbs | 2,150 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,340 mm | 2,286 mm |
| Length | 4,110 mm | 3,835 mm |
| Units Produced | 44,269 | 654 |
| Original MSRP | $4,350 | $5,995 |
| Value (Excellent) | $80,000 | $2,500,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 9/10 |
The 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1967 Alfa Romeo 1750 GTV counters with better value, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
Putting the 1967 Alfa Romeo 1750 GTV against the 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster is a comparison that enthusiasts have debated for decades. Each car reflects distinct design philosophies shaped by different automotive cultures — Italy versus USA. The 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster holds a clear advantage in raw power with 271 hp compared to 118 hp, a 153-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Alfa Romeo 1750 GTV uses a Inline-4 DOHC displacing 1,779 cc, while the Shelby Cobra 289 relies on a V8 OHV with 4,727 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster edges ahead at 5.5 seconds versus 9.0 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 654 units built, the 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster is considerably scarcer than the Alfa Romeo 1750 GTV's 44,269 examples. On the collector market, the 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster commands a significant premium over the 1967 Alfa Romeo 1750 GTV, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.