AUBURN, IND.- With the final countdown underway to its highly anticipated Fort Lauderdale auction next month, Auctions America announced the consignment of an outstanding 1963 Shelby Cobra (CSX2023) to its growing roster of automobiles for the multi-day sale. The Cobra joins a superb lineup of more than 550 quality collector cars slated for the well-established auction, including the previously announced 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL “Gullwing” and an exciting list of celebrity rides.

“Following a tremendous 2012, we’re excited to return to Fort Lauderdale next month to officially kick off our 2013 auction season,” says Donnie Gould, President, Auctions America. “Now in its 11th year, this well-established sale has carved a reputation as South Florida’s premier collector car auction. From American classics to European sports cars, Detroit muscle, hot rods and customs, this year’s sale is set to continue the grand tradition, catering to a broad range of automotive tastes and budgets. There is truly something for everyone!”

The 23rd production example built, the 1963 Shelby Cobra, CSX2023, is the latest feature attraction for the three-day auction. Billed to Shelby American on October 1, 1962, this handsome dual-purpose roadster boasts exceptional reliability and drivability. Stunning in its red exterior, it features original instrumentation and is offered for auction with rare center-spindle American Racing Magnesium knock-off wheels and a chrome roll-bar. A short video showcasing the Cobra in action is available online here: http://youtu.be/2583MhT6ud8

“The Shelby Cobra remains one of the archetypal legends of American racing and sports car production,” says Alexander Weaver, Car Specialist, Auctions America. “Presented in fantastic running order, the example on offer is no exception. The motor is well-tuned providing ample power and beautifully resonating V-8 tones. The car tracks well due to its enhanced wheel and tire size complete with complementing fender flares. It is sure to make a powerful statement at the upcoming sale, as well as on the road, track or display in any discerning collector’s garage.”

In addition to American muscle, Auctions America’s upcoming Fort Lauderdale sale will also feature a highly desirable selection of European sports cars. Ferraristi will be drawn to the sexy curves, sweet sounding, race-bred V-6 and nimble mid-engine chassis of the 1974 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS, one of the most popular and hottest contemporary Ferraris currently available on the market. The recipient of an extensive cosmetic restoration, it is presented in its period correct Viola Metallizzato, a very rare hue that is nearly identical to the purple ink Enzo Ferrari used for all his signatures. Factory records indicate only 31 Dinos were finished in this distinctive color. In total, the Fort Lauderdale sale will feature no less than 11 examples from the famed Italian marque, including a handsome 1965 Ferrari 330 GT Coupe with Pinin Farina styling, Borrani wire wheels, quad headlights and a distinctive “egg-crate” grille; and 2003 Ferrari 575 Maranello F1 equipped with a 351-cid, 508-hp V-12 engine mated to a six-speed paddle-shift (F1 designation) gearbox and capable of accelerating to almost 200 mph.

Additional auction highlights include:

• an elegant and carefully preserved 1931 Cadillac V-12 Dual-Cowl Sport Phaeton, recognized as a Full Classic by the Classic Car Club of America;

• a unique, low-mileage 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Baldwin Motion Phase III Coupe that retains its original 482-cid, 600-hp ZL/X V-8 “Elephant” motor (the only one documented and known to exist);

• a 1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda, one of only 366 built with the 727 TorqueFlite automatic transmission and showing just 15,000 original miles;

• a beautifully presented 1967 Shelby GT500, finished in Dark Moss Green with white LeMans stripes and fitted with optional Kelsey-Hayes Mag Star wheels; and,

• an exceptional AACA Grand National First prize-winning 1955 Cadillac Series 62 Deville Convertible, restored to the highest standards.

Beyond these automobiles, the sale will also lift the gavel on an impressive list of celebrity rides including the previously announced ex-Steve McQueen 1951 Chevrolet Styleline Deluxe Convertible, currently owned by Rick Harrison, star of the History Channel’s hit reality TV show, Pawn Stars; the 1971 Dodge 340 Challenger Convertible used in the 1972 TV season of Mod Squad; and a certified Warner Bros. 1969 Dodge Charger “The General Lee” Dukes of Hazzard Movie Car.