CSX 2019 rolled off the Shelby American assembly line in Venice, California near the end of 1962. Designated as a PR car, it spent its first twelve months promoting the new company and its Cobras. In July of '63, the car was loaned to MGM Studios for use in the Presley film Viva Las Vegas.

Later that year, CSX 2019 was converted into the first of two factory-campaigned Dragonsnakes. During the next six months, the car set national records wherever it ran and collected an impressive number of trophies.