1966 Shelby 427 Cobra

  While the 289s were cleaning up against the Ferraris, Shelby knew Enzo would build something for the next season that would be built to beat the Cobra. Shelby had to look ahead to the next season and build something faster. The 289 Cobra could not be made any lighter, so he decided to give the car a larger engine. The first 427 prototype was built on a stiffened 289 chassis, but the small block’s 20-year-old technology could not handle the massive power coming from the new engine. The 427 featured a thick and larger chassis and slightly modified body, but keeping the original 289 doors, windscreen, hood, and trunk lid. By the time the 427 came to life, Ford already had a promising sports car to beat the Ferraris, the GT40. Due to this, only two 427s ever raced for the team. Shelby made many versions of the original CSX 427 Cobras, of which, only 316 were built in total. There were 19 full Competition, 31 S/C models and 260 street cars built. The 427 Cobra is the ultimate successor to the 289 and "Anything the 289 did poorly, the 427 did well; and anything the 289 did well, the 427 did better".

  Regarded as one of the all-time great sports cars, the Shelby Cobra succeeded in capturing the hearts of enthusiasts. When the 289 Cobra couldn't be made any faster, Shelby decided to give the car a larger engine, and the infamous “427 Cobra” was born. The 427 Cobras featured a thick and larger chassis, independent suspension, and a modified body, all the while keeping the original 289 doors, windscreen, hood and trunk lid.

  Within the 260-car production run of Shelby 427 Cobra Street models, the earliest examples were powered by the 427 center-oiler engine, including the distinctive narrow-hip cars, with approximately 100 produced. These were followed by roughly 105 Cobras equipped with the lower-powered 428 Police Interceptor engine, a specification generally considered less desirable by collectors. The final and most sought-after evolution of the 427 Cobra Street was fitted with the legendary 427 side-oiler, the same engine used in the Competition and S/C models. 

  This car was billed to Shelby American on November 7, 1966, and delivered to Stark Hickey Ford on July 14, 1967, in primer with the factory notation “No Final Paint Coat.” Before being delivered new to its original owner, it was finished in the exceptionally rare and elegant color of Silver Mink.

  Factory paperwork indicates that the Cobra was ordered new with the extremely rare dual-quad Holley carburetor setup, making it one of only two known side-oiler 427 Street Cobras to have been originally specified in this configuration.

  The car’s original owner was an employee of General Motors who purchased the 427 Cobra as a gift for his son, who enjoyed it for a number of years. In the early 1970s, the car was sold to an owner in London, England, and was subsequently featured and road-tested in a period issue of Autocarmagazine.

  After passing through the hands of several owners in England, the Cobra made its way to Switzerland in the late 1990s, where it became part of a succession of very respected collections. It was eventually selected for a comprehensive, ground-up restoration at a cost of more than $500,000, fully documented by extensive receipts and photographic documentation.

  Since the completion of the restoration, further work has been undertaken to elevate the car to an exceptional level of concours correctness, authenticity, and quality. Upon close inspection the car retains it original; chassis stamp, chassis Vin plate, hood, trunk and door stampings. 

   Its remarkable specification places it among the most desirable road-going Cobras ever produced. One of only 55 true side-oiler 427 Street Cobras, it combines the comfort and usability of the Street model with the performance of the legendary side-oiler engine and the added appeal of its rare dual-quad induction system, the best of both worlds.

  Of the 260 Shelby 427 street Cobras produced, only 29 were delivered new in the beautiful Silver Mink finish. Of those, just 16 were genuine 427-powered cars, and only 5 were equipped with side-oiler engines.

  For the collector who values the most desirable mechanical specifications, exceptional rarity, extreme quality, and elegant original colors, this Cobra offers an extraordinary combination.

  Adding further to its significance, the car retains its original body, chassis, engine, transmission, and rear end. It is also comprehensively equipped with its tool kit, side curtains, top, jack, grease gun, and owner’s manual.

  With its rare factory specification, striking original color, documented provenance, original components, and superb concours-level restoration, this exceptional Cobra unquestionably ranks among the finest  427 Street Cobras in existence.