1966 Shelby Cobra 427
HIGHLIGHTS
One of 260 “Street Spec” 427 Cobras Built
Fitted with a Period 427 and Accompanied by Original 428 Engine
Documented in the Shelby Registry
Beautifully Restored Example Ready for Driving or Show Duties
SPECIFICATIONS
VIN - CSX3237
Engine – 427ci V8
Gearbox – 4 Speed Manual
Drivetrain - Front Engine, RWD
PRICING INFORMATION
Price - Please Inquire
OVERVIEW
Although the legend began more than 60 years ago, the sound and fury of the Shelby Cobra continues to reverberate as one of the most powerful icons of the 20th century. Since its release, the Cobra mystique has captured new generations of enthusiasts from the early 260 beginnings to the ground pounding and legendary 427. And while numerous post-original Cobras have been built, driven, and modified in keeping with the spirit of Shelby American, the original 427 Cobra still reigns as the ultimate example of one of the greatest American sports/competition cars ever constructed.
With the success of the 289 Cobra, and resources to evolve the 427 Cobra into a fully developed and specialized performance car, Shelby American pulled out all the stops to build a state-of-the-art sports car. The 427 platform featured a large-diameter handmade steel tube frame, wrapped in a handcrafted aluminum body with muscular fenders specially formed to make room for wide tires. The stance, power, and eye-watering performance included a now famous Ken Miles run of 0-100-0 test achieved in 13 seconds. Poised for success, the powerful Cobra would soon reckon with the arrival of mid-engine powered cars, the growth of the GT40 program, and the emergence of the popular and more profitable Mustang branded GT350. 427 Cobra production continued through 1966, initially with the 427 FE block “Side Oiler” (a proven winner in Ford NASCAR events) engine, and later the 428, which while more economical, did little to diminish the Cobra’s prolific performance.
According to information compiled in the Shelby Registry, chassis # CSX3237 was billed to Shelby American on February 14, 1966, and delivered on Shelby invoice #000482, dated 5/16/66, to Courtesy Motors Littleton, CO. Finished in red with black interior, and configured from the factory with street trim, 428 Cobra Jet V8 engine, no hood scoop, underbody exhaust, and no roll bar, the car was sold to the first owner, J. Rhoades Moore of Enid, OK. Moore owned the car until selling it in the early ’70s to French Hickman, Midwest City, OK, at which time the car had been repainted blue. By the 1980s, 3237 was refinished back to its original shade of red and fitted with a hood scoop, quick-jacks, under-rocker exit black side pipes, and a custom squared-hoop roll bar with a forward brace.
In December 1987, 3237 was sold to California based enthusiast Phil Combs, who entrusted the Cobra to Mike McCluskey, one the Shelby marque’s most respected restoration experts, to a full restoration back to its factory-delivered specification. Time and preservation had favored 3237, which retained its original aluminum body, doors, and other important 427 features. In the 1990s, 3237 was sold to a private Japanese collector, subsequently returning to the US where it was offered for sale in 2000. The sale included the original 428 power plant (still in the car) a spare 427 engine, and a hardtop.
In 2013, 3237 was sold to well-regarded Cobra enthusiast David Fonvielle of Florida. While in Fonvielle’s ownership, CSX 3237 was shipped to Curt Vogt’s Cobra Automotive Wallingford, CT for a comprehensive, no expense spared restoration. During the restoration all original components were rebuilt or upgraded, the seats trimmed in black leather, and the interior fitted with correct Wilton carpeting. The original steering wheel was refinished and custom exhaust headers fitted to the 427 engine which was dyno tested delivering 460 horsepower at the crankshaft.
Today CSX3237 presents in exceptional condition. The legendary wide fender flares and powerful stance are perfectly matched to this vivid red over black Cobra. The pure “street spec” design is one of just 260 examples built between 1965-1967, eschewing the competition-based hood scoop, side pipes, and roll bar. The red paint is excellent throughout, taking full advantage of the sumptuous curves found only on the epic 427 aluminum bodywork. The exterior trim, grille surround, polished aluminum fuel filler, and bumpers deliver a refreshingly correct factory appearance, made all the more memorable with a rare set of cast aluminum Starburst wheels and knockoffs retained with traditional wound safety wires.
The interior has been faithfully restored and a pair of vintage competition seat belts are fitted for both seats and a center zipper black tonneau cover is included. The dashboard and instruments are properly arrayed with correct instrumentation displaying beautiful numeric details and chrome surrounds. A wood-rimmed Shelby steering wheel exhibits a handsome warm tone proudly displaying the striking Cobra center emblem.
Under the hood, a professionally built 427 engine is topped with a 4bbl carburetor and chrome air cleaner. Correctly finished details throughout include cast aluminum finned valve covers with polished raised surfaces, painted surge tank, and raw aluminum inner fender panels. Cooling is aided by an electric radiator fan which helpfully offers added cooling particularly when idling or at lower speeds. The engine compartment and powerful engine display correct finishes with originally stamped frame member and chassis plate, both of which bear the CSX3237 number. The trunk is correctly finished and outfitted with a correct grease gun, and vintage spare tire with matching Starburst wheel. The underside of the car is exemplary in finish and detail featuring correct components consistent with Shelby American original construction methods and reflective of the indicated low miles.
This Cobra is accompanied by a tonneau cover, convertible top with irons, side curtains, a set of jack bars, tool roll, grease gun, the 428 engine, a can of matching paint, a reproduction owner’s manual, and restoration receipts.
This beautifully restored 427 Cobra is documented in the Shelby American World Registry, defining the ownership history and periods of restoration back to the Shelby invoice. Finished in original colors and stunningly restored, this 427 is certain to be welcomed at any major concours and enjoyed as a preeminent performance sports car - one that launched a legend in both motorsports and street dominance. One of just 260 coil spring 427 models produced, this confluence of innovation and performance remains today as one of the most desirable examples of Shelby American history.
Please contact Jason at +1-206-355-7727 or Hans at +1-425-417-5877 for more information on this vehicle.
