Requiring little, if any, introduction, 1959 Le Mans champion Carroll Shelby took the racing world by storm with his AC Ace-derived, Ford V-8 Cobra. Developed into 427 big-block specification by Ken Miles, these ultimate Cobras were intended for a 100-car production batch and international events, but Shelby American failed to meet the FIA’s production deadline. Remaining unsold full-competition cars were completed as S/C or Semi-Competition Cobras and marketed as the “fastest street car ever built,” with nearly 500 HP on tap in a 2,000-pound roadster. Subsequently, competition and modified street 427 Cobras ruled American tracks and set speed and lap records long after their contemporaries had already retired.

Numbered CSX3270 and listed in the Shelby American World Registry published by the Shelby American Automobile Club (SAAC), this 427 Cobra was converted to S/C appearance in 1971 with the addition of a hood scoop, roll bar, side pipes, competition-type fuel filler, S/C lips to the rear-fender flares and Halibrand wheels. In 1981, CSX3270 was converted to full Competition specifications by Geoff Howard of Accurate Restorations in Danbury, Connecticut. The 427 CI engine was built by expert Joe La Pine of Danbury Competition Engines and included a pair of ported and flowed aluminum heads. The suspension received a full Competition treatment by Howard as well, including boxed and reinforced A-arms, Koni shocks and braided lines, with hardware including bronze bushings, hardened steel-sleeve inserts and grease fittings. Notably, this suspension setup was replicated from that of CSX3002, the first 427 Cobra shipped to the United States and an original Shelby factory team race car that Howard formerly owned.

In addition to its fascinating history and noted former ownership, CSX3270 benefits handsomely from a recent cosmetic and mechanical restoration that was completed in 2022, with virtually no possible expense spared. During the restoration, the aggressive Cobra body was stripped to bare metal, painstakingly prepared and finished in iconic Guardsman Blue, complementing the purposeful Cobra cockpit trimmed in black leather upholstery well. A photo book documenting the restoration accompanies this awesome 427 Shelby Cobra.

This vehicle will be offered at MECUM Auctions annual Kissimmee Florida,  The World’s Largest Collector Car Auction®, along with almost 4,000 cars and thousands of Road Art items.  Taking place January 4-15, 2023.  View more cars and register to bid online at https://drive.mecum.com/kissimmee-2023.

 

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