To Be OFFERED AT AUCTIONEstimate:
$400,000 - $500,000
- Desirable 'Sanction II' Cobra
- Modern build utilizing one of the remaining 427 S/C chassis
numbers
- Presents in as-new condition just five miles
- High-quality, thick gauge aluminum body
- Shelby 427 FE 429 cu. in. V-8 with 550 hp and 540-ft. lbs.
torque
- Iconic American design with exciting performance
After the success of the 289 Cobra both on and off the track,
Carroll Shelby wanted to maintain the Cobra's top-ranking position.
In the traditional Shelby "go big or go home" attitude, the company
designed an entirely new car. The big block Cobra was conceived by
driver Ken Miles, who wanted the second-generation car to be both
more powerful and better handling. Shelby American and Ford Motor
Company designed an entirely new coil spring suspension and a
stronger frame to accommodate the increase in weight and power. At
Ford's behest, Shelby fitted a 427 NASCAR based engine into the
model.
Shelby's goal was to dominate the FIA GT class of racing with the
new 427 Cobra. To qualify as a production car for the GT class each
manufacturer is required to produce a minimum of 100 completed
cars. In January 1965, the new CSX 3000 series Cobra was unveiled.
In April of 1965 when FIA inspectors visited both Shelby and
Ferrari, neither had the required 100 cars completed. Ferrari had
only produced 15 of the 275 LM cars and Shelby had 51 427 Cobras
sitting on the tarmac at his Los Angeles airport facility. With
certification denied, Shelby had no motivation to build 100 total
cars.
In 2014, the Carroll Shelby Trust elected to finish the remaining
427 S/C chassis numbers. To avoid federal and state safety issues,
as well as EPA requirements for new model year vehicles, Shelby
offered these as 'Sanction II' cars, fully completed 427 S/C
vehicles including a period correct side oiler engine. They are
pure race cars built to the GT class specs necessary for Shelby
American to compete for the 1966 FIA World Championship.
The 427 FE 429 cu. in. V-8 engine runs through four-speed manual
gearbox. The Shelby features the original-style swept forward
shifter, horn button, Raydyot mirrors and Lucas headlights to add
to the overall authenticity. It comes with an MSO, listing it as a
1965 Cobra signed by the late Carroll Shelby. This authentic Shelby
Cobra is in "as new" condition with five miles on the odometer and
comes with an official CSX number. To view this car and others
currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/0520.