Vehicle Description
From the moment Carroll Shelby hatched the idea to shoehorn an
American V8 engine into the lithe British-built AC Ace chassis,
motorsport played an integral role in the project. The small-block
Shelby Cobra (sold as the AC Cobra in the UK) was an overnight
sensation on the street and the race track, with the agile little
roadsters, handily showing competitors like the Chevy Corvette a
clean pair of heels in SCCA competition. By the mid-1960s, the
Cobra roadster and specially-developed Daytona Coupe took on the
might of Ferrari in the hotly-contested FIA GT Championship, coming
out on top of the world at the end of the 1965 season. All along,
however, the quest for more power weighed heavily on the minds of
Carroll Shelby and his right-hand man, Ken Miles. The 289 had
reached the peak of its development, maxing out at 385 reliable
horsepower, but they knew the Cobra needed a lot more grunt to stay
at the sharp end of the field. Ken Miles retreated to the drawing
board after an uncharacteristic embarrassment handed down by the
Grand Sport Corvettes during the 1963 Nassau Speed Week. A past
drive in a 427-powered NASCAR Galaxie left an impression on Miles,
and he felt the big block would pair perfectly with the lightweight
Cobra. Shelby tested a hastily built prototype using 289 suspension
at Sebring, and despite woeful handling, it proved to be
blisteringly fast in a straight line. Its performance convinced
Shelby, Miles, and Ford that the 427 would power the next
generation of Cobra cars. Considerable development followed as the
Cobra chassis was substantially reworked to handle the additional
weight and power of the big Ford V8. Ford offered the services of
its chassis engineers to assist Miles, working within the 90-inch
wheelbase to match AC's body jigs. Chassis tube diameter increased
to four inches, and the antiquated leaf-spring arrangement was
tossed out in favor of an all-new, fully adjustable coil-spring
setup at all four corners. Designers reworked the body with
dramatic flared wheel arches to accommodate the fat rubber required
to put the power to the ground. With the new chassis, the 427 Cobra
had comparable handling to the 289, coupled with astonishing
straight-line performance. Few cars could touch the 427 Cobra's
near-mythical performance for decades to come. The original 427
Cobra remains one of the greatest sports cars ever built, enjoying
a permanent place among automotive royalty. Chassis number CSX 3254
is a highly-desirable 427 Cobra roadster presented in superb
condition with a specialist restoration and well-documented history
from new. According to published registry information, AC Cars Ltd
billed Shelby American for the rolling chassis on April 12, 1966.
Build records indicate it was finished in silver over black leather
upholstery and equipped with sunburst wheels and an optional
hardtop. After completion, Shelby invoiced Herb Tousley Ford of
White Bear Lake, Minnesota, on July 7, 1966, and it was delivered
to the first owner, Dr. Tom Austin of neighboring St. Paul. CSX
3254 falls within the VIN range for Cobras equipped with Ford's 428
Interceptor engine. Shelby did not stamp big-block engines to
correspond with chassis numbers, and all were badged and sold as
427 Cobras regardless of engine fitment. In 1969, Dr. Austin
advertised the car locally, describing it as"...silver over black,
12,000 miles by original owner. Carefully maintained and never
raced."The next known owner was Fred Schiplin of Annandale,
Minnesota. He noted in the late 1970s that the car was still in its
original specification and color and showed approximately 40,000
miles at the time. By the early 1980s, the car had been restored,
receiving the 427 c.i. Cobra engine at some point along the way.
While in the ownership of George Gillett of Nashville, Tennessee,
it was handed to the respected experts at Cobra Restorers of
Kennesaw, Georgia, restored in maroon over black and fitted with
black side pipes and Halibrand knock-off wheels, both popular
modifications. By the early 2000s, it found a welcome home with
noted Shelby and Cobra restoration expert Tony Branda of Altoona,
Pennsylvania. Within the last few years, CSX 3254 received a
well-researched restoration performed by a marque specialist.
Photos show the 427 c.i. V8 was rebuilt and fitted with rare
originalLe Mansrods and an updated roller-rocker valvetrain. It is
topped with original valve covers, a low-rise intake with twin
four-barrel carbs, and proper Stelling & Helling air filters.
Restorers fabricated new headers and exhaust system, which now
correctly runs under the car, exiting at the rear. Photos also show
the frame is accurately restored in satin black, and the suspension
is fully rebuilt and restored, with a detailed rear diff and
correct red Koni dampers. Concurrently, the body was stripped to
bare metal, repaired as necessary, and refinished in its current
shade of black over a black leather cockpit. CSX 3254 remains in
superb condition, with most original body numbers intact, excellent
paintwork, polished Halibrand knock-off wheels, and factory-correct
finishes and detailing. Carroll Shelby's 427 Cobra is an iconic,
legendary, near-mythical beast, and CSX 3254 presents a rare
opportunity to add a truly outstanding example to your stable.
Titled as a 1967 Cobra Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7318-1967-shelby-cobra/
