Vehicle Description
If you're like most gearheads, you know all about the days when
Carroll Shelby modified dainty roadsters in to monstrous sports
cars that made a habit of carving up tracks. That said, as time
progresses, technology progresses. And a product that once existed
as an innovative hot rod from a legendary racer has now birthed a
hyper-competitive, multi-million-dollar replica market. Today, it
takes a serious plan and highly skilled craftsmanship to even think
about sourcing or restoring a world-class Cobra. And when it comes
to world-class, it doesn't get much better than this killer Shelby
CSX4000. Commissioned by Shelby American of Las Vegas, Nevada, this
all-aluminum beast combines storied heritage with killer looks,
excellent build quality and unbeatable provenance. And what's
better: with names like Kroyer, Tremec and Goodyear on its specs
sheet, this professionally-assembled sports car will outperform and
outlast just about anything on the road!
HISTORY/CONDITION
In 1965, amid stiff competition and whimsical homologation rules,
Shelby attempted a total domination of the FIA GT series by
installing a massive Ford 427 in a completely re-engineered AC
chassis. While this creation was a bit crude at the time, it
possessed all the organically frightening charm of a bare-knuckle
collector car. And, even though initial public sales were a bit of
a letdown, authentic 427 S/C's would eventually bring millions at
auction. Today, over 50 years later, big block Cobras are some of
the most valuable cars ever produced. And in the mid-1980s, Las
Vegas's Shelby American decided to honor the icon by authorizing a
lightly updated generation dubbed CSX4000.
Like most premier classics, an interesting story is part of this
Shelby's standard equipment. This Cobra was purchased by a hardcore
enthusiast who, unfortunately, passed away before its completion.
His daughter decided to keep the car, and spent about six years and
1,500 miles enjoying the sweet California sunshine. In May of 2015,
this Shelby, stamped with an emissions-compliant California VIN,
met its second owner: a North Carolina resident who titled it as a
1965 Shelby Replica. And today, roughly 1,300 miles later, the car
roars as a near-mint showpiece that's almost entirely true to how
it rolled out of the assembly shop.
Beginning life as Kirkham aluminum, CSX4259 is a 2-owner gem that,
completed in December of 2009, was assembled by authorized Cobra
builder Tom's Motorsports of Las Vegas, Nevada. The car's $98K body
was dressed in neon yellow 2-stage, which looks particularly
striking behind black quick lifts, black-trimmed headlights and
black-trimmed marker lamps. Behind those torches, a functional hood
scoop leads a black-trimmed windshield, which anchors satin racing
mirrors between polished hood ties, polished wipers and tinted
visors. At the sides of that glass, a "SHELBY 427 S/C" branded
profile bends ceramic-coated side-pipes beneath black heat
extractors and a polished fuel filler. And at the back of the car,
a Shelby-branded trunk centers chrome hardware between a black roll
bar, black quick lifts and traditional taillights.
ENGINE
Prop the lightweight hood and you'll find $43K worth of FE 427 that
was professionally assembled by Las Vegas's Kroyer Racing Engines
in December of 2006. Cast in aluminum, and punched to 468 cubic
inches, that monster stroker twists tough 10.49 to 1 compression
into roughly 580 horsepower! At the top of the buff mill, a K&N
X-Stream air cleaner feeds a big Holley 4-barrel that's tethered to
braided XRP fuel lines and a Shelby aluminum intake. At the sides
of those carbs, aluminum heads, which cap a 4.250 bore and 4.125
stroke, prop polished Ford Racing breathers on finned Shelby valve
covers. At the front of those heads, an MSD distributor, driven by
a mechanical roller cam, sequences spark between an MSD Blaster 2
coil and loomed MSD Super Conductor plug wires. Beneath those
wires, ceramic-coated headers roll charred dinosaurs in to rowdy
side-pipes. In front of those headers, billet pulleys spin a modern
alternator next to an aluminum Shelby water pump. Speaking of
water, a big Fluidyne radiator utilizes silver tubes to circulate
coolant around two pusher fans, a large SPAL puller fan and a
snazzy expansion tank. Speaking of fluids, lubrication is handled
by a wet-sump oiling system. And you'll be happy to know that the
clean V8 has been properly seated in a clean aluminum bay.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Since we're throwing around numbers, I'll go ahead and add another
$67K. That's what it took to source and install this Cobra's
world-class drivetrain. Fully sorted and completely detailed, this
sub-2,400-pound roadster's 4-inch tube frame and fully independent
suspension are ready to hit the toughest track you can find. The
buff 427 twists torque to a slick Tremec TKO600 5-speed, which
wraps a quality Centerforce clutch and hydraulic Tilton throwout
bearing in a tough Lakewood bellhousing. At the corners, vented
discs combine with dual-piston Shelby calipers to provide
confidence-inspiring stops. Modern rack-and-pinion steering makes
low speed parking almost as easy as high speed sweeps. Power meets
the pavement via Cobra Racing knock-offs, which spin 26.5x8.0-15
Goodyear Eagle Sport Car Specials in front of 26.5x10.5-15 Goodyear
Eagle Sport Car Specials. And everything, from the car's beefy sway
bars and coil-over-shocks to its aluminum floors and Aviaid oil
pan, looks essentially brand new.
INTERIOR
Earlier, we said this Cobra is almost entirely true to how it
rolled out of the assembly shop. That wording was carefully chosen
because, during its first owner's tenure, the car was upgraded with
a nice pair of leather door panels. Yes, that's the only
modification we know of. And, while minor, it's certainly worth
mentioning. Firm bucket seats stretch tight leather hides under
2-point Simpson safety harnesses. A leather-wrapped dash founds
clean Carroll Shelby telemetry beside a small build plaque. At the
sides of that dash, lightweight doors feature traditional chrome
handles. Below those doors, fade-free carpet frames a polished hand
brake next to a polished shifter. In front of the driver, a quick
release steering wheel spins a classy Cobra logo inside polished
spokes and an ornate wood rim. And behind the passenger, dual
Optima batteries front a surprisingly spacious trunk that's framed
in attractive aluminum paneling.
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION
Build invoices
A copy of the car's Statement of Origin
A copy of a previous Title
The car's Shelby Registry entry
Fully sorted and ready to turn your dreams into reality, this
awesome Shelby embodies the unique combination of performance and
style every car builder dreams about. From its timeless aluminum
body to its comfortable leather cockpit, there simply aren't many
nicer Cobras out there. If you're looking for a striking show queen
that's an absolute blast to drive, come claim this impressive 427
S/C!
SUMMARY
Authentic, 2-owner CSX4000 continuation Cobra
Professional build completed in 2009
468 cubic inch Kroyer Racing Engines stroker motor / All-aluminum
construction
Aluminum body / Leather interior
Tremec TKO600 5-speed manual transmission
Sale includes: Build invoices/ A copy of the car's Statement of
Origin / The car's Shelby Registry entry
Shelby 4-wheel disc brakes
Rack-and-pinion steering
Shelby 4-inch tube frame / Shelby independent suspension
15-inch Cobra Racing knock-off wheels