1967 Shelby Cobra 427 Roadster

The Cobra enjoyed a very long production lifespan through its multiple fiddles' it played; it began life as a Tojiero-Bristol, than an A.C. Ace, followed by the Ace Bristol and finally the Ace Ford. Just as it was ending its production life, Carroll Shelby breathed new life with the iconic Cobra. The 260 cubic-inch pushrod V8 engine produced 260 horsepower. It was mated to a four-speed manual Ford transmission which drove the 2,000 pound Cobra. Only minor modifications to the A.C. body and chassis were required. Stronger wire wheels were fitted and the leaf-spring independent suspension was little changed. The bigger 289 Ford V8 was substituted for the 260 and in 1963 the Bishop cam steering gear was replaced by rack-and-pinion.

In the capable hands of Ken Miles, Lew Spencer, and Bob Holbert, the Cobra's were able to outpace the more exotic marques.

More power was needed to battle the big-block Corvettes and other high-potent racers of the day, so Shelby turned to Ford with their 427 cid V8. It would be placed in the belly of the Cobra, but several significant modifications were needed before the vehicle could be safely operated. The original ladder frame, with its transverse leaf springs, had been designed for an 85-hosrepower engine. The 400 horsepower 427 was more than the setup could handle. Using Ford's computers, a much stiffer chassis with four-wheel independent coil-spring suspension was devised. The updates continued, with the removal of the six-inch wire wheels for much wider Halibrand magnesium wheels. Since the larger wheels would not fit under the standard fenders, the craftsmen at the A.C. factory in England gave the Cobra fender flares. In the front, a large front inlet was shaped to provide air to cool the engine. The result of these aesthetic changes was an aggressive appearance on a small, potent vehicle.

This 427 Cobra is CSX 3294 and houses a 427 cubic-inch V8 engine that is reported to produce an estimated 520 horsepower. It was damaged in the 1960s in a road accident and put away for many years. The disassembled car was later acquired by David Yanoff who began an extensive rebuilt. It was ultimately treated to a complete nut-and-bolt restoration by expert Geoff howard of Cobra Automotive of Wallingford, Connecticut.

During the restoration it was given the correct alloy S/C brake calipers, 36-gallon fuel tank, differential oil pump, transmission oil pump, factory roll bar and side pumps.

It is correct in every detail, has an outside fuel filler, a proper 427 'side-oiler' engine built to LeMans specifications, correct Halibrand wheels, 'quick jack' fittings in both front and rear, and a riveted hood scoop.

This car has been apart of the Michael Hammer Collection and was shown just once in 2007 where it was a class winner at the Beverly Hills Classics for Charity Show. Since the restoration in 2000, it has traveled a mere 300 miles.

In 2007 this 427 Cobra was brought to the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, CA where it was estimated to sell for $750,000 - $850,000. Sadly, a buyer willing to satisfy the vehicles reserve was not found and the car left the auction unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2008