Exterior Photos
1966 Shelby Cobra 427
Roadster
Chassis Num: CSX 3162
 
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 289 Cobra. This was soon superseded by the legendary 427 Cobra.

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 with CSX 3162 was completed on August 18th of 1965. It was painted in red and given a black interior. It was sent to Shelby American via the S.S. Risanger.

The cars first owner was Edward Karees in the spring of 1966. It remained in his care for years. In August of 1986 it was sold to Allan D. Weiss. Weiss kept the car for 20 years until 2006 when it was sold to a noted muscle car collector.

This is a very original car that was given a re-paint during the mid-1980s. It retains its original 427 engine with dual four-barrel carburetors. It rides on six-spoke Halibrand alloy wheels, while the original wheels are kept in the current owner's possession.

This car has not been raced, crashed, or abused like so many Cobra's. It has had only three owners since new, with two of those being very long term care.

In 2007 this Cobra was brought to the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, CA where it was estimated to sell for $800,000 - $900,000. Sadly, the lot failed to find an interested buyer willing to satisfy the cars reserve. The car was left unsold.

AuctionGooding & Company
Estimated Value:$800,000-$900,000 
Lot was not sold

EventGroup 
Gooding & Company1966-1969