1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Roadster

Shelby Cobra 427 with chassis number CSX3205 was Billed to Shelby American on January 4th, 1966, with work order number 18105. The work order was opened on February 24th, 1966, and closed on April 1st, 1966. It was billed to McCafferty Ford of Trenton, New Jersey on April 11th, 1966 for $6,145 for the Primer/black car, less a credit of $150 for 'no paint, primer only', plus freight, $320.00. The was trucked to New Jersey and later sold to Sid Quait of Drexel Hills, Pa. after it had been painted blue. Later in the summer with around 2,000 miles on the odometer, the car was traded back to the dealership due to Quait finding the car uncomfortable for his large size. Frank Solack of Trenton, New Jersey became the car's next owner after trading his lime gold 1967 GT350 for the Cobra.

While in Mr. Solack's care, the car received low-profile 'Indy' tires on Sunburst wheels. In 1971, the car was advertised for sale with 8,000 miles on the odometer. Dan Fitzgerald of Laconia, New Hampshire became the next owner, before it was in turn sold to Kirk White Motorcars of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and subsequently painted and acquired in December of 1972 by Charles Welles. By 1974, the 428 CID engine had been replaced by a 427 CID unit, and the car was registered as having around 12,000 miles.

In 1975, with 14,000 miles on the clock, CSX 3205 was purchased by Andy Harmon of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. While in his care, the car was painted a lighter blue color, with white scallops, pinstripes, center and side-stripes, and 'COBRA 427' spelled out in 4-inch letters. Additional modifications and additions included a full roll bar, hood scoop, Halibrand wheels, chrome side-pipes, and a white hardtop.

Judge DiLoreto purchased the car in October of 1983 with 21,000 miles on the odometer. Recently, it was comprehensively restored by Mike McClusky and received some S/C upgrades, Guardsman blue-like exterior, white Shelby Le Mans Racing stripes and white-painted side exhaust. Currently, the car has 29,000 miles.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2021