Shelby Cobra 427 Cobra 1966
General description :
1 Of Only 160 Street Cobras Factory Delivered With A True 427 Engine
Factory Red Exterior With Black Interior
Factory Dual-Quad
Documented Ownership History
True No Stories 427 Cobra
Cosmetic Restoration By LMC
LMC is very proud to offer for sale this 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra. While the 289s were cleaning up against the Ferraris, Shelby knew Enzo would build something for the next season that would be built to beat the Cobra. Shelby had to look ahead to the next season and build something faster. The 289 Cobra could not be made any lighter, so he decided to give the car a larger engine. The first 427 prototype was built on a stiffened 289 chassis, but the small block’s 20-year-old technology could not handle the massive power coming from the new engine. The 427 featured a thick and larger chassis and slightly modified body, but keeping the original 289 doors, windscreen, hood, and trunk lid. By the time the 427 came to life, Ford already had a promising sports car to beat the Ferraris and the GT40. Due to this only two 427 Cobras ever raced for the team was the first prototype CSX2196 and CSX 3002. Shelby made many versions of the original CSX 427 Cobras, of which, only 316 were built in total. There were 19 production full Competition, 31 S/C models and 260 street cars built, of which, roughly 100 of them came with a lower horsepower 428 engine as this was a way for Shelby to save money. The remaining 160 came with the more powerful 427 engines. The 427 Cobra is the ultimate successor to the 289 and "Anything the 289 did poorly, the 427 did well; and anything the 289 did well, the 427 did better".
Billed to Shelby American on 10/27/1965, this 1966 Shelby Cobra was ordered new at Levittown Motors in Levittown, New York. A couple months later on February 2nd, 1966 it arrived at the dealership, Via Airfreight to J.F.K., in the same livery it appears today, Red with Black interior. The first known owner was John Levitt whose family had built the town (Levittown, NY) named after them. It was then sold by Levitt in 1972 to Jim Alter in La Mesa, California. It was listed for sale in 1974 and then purchased by its next caretaker, Greg Schneider from Long Beach, CA. A year later Frank Brown from California purchased this Cobra and restored it. In 1985, it was sold to Mr. Keith Harvie (Agora, CA) who had for four years before selling it to George Poteet (Memphis, TN). In a rare turn of events, it was repurchased in 1996 by Keith Harvie who retained ownership until LMC purchased it in 2013.
In 2013, Legendary Motorcar preformed a cosmetic restoration to the condition seen today. Showcasing its correct original livery of stunning Red over Black interior with the beautiful clean factory delivered look, of a full under car exhaust. The 427 engine is topped with a factory dual quad setup as was the case for the first run of real 427 cars. It still makes a thunderous noise which cannot be mistaken for anything but, a factory built 427 Cobra. The factory style Sunburst wheels are wrapped in Goodyear tires as delivered new, completing the factory original finish of a subtle, yet stunning and the correct look of the iconic street Cobra.
One look at this beautiful example and it is easy to see why they are so sought after and desirable around the globe. This car represents an unique opportunity to obtain a piece of history, that’s survived 50 plus years unharmed unlike so many others. Also a car that not only shows beautifully but, drives just as nicely, well prepared and ready for the attention garnered by a true, genuine factory built 427 Shelby Cobra.
http://www.legendarymotorcar.com/inventory/1966-shelby-427-cobra-1980.aspx
1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Cobra is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Halton Hills by Legendary Motorcar for Not priced.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Shelby Model : Cobra 427 Model Version : Cobra Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1966 Location : Halton Hills
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About Shelby
Carroll Shelby, a legendary figure in the automotive world, had a remarkable journey from being a successful race car driver to becoming a renowned sports car manufacturer in the United States. His story is filled with achievements, innovations, and iconic cars that left an indelible mark on the industry.Early Years and Racing Career:
Carroll Shelby was born in 1923 in Texas. He initially pursued a career as a pilot during World War II but found his true passion in racing after the war. Shelby became a successful race car driver in the 1950s, competing in various events including Formula One, endurance racing, and the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Shelby Cobras - Iconic Sports Cars:
Carroll Shelby's pivotal moment as a manufacturer came with the creation of the Shelby Cobra, an iconic American sports car. The Cobra was born from the fusion of a British AC Ace chassis and a Ford V8 engine, creating a lightweight, high-performance car that dominated tracks and streets alike. Key models include:
Shelby Cobra 260 (1962): The initial version with a 260 cubic inch (4.2L) V8 engine.
Shelby Cobra 289 (1963-1965): Later iterations with a 289 cubic inch (4.7L) V8 engine, including the competition-spec Cobras known for their racing prowess.
Shelby Cobra 427 (1965-1967): The most powerful iteration with a 427 cubic inch (7.0L) V8 engine, known for its raw power and performance.
Ford Partnership - Shelby Mustangs:
Shelby's partnership with Ford led to the creation of legendary Shelby Mustangs. The most notable model is:
Shelby GT350 (1965-1969): Based on the Ford Mustang, the GT350 was modified by Shelby American, featuring enhanced performance, handling, and distinct styling.
Other Notable Models and Achievements:
Beyond the Cobras and Mustangs, Shelby had several other significant contributions:
Shelby Daytona Coupe: Created to win against Ferrari in international GT racing, this car became the first American car to win the FIA GT World Championship in 1965.
Shelby Series 1: Introduced in the late 1990s, this was Shelby's modern take on a high-performance sports car.
Ford GT40 plays a pivotal role in Carroll Shelby's narrative, especially in his connection to Ford and his significant contribution to the car's success.
The Ford GT40 Development:
Ford's Challenge:
In the early 1960s, Henry Ford II sought to acquire Ferrari, but negotiations fell apart. This spurred Ford's determination to beat Ferrari at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race, which Ferrari had dominated for several years.
Collaboration with Shelby:
Ford turned to Carroll Shelby, recognizing his racing expertise and track record. Shelby was tasked with leading the GT40 project and turning it into a competitive race car capable of challenging Ferrari's supremacy.
Development and Triumph:
Under Shelby's guidance, the Ford GT40 underwent rigorous development to address initial design flaws and performance issues. Several iterations were produced:
Early Attempts: The initial versions of the GT40 faced reliability and handling issues, leading to disappointing results at Le Mans in 1964.
GT40 Mark II: Shelby's team made crucial improvements. The Mark II, equipped with a powerful V8 engine, improved aerodynamics, and refined engineering, became highly competitive.
Le Mans Victory:
In 1966, the Ford GT40 Mark II achieved a historic victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with Shelby-coached driver Ken Miles leading the race. This marked the first win for an American manufacturer at Le Mans, breaking Ferrari's dominance.
Continued Success:
The GT40 continued to dominate, winning Le Mans for the following three years (1966-1969), securing its place in racing history and solidifying Ford's reputation as a force in international motorsport.
Shelby's Contribution to the GT40 Success:
While Carroll Shelby wasn't directly involved in designing the GT40, his expertise in racing and his ability to assemble and lead a team of talented engineers, mechanics, and drivers were instrumental in refining the car's performance. His influence helped address technical issues, refine the car's handling, and strategize race tactics, contributing significantly to the GT40's success on the track.
Legacy and Impact:
The Ford GT40's victories at Le Mans under Shelby's guidance remain one of the most iconic achievements in motorsport history. The car's success solidified Shelby's reputation as an automotive visionary and further strengthened his partnership with Ford.
Carroll Shelby's involvement in the GT40 project showcased his ability to transform a struggling project into a championship-winning machine, adding another remarkable chapter to his illustrious career in the automotive world.