Shelby Cobra 427 Cobra 1966
General description :
1 of 15 Factory Black 427 Cobras
Restoration by LMC
1 of Only 160 Street Cobras delivered new with a 427 Engine
Great example retaining its original chassis and aluminum body
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 the use of this, the only 427 to ever race for the team was the first prototype, CSX2196. Shelby made many versions of the original CSX 427 Cobras, of which, only 316 were built in total. There were 19 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".On August, 16, 1965 Shelby American was billed by AC Cars for one 427 Cobra with factory Black paint and interior. Shelby American received delivery of the Cobra in December of 1965 and had the car finished ready for shipment by February, 2, 1966. Jim Hopkins of Illinois became the first owner after the car was air freighted into O'Hare airport. In 1967, Hopkins moved to California where Shelby’s Hi-Performance Motors serviced the car during his ownership. By the late 1960’s, Mike Novik of Michigan became the next known owner of the 427. Novik enjoyed the 427 for several years before he placed it for sale in 1973 with 12,000 actual miles, "perfect in every way". Its third owner, Gordon Walker, took advantage of the car and enjoyed occasional autocross competition in the mid-'70s. Walker took the car to a SOA convention and a Blackhawk farms event where he placed 1st in class on both occasions. Later it would be repainted silver during that period and was sold to Phil Ramey in 1978. During his ownership, Ramey drove the car cross-country at least twice, and stopped in for the 4th and 6th SAAC convention. It wasn’t till 1991 when the car would be restored back to its highly collectible original factory black exterior. After a few subsequent owners, 23 years later and the car remaining in the same general condition, LMC was able to purchase this very special and unique cobra. Over the past few years of ownership, LMC treated the car to a frame on restoration, returning it to its original configuration with attention to detail. Of the 260 big blocks, this is one of only 160 real 427 engine street Cobras and one of only 15 painted in the most desirable color, black. This car retains its original body, chassis and is a true icon of motoring history. With this combination, this car is undoubtedly one of the most desirable street 427 Cobras in the world. Legendary Motorcar has just finished the restoration on this Cobra and has ensured the car looks and feels the same way for its next owner, as it felt for its original owner, over 50 years ago!
http://www.legendarymotorcar.com/inventory/1966-shelby-427-cobra-1632.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.