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Shelby Cobra 427 427 V8 1965

General description : If you're like most gearheads, you know all about the days when Carroll Shelby modified dainty roadsters in to monstrous sports cars that made a habit of carving up tracks. That said, as time progresses, technology progresses. And a product that once existed as an innovative hot rod from a legendary racer has now birthed a hyper-competitive, multi-million-dollar replica market. Today, it takes a serious plan and highly skilled craftsmanship to even think about sourcing or restoring a world-class Cobra. And when it comes to world-class, it doesn't get much better than this killer Shelby CSX4000. Commissioned by Shelby American of Las Vegas, Nevada, this all-aluminum beast combines storied heritage with killer looks, excellent build quality and unbeatable provenance. And what's better: with names like Kroyer, Tremec and Brembo on its specs sheet, this professionally-assembled sports car will outperform, and outlast, just about any classic on the road!
HISTORY/CONDITION
In 1965, amid stiff competition and whimsical homologation rules, Shelby attempted a total domination of the FIA GT series by installing a massive Ford 427 in a completely re-engineered AC chassis. While this creation was a bit crude at the time, it possessed all the organically frightening charm of a bare-knuckle collector car. And, even though initial public sales were a bit of a letdown, authentic 427 S/C's would eventually bring millions at auction. Today, over 50 years later, big block Cobras are some of the most valuable cars ever produced. And in the mid-1980s, Las Vegas's Shelby American decided to honor the icon by authorizing a lightly updated generation dubbed CSX4000.
Equipped with an official Shelby American VIN, CSX4390 is a fully sorted gem that's listed in the 4th Edition of the World Registry of Cobras and GT40s. The car was professionally assembled by Las Vegas's Finishline Motorsports and sold to its first owner, a California gentleman, for a cool $250K. A large chunk of that 6-figure value was this Shelby's all-aluminum body, which, during the build, was dressed in silky silver 2-stage that looks particularly striking behind Gloss Black racing stripes. Those stripes reflect necessities like locking latches, satin quick lifts, stainless-trimmed lighting and a polished roll bar. And those necessities are flanked by niceties like Cobra wind wings, a polished fuel filler, tinted visors and tinted glass that's cleared by polished wipers.
ENGINE Without a doubt, this Cobra is as close to a 1965 S/C as you can get. And nowhere is that more evident than under the hood, where you'll find $50K worth of serialized Shelby big block that was professionally assembled by the award-winning staff of Kroyer Racing Engines. At the top of that 427 cubic inch, all-aluminum mill, ITG air cleaners, wired to an IR intake, feed spry TWM fuel injection that's built around 58mm injectors. That ported and matched intake floods ported and polished heads, which hide stainless valves, chromoly pushrods and hydraulic roller lifters under silver breathers and finned Shelby valve covers. Beneath those heads, a CNC-machined block cages a billet steel crank, which spins Carrillo rods and JE forged pistons around a custom-grind hydraulic roller cam. At the front of that cam, a quality MSD distributor sequences spark between an MSD Blaster 2 coil and loomed MSD Super Conductor plug wires. Beneath those wires, ceramic-coated headers roll charred dinosaurs in to ceramic-coated side-pipes. In front of those headers, Cloyes double-roller timing components complement an aluminum Edelbrock water pump that's finished with a billet pulley. Speaking of water, a big Fluidyne radiator circulates coolant around requisite pusher fans, a large SPAL puller fan and a monochromatic expansion tank. Speaking of fluids, lubrication is handled by a wet-sump oiling system. And you'll be happy to know that the clean V8 has been properly seated in a clean aluminum bay.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
One of the best things about buying a professionally built, Shelby-designed Cobra is the impressive hardware underneath. Fully sorted and completely detailed, this sub-2,400-pound roadster's 4-inch tube frame and fully independent suspension are ready to hit the toughest track you can find. The buff 427 twists torque to a tough Tremec 5-speed. At the corners, slotted discs combine with beefy Brembo calipers to provide confidence-inspiring stops. Modern rack-and-pinion steering makes low speed parking almost as easy as high-speed sweeps. Power meets the pavement via Shelby American knock-offs, which spin 235/60R15 Goodyear Eagle GTIIs in front of 295/50R15 Goodyear Eagle GTIIs. And everything, from the car's beefy sway bar and Aviaid oil pan to its aluminum floors and Aeromotive fuel filter, looks essentially brand new.
INTERIOR
Between the doors, it's all purpose all the time, as supple leather and fresh carpet culminate in a simple yet attractive driving environment. Front and center, deep bucket seats pin soft pleats under 2-point Simpson safety harnesses. Looking forward, a leather-wrapped dash frames sedate Shelby American telemetry under a polished mirror. Below that dash, an angled shifter pivots next to a polished hand brake. And in front of the driver, a classy wood steering wheel spins polished spokes around a Cobra-branded steering wheel emblem.
Fully sorted and ready to turn your dreams into reality, this awesome Shelby embodies the unique combination of performance and style every car builder dreams about. From its timeless aluminum body to its comfortable leather cockpit, there simply aren't many nicer Cobras out there. If you're looking for a striking show queen that's an absolute blast to drive, come claim this impressive CSX4000!
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SUMMARY
* Professionally assembled Shelby CSX4000 continuation Cobra * Listed in the 4th Edition of the World Registry of Cobras and GT40s * Shelby-commissioned aluminum body / Painted racing stripes * Professionally assembled 427 cubic inch Shelby FE V8 / All-aluminum construction * Leather interior * Tremec 5-speed manual transmission * Brembo 4-wheel disc brakes * Rack-and-pinion steering * Shelby 4-inch tube frame / Shelby independent suspension * 15-inch Shelby Knock-Off Wheels

https://www.rkmotors.com/vehicles/2890/1965-shelby-cobra-csx-4000

1965 Shelby Cobra 427 427 V8 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Charlotte by Donald Berard for $219900.

 

Car Facts

Car type : Car Make : Shelby Model : Cobra 427 Model Version : 427 V8 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1965 Location : Charlotte

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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.