AC

AC

Shelby Cobra 427

VIN : CSX3300

VIN : CSX3300

The Cobra 427 is a legendary sports car that perfectly blends raw power, timeless design, and unmatched performance. Created through the collaboration of AC Cars and Carroll Shelby, the Cobra 427 has become an icon of 1960s automotive engineering. Its lightweight aluminum body, paired with a powerful 7.0-liter V8 engine, made the Cobra 427 a dominant force on the road and track.

The Cobra 427 wasn’t just about speed; it was a statement of innovation and ambition. With only 260 units produced, the Cobra 427remains a highly coveted collector’s item. Whether admired for its muscular design or its blistering acceleration, the Cobra 427 continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike.

The Origins of the Cobra

The Cobra’s story begins with AC Cars, one of Britain’s oldest automakers, which had gained acclaim for its lightweight and nimble AC Ace. This car, however, needed more power to compete globally. Enter Carroll Shelby, the American racing driver who had famously won Le Mans in 1959 and was seeking to create a world-class performance car. Shelby envisioned marrying the light, agile chassis of the AC Ace with a powerful American V8 engine.

This bold idea materialized in 1962, when Shelby sourced Ford’s 260 cubic inch V8 to power the first prototype. The result was an exhilarating sports car that quickly evolved through multiple iterations. By 1965, the Cobra MkIII had arrived, featuring a redesigned chassis to accommodate the colossal 427 cubic inch (7.0-liter) Ford V8 engine. With its widened body, aggressive styling, and incredible performance, the Cobra 427 became a true “supercar” of its era.

The Legendary AC Shelby Cobra 427 (CSX3300)

The AC Shelby Cobra 427 is one of the most celebrated and legendary sports cars of all time. Born from a collaboration between British craftsmanship and raw American muscle, it remains a symbol of performance, style, and exclusivity. Among the highly sought-after examples, chassis CSX3300 stands out as a pristine and historically significant vehicle, meticulously maintained and with a well-documented provenance.

A Legacy of Power and Performance

The Cobra 427 was developed in the mid-1960s as an evolution of the original AC Cobra. With input from Carroll Shelby, the goal was to create a lightweight sports car that could rival the most powerful European manufacturers of the time. The 427 version was fitted with a monstrous 7.0L Ford V8 engine, producing between 425 and 500 horsepower, depending on the tuning. With its tubular steel chassis and aluminum body, the Cobra 427 was incredibly lightweight, making it one of the fastest road-legal cars of its era. Its acceleration was blistering, reaching 0-60 mph in approximately four seconds, while its top speed exceeded 165 mph. This combination of brute force and refined engineering solidified the Cobra’s place in motorsport and collector car history.

The Unique History of CSX3300

Chassis CSX3300 has a particularly interesting history, as it was initially registered in the United Kingdom before later being imported to Switzerland. This transition from one country to another is not uncommon for highly desirable collector cars, but the extensive documentation of CSX3300 provides an exceptional level of authenticity. The 2007 UK Registration Certificate officially recognized the vehicle, confirming its legitimacy as an original AC Shelby Cobra 427. Years later, in 2019, it was officially registered in Switzerland, where it has been kept in outstanding condition ever since.

Throughout its life, CSX3300 has undergone multiple technical inspections to ensure its continued roadworthiness. A series of MOT tests conducted over the years demonstrates that the car has been regularly maintained and remains in pristine driving condition. Each MOT certification serves as proof that the vehicle has not only been preserved for display but has also been mechanically kept to the highest standard.

Maintenance and Preservation

Maintaining a classic sports car of this caliber requires specialized attention, and CSX3300 is no exception. Over the years, it has undergone a series of professional maintenance services and restorations, performed by highly skilled experts in classic car preservation. Records show that extensive work was carried out in 2018, with various service invoices documenting the meticulous care taken to keep the car in optimal condition. From routine servicing to more complex mechanical adjustments, every aspect of CSX3300 has been handled with precision to ensure that it retains its original performance characteristics and historical integrity.

The Cobra 427 is known for its aggressive road presence, thanks to its wide-body design, side exhausts, and distinctive racing heritage. Keeping a car like CSX3300 in top shape requires more than just routine maintenance—it demands a commitment to authenticity. Every detail, from its polished aluminum bodywork to the roar of its V8 engine, has been preserved to ensure that it remains a true representation of what Carroll Shelby originally envisioned.

Owning a Shelby Cobra 427 is a dream for many enthusiasts, but owning an original, documented chassis like CSX3300 is an entirely different level of prestige. The Cobra’s reputation as a high-performance, race-bred machine has only grown over the decades, with values for genuine examples continuously appreciating. What makes CSX3300 even more desirable is its traceable history, confirmed provenance, and excellent mechanical condition.

For collectors, originality is key. The presence of historical records such as registration certificates, MOT test results, and detailed maintenance invoices ensures that CSX3300 is not just another Cobra replica but a legitimate piece of automotive history. The fact that it has been properly maintained and remains in impeccable driving condition makes it an ideal acquisition for those seeking an investment-grade classic.

Conclusion

CSX3300 is more than just a car—it is a rolling testament to the ingenuity, craftsmanship, and raw performance that made the Shelby Cobra 427 an icon. From its early days in the UK to its careful preservation in Switzerland, this particular chassis carries a story worth telling. Whether roaring down an open road or sitting as a centerpiece in a prestigious collection, CSX3300 is the embodiment of everything that makes the Shelby Cobra one of the most revered sports cars of all time.


SPECIFICATIONS

NUMBER PRODUCED

260 units

DATE OF DELIVERY

1966

CHASSIS TYPE

Tubular steel with aluminum body panels

LENGTH

3,785 mm (149 inches)

WIDTH

1,727 mm (68 inches)

HEIGHT

1,219 mm (48 inches)

WEIGHT

1,050 kg (2,315 lbs)

ENGINE

Ford 7.0-liter V8 (427ci)

POWER

410 hp @ 5,600 RPM

TORQUE

651 Nm (480 lb-ft) @ 3,700 RPM

0-60 MPH

4 seconds

TOP SPEED

265 km/h (165 mph)


GALLERY


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