AC

Shelby Cobra 427

VIN : CSX3328

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.

A Unique Masterpiece: Chassis CSX3328

Among the limited production of 260 Cobra 427 units, Chassis CSX3328 stands out as a shining example of the model’s pedigree and appeal. Built on November 7th, 1966, this car was initially delivered to the United States before beginning a remarkable journey through time:

1.The Early Years

Originally sent to a member of General Motors’ management, CSX3328 was later imported to England in 1971 by Hexagon Motors, where it starred in a road test for Autocar magazine. The testers were blown away by its incredible speed, acceleration, and presence, cementing its reputation as one of the most thrilling cars of the time.

2.Custodians of Excellence

Over the years, the car passed through the hands of notable collectors, including John Cooper, Edd Hubbard, and Kevin Pilling, each contributing to its legacy. From private collections to hill-climbing races, CSX3328 has seen both the glamour of display and the thrill of competition.

3.Impeccable Restoration

The current owner, based in Switzerland, invested in an extensive restoration to return the car to its original red exterior with black leather interior. This process included high-performance upgrades to enhance the Shelby engine block, ensuring the Cobra not only looks stunning but also performs to its original, exhilarating standards.

The Cobra 427: A Perfect Fusion of Power and Elegance

The Cobra 427 wasn’t just a car—it was a statement. Carroll Shelby’s formula of combining European precision engineering with American brute force resulted in a car capable of outperforming nearly anything on the road or track. With a 7.0-liter Ford V8 engine, producing 410 horsepower, the Cobra 427 could accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 4.0 seconds, reaching a top speed of 265 km/h (165 mph). Its wide fenders, aggressive stance, and side-mounted exhaust pipes became instantly recognizable hallmarks of this powerful machine.

Founded in 1901, AC Cars built its reputation on craftsmanship and engineering excellence, crafting lightweight, precision-engineered vehicles that stood out for their innovation. However, it was the collaboration with Carroll Shelby that catapulted AC Cars into the global spotlight, resulting in the creation of the Cobra 427, one of the most iconic and celebrated cars in automotive history.

For Shelby, the Cobra 427 was the realization of a bold vision: to create a world-class performance car that combined the agility and design sophistication of European engineering with the raw power of an American V8. This perfect fusion led to a machine that not only dominated the roads but also earned its place in racing history. With its powerful 7.0-liter Ford V8 engine, the Cobra 427 redefined what a sports car could achieve, becoming a benchmark for speed, design, and engineering.

The legacy of the Cobra 427 extended far beyond its immediate success. Its groundbreaking design and unparalleled performance inspired generations of sports car manufacturers and enthusiasts, leaving a lasting imprint on the automotive world. With its limited production and rich racing pedigree, the Cobra 427 remains one of the most desirable collector cars ever produced. Surviving examples, like the meticulously restored Chassis CSX3328, continue to fetch admiration and respect wherever they appear, whether at Concours events or on the track, embodying the spirit of innovation and ambition that defined the era.