The Shelby Cobra is a regular sight at auto shows thanks to the thriving replica business, but original cars are extremely rare – and the 1965 Shelby 427 Competition Cobra is up for auction next month. is one of the rarest Cobras.
This car, bearing chassis number CSX3006 and featuring an original aluminum body, is one of only 23 models, and it will be featured at Mecum’s auction to coincide with Monterey Car Week in 2022.
After American Shelby founder Carroll Shelby achieved success installing a small 289cc Ford V-8 onto the lightweight AC Ace chassis to create the Cobra, he raised the bar with the 427. large block. The larger, more powerful engine required a redesigned chassis, and the bodywork was also revised with larger fenders and a front air intake.
1965 Shelby 427 Competition Cobra with chassis no. CSX3006 – Image source: Mecum
The cars proved their power on the track in the early 1960s, dominating SCCA’s A-Production class, for example. Naturally, Shelby wanted to race the car on purpose, which led to the 427 Competition Cobra race car. For the FIA analogy, 100 examples need to be constructed. Shelby only received 56 cars, so the project was boxed.
Shelby then began converting the Competition Cobras for road use. He did this with 31 of the cars tagged S/C, denoting them as “Semi-Competitive” cars. A total of 23 cars remained within the Competition specifications and usually ended with their own race.
Chassis no. The CSX3006 was originally ordered by William Freeman of Muncie, Indiana, in a custom metallic blue with gold stripes. Freeman took delivery in 1965 and entered the car that year in two SCCA races before receiving a contract to race with a team in Europe, so the Competition Cobra was sold, initially to an Air Force officer American troops stationed in France, then the British race. checkered flag team in 1966.
1965 Shelby 427 Competition Cobra with chassis no. CSX3006 – Image source: Mecum
The car entered a number of races in 1966 at various locations, including at Goodwood and Brands Hatch. During its lifetime, it has also been raced by three Formula 1 drivers: Chris Irwin, David Piper and Bob Bondurant. Of his races, the Ilford Films 500 held in 1966 at Brands Hatch was the best result, with Piper and Bondurant taking home the win. The FIA World Sportscar Championship race in Zeltweg, Austria, in late 1966 will be the car’s last race.
No estimate for the car has been given, but you can count on the final bid to run into the millions, given its rarity and racing history. We will remind you that there is no frame. CSX2000, the first Cobra, on sale for 13.75 million USD in 2016, and also no chassis. CSX2601, Daytona Cobra Coupe became the first American car to win the international title, sold for $7.25 million in 2009.
The Mecum Auction in Monterey runs from August 18 to 20. There will also be a trio of Ferrari LaFerrari prototypes go under the hammer. Other highlights will include a McLaren Saberone 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 formerly owned by Paul Walker and a 1936 Duesenberg Model J.
