7 Things to Know About the Shelby 427 Cobra
The Shelby 427 Cobra is one of the most iconic symbols of American sports cars. The most replicated car in history, its legacy has endured for nearly 60 years. It is coveted by collectors and enthusiasts, and for good reason.
The History of the Shelby 427 Cobra
Carroll Shelby was known for his love of putting powerful V8 engines into racecars and creating new, beastly vehicles meant to dominate the track. The original Shelby Cobra, like most of his initial concepts, was not meant to handle a Ford 427 FE V8 engine. That didn’t stop Shelby, however!
The need to build the Shelby 427 Cobra came after the 1963 Nassau Speed Week. This race was the first time a Corvette went head-to-head with a Shelby Cobra. The Corvette won due to a minor bolt failing on the Shelby. This was a devastating loss for the Shelby American team, “It was a public embarrassment that [Carroll] Shelby would not forget.”
Loss always fueled Shelby, and this was no exception. Shelby and Ford set out to create a new car that would redeem this loss and further solidify their legacy.
Racing Legacy
The Shelby 427 Cobra’s racing debut went off with a bang, validating Shelby’s vision for on-track dominance. It first debuted at the Brands Hatch Ilford 500 in 1966, driven by Bob Bondurant (the Shelby American Team driver who won the team’s FIA World Championship in 1965) and legendary driver David Piper. The team was victorious.
The Shelby 427 Cobra competed in a few other races and won the 1967 and 1969 SCCA National Cumberland.
Design and Performance Specifications of the Shelby 427 Cobra
In order to accomplish his wild vision of fitting this powerful big block engine into the Cobra roadster, Shelby had to redesign and modify the frame, body, and chassis. The frame and body also needed to be reimagined to allow for better torque handling and bigger wheels and tires. By making these modifications in partnership with Ford in Detroit, as well as creating an entirely new suspension, the car finally stood a chance in handling a V8.
The 427 was a powerful new edition of the Cobra. It boasted 425 horsepower at 6,000 RPM. The semi-competition model could hit 185 mph, while the Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake clocked in at an impressive 201 mph.
Unique Design Features
The 427 Cobra was equipped with the world’s first computer-designed chassis with Dual A-arm, four-wheel coil-over independent suspension. The impressive, lightweight frame featured hand-laid fiberglass and hand-formed aluminum, making for a more aerodynamic shape, which contributed to its high-speed capabilities. Its unique design, with its wide fenders and large radiator, made it an instant classic when it first appeared on the scene.
Shelby 427 Cobra in Popular Culture
It comes as no surprise that Carroll Shelby’s iconic cars have graced the big and small screens for decades. From movies to TV shows, Mustangs to Cobras, these classic cars always make a splash on screen. The Shelby 427 Cobra has been cemented in Hollywood history through such films and shows as Gumball Rally (1976), Ironman (2008), Bad Boys (1995), Batman Forever (1995), Mischief: Joyride (2009), Legends of Tomorrow (2016), and The F.B.I. (1965).
Celebrity Ownership
Many celebrities have a fondness for collecting rare cars. The Shelby 427 Cobra is among one of the rarest and most sought-after cars for collectors. Paul Walker owned a 427, specifically one that Shelby himself built in the late 1990s. Celebrities who own a 427 Cobra include: Jean Todt, the former president of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile; Nicolas Cage; Lewis Hamilton; Jay Leno; and Tim Allen. Steve McQueen once borrowed a 427 Cobra from Shelby himself!
Collecting Shelby 427 Cobra Today
Original Shelby 427 Cobras are extremely rare. Carroll Shelby’s personal Super Snake version — the last remaining one — sold for $5.5 million in 2021. If you want to purchase a 427 Cobra, expect to pay close to or above $1 million. The highest quality condition Shelby 427 Cobras typically sell for $1–2 million, with the worst condition models selling for $750,000.
There is a line of Shelby Continuation Cobras that are in a far more modest price range, however. You can learn more about these models and contact the Shelby Team here.
Honor the Shelby 427 Cobra at the Shelby Store
The Shelby 427 Cobra started as most iconic cars do — with a dream and an unwavering vision. Carroll Shelby, Ford, and the Shelby American Dream set out to make a powerful car, one whose design and capabilities had never been seen before. As with all of Shelby’s innovations, the 427 Cobra exceeded expectations and quickly became a legacy in its own right. The rarity of these cars makes them even more coveted by collectors and enthusiasts alike. You can own a piece of the Shelby 427 Cobra legacy through the Shelby Store! Check out our collection of Shelby 427 Cobra gifts, collectibles, apparel, and more.
|
