Fantasy Junction

Description

1966 Shelby 427 Cobra
s/n CSX3283
Green with Black Interior

Highlights of this Cobra

One of just 260 factory-built coil spring Cobras
Documented original ownership history with original delivery sheet

History

Without question, the Shelby Cobra continues to be one of the most iconic sports cars of the post war era. Since its release, the Cobra mystique has continuously captivated generations of enthusiasts. Though the 289 was the first in the series of Cobras, the legend was further cemented for posterity when the powerful 427 arrived. Critical to their ongoing success years after release, numerous post-original Cobras have been built, driven, and modified in keeping with the spirit of Shelby American. But the original 427 Cobra still reigns as the ultimate examples of one of the greatest American sports/competition cars ever constructed.

Unlike the earlier 289, the 427 was designed and built from the ground up by top Shelby American experts. Not merely a 289 with a larger motor, the 427 Cobra was a fully developed and specialized performance car, built to impress even the most capable high-performance drivers. The capable 427 featured a large diameter handmade steel frame, wrapped in a handcrafted aluminum body, featuring muscular fenders specially formed to make room for wide tires. The stance, power, and awe-inspiring performance included a now famous Ken Miles run of 0-100-0 test achieved in 13 seconds. At a time when performance was building in the auto industry, just as quickly as the 427 dominated the scene, production ceased. The move to mid-engine powered cars, the growth of the GT40 program, and the emergence of the profitable Mustang branded GT350 pushed Shelby American in other directions. 427 Cobra production continued through 1966 using both the 427 FE block (a proven winner in Ford NASCAR events) and the 428. Later series 427 Cobras received the highly desirable coil spring suspension which greatly improved handling.

History of this Cobra

Chassis # CSX3283 was assembled utilizing the later development coil spring suspension. One of just 260 street trim 427 models built in period with this highly desirable feature, according to the Shelby Cobra World Registry and documents accompanying this car, this example was dispatched from England in July 1966, billed to Shelby American, and finished in acrylic green paint (one of 56 delivered in this color) and trimmed with black interior. Once the car arrived at Shelby American, work commenced in preparation delivery. Shelby invoice #001175, dated October 17, 1966, was billed to El Segundo based Hi-Performance Motors for $6,145. The first owner, William Huber, Bellflower, CA, traded his 1966 427 Corvette (original purchase invoice accompanies this car documenting the first sale) and took delivery November 15, 1966. An avid competition enthusiast, Huber replaced the Autolite carburetor (prone to fuel starvation) with a Holley 715 unit within days of delivery and replaced the speedometer at 1,555 miles in April 1967. During this same period, Huber removed the 428 engine and installed a Holman-Moody built 427 V8, documented with receipts and an original Holman-Moody engine manual. Further enhancements to the car included racing tires purchased from Parnelli Jones Firestone, performance tube headers from the Jardine Header Company, and a set of 7.5”/8.5” Halibrand magnesium wheels purchased from Carroll Shelby Enterprises in September 1968. Huber repainted the car dark blue with a white stripe covering the nose and front fenders, installed a full width roll bar, and fitted a hood scoop. Huber would remain the sole owner of the car until selling it in 1980.

By 1980 the car was advertised for sale boasting the original leather interior, Halibrand wheels, and Holman-Moody 427 side oiler with dual four-barrel carburetors. Keith Harvie, a well-known CA based enthusiast Cobra and GT40 owner, purchased the car, retaining it for several years before selling it in 1989 to Miles d’Arcy-Irvine, a resident of Ireland, who subsequently brokered the car through Tony Dutton, UK. During that time, the car was documented with 22,000 miles, which were reported to be original to the car, not including the speedometer replacement at 1,555 miles. Under his ownership, D'Arcy-Irvine secured a heritage certificate from AC Cars Ltd and commissioned a sympathetic restoration with experts at VeeTech. The cylinder heads were fitted with new stainless-steel valves, springs, bearings, rings, and gaskets. The exhaust ports were gas-flowed, and the clutch, master cylinder, and fuel pump were replaced. The suspension was refurbished, the front brakes addressed, and a new exhaust system was installed. Documented with invoices, the restoration was completed with a concours-level detailing of the paint, chrome, wheels, and interior.

In 1996 Keith Harvie repurchased the car which, at that time, indicated 29,415 miles. The car returned to Southern California where it remained with Harvie until sold to the next owner in 2013. Under new ownership, CSX3283 was comprehensively restored including the installation of a new 427 block, retaining components from the Holma-Moody engine installed in 1967. Dyno testing in 2015 recorded 433 hp at 5,700 rpm with 477 lbs./ft. torque at 4,100. At this same time, the brakes, suspension, and gearbox were also rebuilt. During the restoration, the car was refinished in the original green color by Colour Restoration in Loveland, CO. The interior was reupholstered in black leather and trimmed with new carpets. A set of correct Shelby Sunburst wheels, originally designed by Pete Brock, were installed, completing the car to the original delivery specifications when sold new to the first owner. At that time, the odometer indicated 29,534 miles. Indicating 29,745 miles today, the current and consigning owner purchased the car in 2018 and has since maintained and serviced the car as needed.

Current presentation

Today CSX3283 presents in beautiful condition. The captivating wide fender flares and muscular stance are perfectly matched to this beautifully finished Cobra. The clean design is pure Cobra, eschewing hood scoop, side pipes, or roll bar. The green paint is very nice throughout, accentuating the curves and undulations of the epic 427 aluminum bodywork. The exterior trim, grille surround, polished aluminum fuel filler, and bumpers deliver a refreshingly correct factory “street trim” appearance. The lights, lenses, and emblems are in excellent condition while the correctly finished wheels and raw cast knockoffs with safety wires contribute to the perfect stance.

The interior has been faithfully depicted with leather seating surfaces correctly contoured with proper pleat lines, black carpeting, and black door panels. Wide vintage competition seat belts are fitted for both seats and a center zipper black tonneau cover is included. The dashboard and instruments are properly arrayed with correct instrumentation displaying beautiful numeric details and chrome surrounds. A wood-rimmed Shelby steering wheel exhibits a handsome warm tone proudly displaying the striking Cobra center emblem.

Under the hood, the cast iron Robert Pond 427 side oiler engine is purposefully topped with twin 4bbl carburetors and twin chrome air cleaners. Correctly finished details throughout include cast aluminum valve covers with polished raised surfaces, painted surge tank, and raw aluminum inner fender panels. Cooling is aided by an electric fan and a fire suppression system has been installed. The engine compartment and powerful engine display correct finishes with originally stamped frame member and chassis plate, both of which bear the CSX3283 number. The trunk is correctly finished and outfitted with a correct low-profile jack, grease gun, and the original Goodyear Blue Dot spare tire. The underside of the car is exemplary in finish and detail with beautifully prepared correct components consistent with Shelby American original construction methods and reflective of the indicated low miles.

This Cobra is accompanied by the original Goodyear Blue Dot-mounted spare wheel, jack, grease gun, tools in a tool roll, a car cover, battery tender, various original ID tags for the car, a tonneau cover, a soft top, side curtains, and what are believed to be the original set of keys. The car is also accompanied by a file containing the original Shelby American delivery receipt, original purchase contract, as well as invoices from Holman Moody, Carroll Shelby Enterprises, and Parnelli Jones Firestone.

This beautifully restored 427 Cobra is documented in the Shelby American World Registry, defining the ownership spanning more than half a century. Finished in original colors and stunningly restored, this 427 is sure to be welcomed at any major concours or simply enjoyed as a preeminent performance sports car, one that changed the world of motorsports and continues to reign as a highly desirable example from an unrepeatable period of Shelby American history.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608