1965 Shelby Cobra CSX4000 Series 427 Competition Roadster

Description

It’s hard to believe that Carroll Shelby only built 343 Shelby Cobra 427 supercars, and only 19 of those were the Competition variants. It was the great racer Ken Miles who suggested stuffing Ford’s 427-cubic-inch NASCAR engine in the original 289 Cobra for competition. Enter the Mark III Cobra for 1965, initially made as Competition Cobras, then Semi-Competition and street versions. All Competition models were powered by the “side oiler” Ford FE 427-cu-in V-8. All Mark III Cobras sported a 5-inch wider frame and larger main chassis tubing along with coil-spring suspension, a significant improvement over the older transverse leaf-springs. The Mark III received a significantly different body to accommodate the changes.  

Such rarity and racing renown means original 427 Cobras are worth a true fortune, and the handful of genuine Competition cars that remain are far too valuable to race. While there are plenty of Cobra copies, only Shelby American can create a genuine Continuation Cobra, like this one, CSX4075. “Our authentic Cobra factory chassis are built by Shelby American, Inc., in Las Vegas, Nevada, and delivered with the Shelby American Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO),” the company states. Due to our laws, Shelby American cannot sell a complete Continuation Cobra, so CSX4075 was completed by Finish Line Motorsports of Las Vegas in 1998, one of 22 Competition models built in the CSX4000 series.  

It’s not a 427 Competition Cobra from the ’60s, but it’s the next best thing. It’s also the real thing. 

Highlights 

• One of 22 CSX4000 series continuation Competition Cobras built by Shelby American 

• Powered by an aluminum dry-sump Ford FE 427-cu-in V-8 with Holley four-barrel carburetor producing up to 550 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm (per a 2002 dyno test) 

• Jerico four-speed manual transmission with cooler and pump 

• Dana 44 differential with a Detroit locker and 3.77:1 gears with cooler and pump 

• Finished in Shelby 35th Anniversary blue with white “Le Mans” stripes and red fender stripes 

• Fiberglass body with aluminum hood, doors, trunk lid, and side louvers 

• Clear paint protection film on front fenders, quarter panel leading edges, and nose 

• Halibrand-style 15-inch wheels with Goodyear racing tires 

Features 

• Body expertly refurbished during 2015 

• Valve job and heads milled during 2016 

• Transmission refurbished during 2017 by a Jerico expert 

• The Cobra's race history is summarized in the SAAC Registry confirming that it has been piloted by notable drivers including Jerry Grant, Bob Bondurant, and Augie Pabst  

• CSX 4075 reportedly resided in the Shelby Museum in Las Vegas for many years 

• Fluidyne radiator with an electric fan  

• Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes  

• Bilstein shock absorbers 

• Hypercoil springs 

• Adjustable upper control arms and sway bars 

• Single roll hoop 

• Fire suppression system 

• Kirkey racing seat with an OMP harness 

• Quick-jack bumperettes  

• Le Mans-style fuel filler cap 

• Low-profile windscreen  

• Raydot mirrors  

• Side-exit exhaust pipes with mufflers 

• Halon fire suppression system  

• Battery kill switch 

• Optima battery 

• SCCA-rated intrusion bars 

• Quick-release steering wheel  

• Shelby-branded AutoMeter 9000-rpm tachometer and auxiliary gauges 

Known Imperfections 

• Scrapes on the front valance  

• Blemish near the left headlight  

Included 

• Shelby American Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) signed by Carroll Shelby 

• Four additional rear and two front wheels 

• Car cover 

• Digital and hard copy records 

Ownership History 

This Shelby Cobra CSX4000 is one of 22 continuation competition models that were scheduled for production. It was completed by Finish Line Motorsports of Las Vegas, Nevada, with a production date of March 13, 1998. CSX4075 was campaigned in various SAAC events through the early 2000s, then relocated to Colorado and acquired by the consignor in 2015 who is the second owner. 

Additional Notes

CSX4075 is currently not legal for road use, has not been registered for the street, and is not titled. It is offered on a bill of sale and the original Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) signed by Carroll Shelby.