1966 Shelby Cobra 427
- Engine
- 7.0L (428 cu. in.) V8, rebuilt to ~460 bhp at the crank
- Colour
- Red
Chassis CSX 3237 is a 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra, assembled in May 1966 and originally delivered in red with a black interior, fitted with a 428-cubic-inch Cobra Jet V-8. One of just over 300 big-block Cobras produced, it passed through several American owners before a period in Japan during the 1990s. The car has undergone two documented full restorations, most recently at Cobra Automotive in Connecticut, emerging with a dyno-verified 460 bhp and accompanied by an extensive complement of period-correct accessories including a matching spare engine.
Ownership
- —Auction saleEstimate US$1,100,000 – US$1,300,000
- —Auction saleEstimate US$1,100,000 – US$1,250,000
- 1966 →Factory deliveryJ. Rhoades Moorepartial documentation
First recorded owner, based in Enid, Oklahoma, per the Shelby American Automobile Club Registry. Car was originally red with black interior at time of delivery.
- 2021-07-01 →Private saleCurrent consignorpartial documentation
Has kept the car in excellent condition with minimal mileage accumulated since acquisition.
- Date unknownPrivate saleFrench Hickmanpartial documentation
Oklahoma-based owner who acquired the car in the early 1970s. During this period the car was reportedly repainted blue.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownPhil Combspartial documentation
California-based buyer who acquired the car in December of an unspecified year in the 1980s after it passed through several intermediate owners. Commissioned a full factory-spec restoration by noted Cobra specialist Mike McCluskey.
- Date unknownPrivate saleJapanese owner from the 1990spartial documentation
Unnamed owner based in Japan who held the car for several years before it was returned to the United States.
- Date unknownPrivate saleDavid Fonviellepartial documentation
Described as a noted collector who acquired the car in the mid-2010s and commissioned a comprehensive restoration by Cobra Automotive in Wallingford, Connecticut, targeting both concours presentation and touring capability.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Bodywork
Car was repainted blue from its original red finish, reportedly during the early-1970s ownership period.
- —Modification
During the 1980s the car was refinished in red and fitted with several additions including an oil cooler, hood scoop, quick jacks, black side pipes, and a custom roll bar.
- —RestorationMike McCluskey
Full restoration to factory-original specification carried out by noted Cobra restorer Mike McCluskey, commissioned by Phil Combs following his purchase in the 1980s.
- —RestorationCobra Automotive
Comprehensive restoration by Cobra Automotive targeting both concours-level presentation and long-distance touring readiness. All original components were rebuilt or upgraded; the car received correct leather seating, period-specification carpeting, the original steering wheel and air splitter, and custom exhaust headers. A subsequent dyno run recorded 460 bhp at the crankshaft.
Workshop directed by Curt Vogt, located in Wallingford, Connecticut. Commissioned by David Fonvielle in the mid-2010s.
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