The combination between lightweight chassis and Ford’s 289 block (4.7-liter) proved successful as a racing machine. However, by the mid-60’s, it was becoming apparent that the engine didn’t have any more power to give.
The idea behind the 427 Cobra came from racing driver and development engineer Ken Miles, who though a bigger engine would solve the reliability issues. Shelby was promised an aluminum block Ford 390 but because of a dispute, he had to make due with the cast iron block of the 427 (7-liter).
This is one of the 29 Semi-Competition Cobra 427s, chassis number CSX 3045, originally designed to compete in the FIA GT chassis against Ferrari. 53 chassis were built by AC and some were sold to private racing, but there rest were converted into road cars and marketed by Shelby as ‘the fastest car ever built’.
The stunner is one of the exciting rarities that will go under the auction block later this month at RM Auctions’ Arizona event, scheduled for January 18th. It’s estimated at between $1,400,000-$1,700,000 and is worth every penny of that.
This is one of the 29 Semi-Competition Cobra 427s, chassis number CSX 3045, originally designed to compete in the FIA GT chassis against Ferrari. 53 chassis were built by AC and some were sold to private racing, but there rest were converted into road cars and marketed by Shelby as ‘the fastest car ever built’.
The stunner is one of the exciting rarities that will go under the auction block later this month at RM Auctions’ Arizona event, scheduled for January 18th. It’s estimated at between $1,400,000-$1,700,000 and is worth every penny of that.