Prices, Specifications & 360° Interactive
AC Shelby Cobra 427 - Price, Specs and 360° Interactive
AC Shelby Cobra 427 - 360° Interactive
AC Shelby Cobra 427 - Key Specifications
AC Shelby Cobra 427 Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | High-Performance Roadster |
| Released At | 1965 |
| Built At | Thames Ditton, England & Los Angeles, USA |
| Engine | 7.0L Ford FE V8 (427 cu in) |
| Position | Front-Engine, Longitudinal |
| Aspiration | Natural Aspiration |
| Block Material | Cast Iron |
| Valvetrain | OHV, 2 Valves per Cylinder |
| Fuel Feed | 4-Barrel Holley Carburetor |
| Displacement | 6997 cc / 427 cu in |
| Power | 425 hp / 317 kW @ 6000 rpm |
| Specific Output | 60.7 hp per liter |
| Torque | 651 Nm / 480 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm |
| Top Speed | 265 km/h / 165 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | 4.2 seconds |
| 0 – 100 km/h | 4.3 seconds |
| Body / Frame | Aluminum Body on Steel Ladder Frame |
| Driven Wheels | RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) |
| Wheel Type | Halibrand Knock-Off Magnesium Wheels |
| Front Tires | Goodyear Blue Streak 26.5 x 8.0–15 |
| Rear Tires | Goodyear Blue Streak 26.5 x 10.5–15 |
| Front Brakes | Disc Brakes (Ventilated) |
| Rear Brakes | Disc Brakes (Ventilated) |
| Front Wheels | 15 x 7.5 in |
| Rear Wheels | 15 x 9.5 in |
| Front Suspension | Independent with Coil Springs and Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Independent with Coil Springs and Wishbones |
| Curb Weight | 1060 kg / 2337 lbs |
| Weight Distribution | Front 51% / Rear 49% |
| Wheelbase | 2286 mm / 90 in |
| Length | 3940 mm / 155.1 in |
| Width | 1727 mm / 68 in |
| Height | 1245 mm / 49 in |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Manual (Toploader) |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25.0 L/100 km / 9.4 mpg (US) |
| Fuel Capacity | 82 liters / 21.7 gallons |
Some Interesting AC Shelby Cobra 427 Facts
Born from Anglo-American Collaboration The Cobra 427 was the result of a partnership between British manufacturer AC Cars and American racing legend Carroll Shelby, who installed powerful Ford V8s into AC’s lightweight chassis.
Powered by a Massive 427 Cubic Inch (7.0L) Ford V8 The 427 Cobra was equipped with a Ford 7.0L big-block V8, producing up to 425–485 horsepower, depending on the spec — delivering brutal acceleration in a lightweight body.
Blistering 0–60 Time Thanks to its power-to-weight ratio, the Cobra 427 could rocket from 0–60 mph in under 4 seconds, making it one of the fastest production cars of the 1960s.
Wider Body and Chassis Than Earlier Cobras The 427 version featured a new coil-spring chassis and wider fenders, designed to accommodate the larger engine and massive tires — giving it its iconic muscular stance.
Feared and Respected for Its Raw Power The Cobra 427 earned a reputation as "unforgiving but exhilarating", with massive power, no driver aids, and a tendency to break traction with ease — not for the faint of heart.
Very Limited Production Only around 260 original 427 Cobras were produced between 1965 and 1967, making authentic examples extremely rare and valuable.
Also Available in S/C (Semi-Competition) Trim Shelby offered the 427 in S/C (Semi-Competition) versions, which were lightly detuned race cars for the road — and are among the most collectible Cobras today.
Outperformed Ferrari and Corvette on Track With its raw torque and low weight, the Cobra 427 beat Ferrari and Chevrolet on American and European circuits, helping Shelby win the FIA World Manufacturers’ Championship in 1965.
Spawned Countless Replicas and Continuation Models Due to its iconic status and limited numbers, the Cobra 427 has been one of the most replicated cars in history, with continuation models made by Shelby American and others.
One of the Most Valuable Classic Cars Original AC Shelby Cobra 427s can fetch $1.5 to $5 million or more at auction, depending on provenance — making it not just a performance legend, but an investment-grade classic.
AC Shelby Cobra 427 Price
The AC Shelby Cobra 427 (1965–1967) is one of the most legendary and valuable American sports cars ever built, with only approximately 260 original 427 models produced. Its combination of brute power (7.0L V8) and lightweight British chassis makes it a multi-million-euro icon.
Here’s the latest market insight (mid-2024):
AC Shelby Cobra 427 – EU Price Guide (2024)
1. Price Ranges (Original Cars, EUR)
Good Driver (restored, minor flaws): €1.8M – €2.5M
Concours-Quality (perfect, documented): €2.5M – €4M+
Racing Provenance (CSX 3000-series): €4M – €6M+(E.g., Ex-Le Mans, Sebring, or period race-winning chassis.)
Auction Records (Recent Years)
2022 (RM Sotheby’s): $5.94M (~€5.4M) for CSX 3355 (ex-Shelby team car).
2023 (Private Sale): Rumored €6M+ for an unrestored, low-mileage example.
2. Key Factors Affecting Value
✅ Authenticity
CSX 3000-series VIN: Must match factory records (Shelby American World Registry).
Original 427ci "Side-Oiler" V8: Missing engine? Deduct €1M+.
✅ Provenance
Shelby Team Cars: Ex-competition Cobras (e.g., CSX 3303) fetch €5M+.
Celebrity Ownership: Steve McQueen’s Cobra sold for $5.1M (2016).
✅ Condition
Unrestored Survivors > Restored Cars (if original paint/parts remain).
Poor Restorations: Non-original colors or parts hurt value.
✅ Rarity
Competition Models (S/C): Just 31 built—prices exceed €6M.
Street Versions (S/C "Semi-Competition"): €3M–€5M.
3. Where to Buy in the EU?
High-End Auctions: RM Sotheby’s, Gooding & Co., Bonhams.
Private Brokers: Girardo & Co., Talacrest, DK Engineering.
Shelby Experts: Superformance, AC Heritage (for verification).
4. Replicas vs. Originals
⚠️ Beware of Replicas (99% of "Cobras" are kits):
Factory Five, Kirkham, Superformance: €50k–€150k.
How to Spot a Real One: VIN starts with "CSX 3* (e.g., CSX 3295). Original aluminum body (no fiberglass). Shelby American documentation.
5. Market Trend
📈 Explosive Growth:
+20% annually since 2015 (€2M → €5M+ for top cars).
Future Outlook: Blue-chip status—likely to keep appreciating.
Pro Tip: If considering an original, hire Shelby American Authority (e.g., SAAC) for pre-purchase inspection.
(Fun Fact: The 427 Cobra’s 0–60 mph time (~4.5 sec) rivaled 2020s supercars!)
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