FIA homologation requirements and rule changes, Ford’s competing GT40—which Shelby American developed into a Le Mans winner—and the Cobra roadster’s aerodynamic limitations rendered it obsolete for international competition. However, 427 Cobras were perfectly eligible for the top SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) A-Production class, where they utterly dominated their opposition, usually Corvettes. By 1964, the SCCA had evolved a method of selecting their national champions, with the winner in each geographic division pitted against all of the other winners for a final shoot-out: the ARRC or American Road Race of Champions. Usually sweeping the podium wherever they entered, the era’s top drivers campaigned 427 Cobras. In particular, Dick Smith of Fresno, California, took three consecutive A-Production ARRCs (1965, 1966 and 1967) in his 427 Cobra and set the mark for the fastest production sports car at the 1967 Daytona ARRC with a blistering 198.047 MPH top-end charge. Shelby’s big-block cars were never mass-produced, with just 343 built of all variations, including 29 S/C (Semi-Competition) Cobras converted into thinly disguised racing Cobras for the street. In all forms, the 427 Cobra was a mighty racing car and virtually unbeatable on the road with brutal performance in all respects that continues to surpass most modern supercars while delivering an unforgettably visceral driving experience bordering on sensory overload. However, accidents and hard driving claimed many early on. With demand far outstripping available supply for decades, hard-core enthusiasts seeking the ultimate power trip fueled demand for new “continuation” Cobras. Thankfully, Shelby Automobiles answered the call beginning in 1995, beginning with limited production of its 1000, 4000 and 6000-series Continuation Cobras, with all bearing Shelby “CSX” serial numbers and Carroll Shelby’s signature on their Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO). Numbered CSX4221 and listed in the Shelby American World Registry, this particularly awesome supercharged 427 Cobra features a classic Shelby Blue paint finish, complemented by white Le Mans stripes and a black interior. Massive power is delivered by a very rare, Shelby-built 427 CI side- oiler V-8 equipped with a Vortech supercharger. Developing 725 HP and 600 lb-ft of torque, the wicked 427 sends the power to the pavement with a Tremec 5-speed manual transmission and OEM Trigo wheels mounting huge Goodyear radials tires. Consistent with its competition-inspired look that includes flared fenders, quick-jacks, side pipes, bucket seats, racing harnesses, a pop-up fuel cap and a driver’s roll bar, the Cobra features a racing setup including the suspension, brakes and fuel tank. Benefiting from storage inside a temperature- controlled building, CSX4221 is offered with just 1,800 miles. Documents include dyno sheets and miscellaneous invoices, plus the Shelby Automobiles Statement of Origin. Graced by the autograph of Cobra creator Carroll Shelby and recognized by the Shelby Registry, CSX4221 combines pure Shelby heritage with extremely desirable specifications, making for undeniable collectability and, of course, tire-shredding performance far beyond the original 427 S/C cars of the 1960s.
