Prepare for the ultimate automotive auction spectacle as the legendary 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra Super Snake, a true masterpiece in the world of high-performance cars, is set to hit the auction block once again.
Commissioned for the renowned race car driver Carroll Shelby, this remarkable vehicle stands as the sole surviving testament to the collaboration between Shelby and his patron, Henry “The Deuce” Ford II. The 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra Super Snake emerged as a dominant force, designed to go head-to-head with Ferrari during the fierce battles of the 1960s.
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Central to this automotive marvel is the 427-cubic inch Ford big block engine, a powerhouse of unadulterated force. Painted in the striking Guardsman Blue hue, this two-seat roadster exudes a sense of raw energy that translates to its on-road performance.
Having fetched a staggering $5.1 million during its last sale in 2015, this Super Snake is poised to make waves yet again. The upcoming auction, livestreamed from Scottsdale, Arizona, promises a global audience of online and phone bidders vying for a piece of automotive history.
Craig Jackson, CEO of Barrett-Jackson, doesn’t mince words when he asserts, “This is the ultimate.” He continues, “It was made to go kick Ferrari’s ass on the street after just doing it on the track.” Shelby’s triumphs at the Le Mans endurance races in 1966 and 1967 stand as a testament to the performance prowess of this very car.
This specific Cobra, identified as CSX 3015, is deeply intertwined with that glorious history. The film “Ford v. Ferrari” brought to life the intense rivalry between automakers during this era, and this Super Snake is one of the 23 original 427 competition roadsters that fueled that rivalry.
The Cobra’s transformation from a high-performance race car into a true icon of power owes much to Shelby’s engineering prowess. With the addition of twin Paxton superchargers to the V-8 engine, mated to a 3-speed automatic transmission capable of handling the tremendous power output, this car earned its reputation for being “wicked fast.” Jackson aptly compares Shelby’s modifications to creating a automotive “Godzilla.”
Despite Shelby’s array of remarkable cars, this Super Snake stood out as a cherished possession. It represented his rebellious side, embodying the ultimate driving experience. Shelby’s personal connection to the car was rooted in a challenge from a friend who drove a Ferrari, a race that led to the Cobra’s creation.
Carroll’s dominance was evident when he raced past his friend’s Ferrari at a blistering 140 mph. Jackson recounts, “Carroll did not like to lose. And he ate that Ferrari alive.”
With its storied history, the 1966 Shelby Cobra Super Snake had already set records, selling for a remarkable $5.5 million in 2007, marking the highest price ever paid for an American car at that time.
Fast forward to February 1968, and Road & Track magazine bestowed the title of “The Cobra To End All Cobras” upon the Super Snake. It remains an iconic and essential piece of American automotive history, lauded by experts and enthusiasts alike.
Anecdotes of Shelby’s exploits with the car add to its legendary status. One such story involves Shelby being pulled over by the Nevada Highway Patrol while cruising at a mind-boggling 190 mph. As Jackson humorously notes, “Back then in Nevada, the speed limit was what was reasonable and prudent. I guess if you’re Carroll Shelby, 190 is reasonable and prudent.”
In summary, the upcoming auction of the 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra Super Snake promises to be a riveting event, offering enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of automotive history that symbolizes power, speed, and the unrelenting pursuit of victory.
