Carroll Shelby’s Personal 1965 Shelby 427 Cobra Roadster sells, makes history

Described as a “Really a once in a lifetime” to own a collection of Carroll Shelby and Cobra to borrow “An illuminated place in the history of the Cobra as perhaps the most significant of all,” The CSX3178, Shelby’s lifetime Cobra, now has a third owner. The final price was $ 5.94 million, including auction taxes, and if you’re into car drama, you can find the entire intense auction in the video at the bottom of the page.

Purchased new, the CSX31

78 is one of only five 427 Cobras originally completed at Charcoal Gray. It was assembled in March 1966 and remained in Shelby’s possession until his death in 2012. During this time, he was driven and loved by the automotive legend, but also went through a series of changes, including changing the engine whenever he wanted. a little more power than it and two color changes (Guardsman Blue with a golden nose and red).

The second owner (and auctioneer) bought it from Shelby Estate in 2016 and made sure it underwent a complete and accurate restoration, returning it to its original form, including a V8 aluminum head with side oil adjustment, and a 4-speed manual transmission Toploader. The restoration process was completed in 2019, and CSX3178 was presented at Mecum as a major attraction.

Mecum did not offer a public rating for this historic item, but it can be obtained by calling the auction house before the event. The only reference offered was the previous sale of another well-known Cobra, the CSX2000, which grossed $ 14 million.

CSX3178 failed to reach that high, but with a final price of $ 5.94 million, it cemented its status as a valuable collector’s item.