CSX 4000 series Aluminum Body Shelby Cobra 427ci FE V8

SUMMARY

Authentic, 2-owner CSX4000 continuation Cobra
Professional build completed in 2009
468 cubic inch Kroyer Racing Engines stroker motor / All-aluminum construction
Aluminum body / Leather interior
Tremec TKO600 5-speed manual transmission
Sale includes: Build invoices/ A copy of the car's Statement of Origin / The car's Shelby Registry entry
Shelby 4-wheel disc brakes
Rack-and-pinion steering
Shelby 4-inch tube frame / Shelby independent suspension
15-inch Cobra Racing knock-off wheels

If you're like most gearheads, you know all about the days when Carroll Shelby modified dainty roadsters in to monstrous sports cars that made a habit of carving up tracks. That said, as time progresses, technology progresses. And a product that once existed as an innovative hot rod from a legendary racer has now birthed a hyper-competitive, multi-million-dollar replica market. Today, it takes a serious plan and highly skilled craftsmanship to even think about sourcing or restoring a world-class Cobra. And when it comes to world-class, it doesn't get much better than this killer Shelby CSX4000. Commissioned by Shelby American of Las Vegas, Nevada, this all-aluminum beast combines storied heritage with killer looks, excellent build quality and unbeatable provenance. And what's better: with names like Kroyer, Tremec and Goodyear on its specs sheet, this professionally-assembled sports car will outperform and outlast just about anything on the road!

HISTORY/CONDITION

In 1965, amid stiff competition and whimsical homologation rules, Shelby attempted a total domination of the FIA GT series by installing a massive Ford 427 in a completely re-engineered AC chassis. While this creation was a bit crude at the time, it possessed all the organically frightening charm of a bare-knuckle collector car. And, even though initial public sales were a bit of a letdown, authentic 427 S/C's would eventually bring millions at auction. Today, over 50 years later, big block Cobras are some of the most valuable cars ever produced. And in the mid-1980s, Las Vegas's Shelby American decided to honor the icon by authorizing a lightly updated generation dubbed CSX4000.

Like most premier classics, an interesting story is part of this Shelby's standard equipment. This Cobra was purchased by a hardcore enthusiast who, unfortunately, passed away before its completion. His daughter decided to keep the car, and spent about six years and 1,500 miles enjoying the sweet California sunshine. In May of 2015, this Shelby, stamped with an emissions-compliant California VIN, met its second owner: a North Carolina resident who titled it as a 1965 Shelby Replica. And today, roughly 1,300 miles later, the car roars as a near-mint showpiece that's almost entirely true to how it rolled out of the assembly shop.

Beginning life as Kirkham aluminum, CSX4259 is a 2-owner gem that, completed in December of 2009, was assembled by authorized Cobra builder Tom's Motorsports of Las Vegas, Nevada. The car's $98K body was dressed in neon yellow 2-stage, which looks particularly striking behind black quick lifts, black-trimmed headlights and black-trimmed marker lamps. Behind those torches, a functional hood scoop leads a black-trimmed windshield, which anchors satin racing mirrors between polished hood ties, polished wipers and tinted visors. At the sides of that glass, a "SHELBY 427 S/C" branded profile bends ceramic-coated side-pipes beneath black heat extractors and a polished fuel filler. And at the back of the car, a Shelby-branded trunk centers chrome hardware between a black roll bar, black quick lifts and traditional taillights.

ENGINE

Prop the lightweight hood and you'll find $43K worth of FE 427 that was professionally assembled by Las Vegas's Kroyer Racing Engines in December of 2006. Cast in aluminum, and punched to 468 cubic inches, that monster stroker twists tough 10.49 to 1 compression into roughly 580 horsepower! At the top of the buff mill, a K&N X-Stream air cleaner feeds a big Holley 4-barrel that's tethered to braided XRP fuel lines and a Shelby aluminum intake. At the sides of those carbs, aluminum heads, which cap a 4.250 bore and 4.125 stroke, prop polished Ford Racing breathers on finned Shelby valve covers. At the front of those heads, an MSD distributor, driven by a mechanical roller cam, sequences spark between an MSD Blaster 2 coil and loomed MSD Super Conductor plug wires. Beneath those wires, ceramic-coated headers roll charred dinosaurs in to rowdy side-pipes. In front of those headers, billet pulleys spin a modern alternator next to an aluminum Shelby water pump. Speaking of water, a big Fluidyne radiator utilizes silver tubes to circulate coolant around two pusher fans, a large SPAL puller fan and a snazzy expansion tank. Speaking of fluids, lubrication is handled by a wet-sump oiling system. And you'll be happy to know that the clean V8 has been properly seated in a clean aluminum bay.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Since we're throwing around numbers, I'll go ahead and add another $67K. That's what it took to source and install this Cobra's world-class drivetrain. Fully sorted and completely detailed, this sub-2,400-pound roadster's 4-inch tube frame and fully independent suspension are ready to hit the toughest track you can find. The buff 427 twists torque to a slick Tremec TKO600 5-speed, which wraps a quality Centerforce clutch and hydraulic Tilton throwout bearing in a tough Lakewood bellhousing. At the corners, vented discs combine with dual-piston Shelby calipers to provide confidence-inspiring stops. Modern rack-and-pinion steering makes low speed parking almost as easy as high speed sweeps. Power meets the pavement via Cobra Racing knock-offs, which spin 26.5x8.0-15 Goodyear Eagle Sport Car Specials in front of 26.5x10.5-15 Goodyear Eagle Sport Car Specials. And everything, from the car's beefy sway bars and coil-over-shocks to its aluminum floors and Aviaid oil pan, looks essentially brand new.

INTERIOR

Earlier, we said this Cobra is almost entirely true to how it rolled out of the assembly shop. That wording was carefully chosen because, during its first owner's tenure, the car was upgraded with a nice pair of leather door panels. Yes, that's the only modification we know of. And, while minor, it's certainly worth mentioning. Firm bucket seats stretch tight leather hides under 2-point Simpson safety harnesses. A leather-wrapped dash founds clean Carroll Shelby telemetry beside a small build plaque. At the sides of that dash, lightweight doors feature traditional chrome handles. Below those doors, fade-free carpet frames a polished hand brake next to a polished shifter. In front of the driver, a quick release steering wheel spins a classy Cobra logo inside polished spokes and an ornate wood rim. And behind the passenger, dual Optima batteries front a surprisingly spacious trunk that's framed in attractive aluminum paneling.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

Build invoices
A copy of the car's Statement of Origin
A copy of a previous Title
The car's Shelby Registry entry

Fully sorted and ready to turn your dreams into reality, this awesome Shelby embodies the unique combination of performance and style every car builder dreams about. From its timeless aluminum body to its comfortable leather cockpit, there simply aren't many nicer Cobras out there. If you're looking for a striking show queen that's an absolute blast to drive, come claim this impressive 427 S/C!