1965 427 Cobra Roadster CSX3029

Details & History

With the gap closing between the 289 Cobra and its competitors, Shelby was looking to keep the Cobra firmly ahead of the competition for the 1965 season. In Ken Miles’ opinion, what the Cobra needed was a larger, more powerful engine. Luckily enough, Ford had the perfect engine for the job: the new 427 cubic inch V8. Supported with a brand-new chassis with coil springs at all four wheels, the new 427 Cobra was sure to be just what was needed to keep Ferraris and Corvettes at bay on racetracks at home and abroad.

CSX3029 is the 23rd chassis number of only 23 427 Full Competition Cobras built by Shelby, which are considered by many to be some of the most desirable Cobras in existence. It was built in early 1965 and invoiced to its first owner, Pepo Manuchi of Lima, Peru, who raced this Cobra extensively, often in long-distance events between Peruvian cities.

With 606 brake horsepower from a true 427 cubic inches and a race weight of 2,400 lbs., the weight-to-power ratio on this Cobra is an incredible 4 pounds per horsepower!

CSX3029 exhibits all of the over 100 factory modifications for a Competition 427 Cobra beyond the obvious roll bar, quick jack pads, magnesium Halibrand wheels, side pipes and scoops for air and oil.

Other factory racing upgrades include a remote oil filter, an Aviaid oil pan, a “turkey pan” air box, vented inner panels, a 42-gallon fuel tank, dual Stewart Warner electric fuel pumps, competition brakes, a reinforced suspension, Koni shocks, a differential oil cooler with electric pump and a 3.73 differential.

Images by © Bill Pack with V12 Enterprises and the Shelby American Collection.