Carroll Shelby’s brilliance surfaced as he ingeniously placed a Ford V-8 engine into the AC Ace chassis, birthing the thunderous Cobra. This iconic racer, rooted in Shelby’s storied career, catapulted Ford Motor Company into global racing prominence, notably triumphing over Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Guided by Shelby and a stellar team including Ken Miles and Phil Remington, Ford-powered Cobras dominated racetracks worldwide.
The 289 Cobra, an instant classic with its 289-cubic-inch V-8, proved fast and reliable, but Shelby sought continual enhancement. Introducing Ford’s formidable 427 engine, a heavyweight powerhouse, marked a turning point. Despite Shelby expecting an aluminum-block version, corporate conflicts yielded the cast-iron-block 427. Unveiled at the 1964 12 Hours of Sebring, driven by Ken Miles, the new Cobra showcased immense potential, overcoming early handling challenges.
Responding to the 427’s power, Shelby’s team redesigned the chassis with a four-inch tube frame, a seven-inch wider body, and enhanced suspension within the original 90-inch wheelbase. Named the 427 Cobra, just over 300 were built, each offering an incomprehensibly fast and mind-bending driving experience, solidifying their place in automotive history.
Source: RM Sotheby’s
