1 of 23: 1965 Shelby 427 Cobra Competition - Jay Leno's Garage

This incredibly rare Competition model was one of twenty-three produced and stopped by Jay's garage while fleeing wildfires in California! Thanks to Putnam Leasing for letting Jay drive this historic car!

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Hosted by legendary comedian and “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno, the series explores our obsession with all things automotive. From classic cars to supercars and everything in-between, Jay is hitting the road to discover the most exciting, weird and wonderful vehicles ever made and meet the passionate people behind their wheels. Each one-hour themed episode features a mix of stunts, challenges, reviews, and celebrity interviews that showcases the colorful history of the automobile. Whether he’s exploring the story of an iconic brand, road-testing the newest super car, or investigating the latest automotive innovations, there is no wheel Jay won’t get behind to tell the story of our love affair with the car.

About Jay Leno: Acclaimed TV late night show host, admired stand-up comedian, best-selling children’s book author, much-in-demand corporate speaker, lovable TV and movie voice-over artist, pioneering car builder and mechanic, and philanthropist…it’s no wonder that Jay Leno is widely characterized as “the hardest working man in show business.”

1 of 23: 1965 Shelby 427 Cobra Competition - Jay Leno's Garage

Jay Leno's Garage

[renee]

After. graduating high school in June 1965. I was working at Courtesy Ford in Littleton Co. They had a new 1966 Red 427- Single 4 Barrel, Cobra. The sticker was $10.000. Back then it was like a Zillion dollars. I worked in parts & the Parts manger asked me to move the Cobra. It was blocking the Parts Counter. What a Thrill. You never forget the sound of the 427 Cobra. I’m 75. Thanks Jay for the MEMORIES. Rich.

[dynamicmotorsports]

I'm the oldest, authorized Shelby Cobra dealer in the world and know them well. To clarify Jay's comments, there is no fuel level gauge in the 427S/C ("Semi-Competition"). Under normal operating conditions, fuel was delivered to the carburetor from the engine-driven mechanical fuel pump. When the fuel tank was almost empty, the engine would sputter and the fuel pressure would drop - a disconcerting experience. Flipping a toggle switch on the instrument panel fired up the electric fuel pumps. The fuel pick up for the electric pumps is deeper in the tank (or fuel cell on a 427S/C) than the pick up for the mechanical, engine-driven pump. This acted as a reserve, providing enough fuel to travel to the closest gas station, or back to the pit box for refueling. As a side bar, I was station manager for an NBC-TV affiliate in the early 90's. During my tenure, Jay graciously accepted an invitation to fly down and spend an evening with our clients. What a delightful guy. He couldn't have been any nicer or more cordial. Due to his schedule, I didn't have an opportunity for an lengthy discussion of our shared passion for classic cars. Since retiring from broadcasting in 1999 to play with toys, I've been one of the lucky few that made their hobby a business. Although I miss the good old days of television, I've never had more fun in my life.😃

[concernedcitizen]

That Cobra sounds like a WWII vintage airplane when it starts. Jay’s right, it’s visceral, both in driving and hearing it.

[Krazeehonda]

The Shelby Cobra 427 and the Ford GT40 were two of the most beautiful cars ever built. Coming from a GM guy...

[Gamm-one]

Love how there’s no music playing. Just the sound of the car. Good format

[ZombieWilfred]

When a British built body gets an American muscle engine... One of the most beautiful cars of all time is born.

[Rjhn]

Possibly THE most iconic sports car EVER... Gorgeous.

[davethompson]

Even Jay, with one of the finest automotive collections, knows how lucky he is to be taking a ride in a real Shelby race car.

[patkaczmarek]

This car is the epitome of 1960's supercar. So raw and unapologetic. Love it.

[komododragon]

Jay, that car is you.
That sunset was killer on that perfect black paint.
Sounds awesome.

[sylentxtinction]

"This car is like driving a hand grenade."

Most accurate description ever.

[stevepick]

I have a story from way back in 1967. I’m 75 now and used to live in Flagstaff Arizona. During the summer we’d go down to Sedona (Oak Creek Canyon) to slide rock back then you could park on the side of the road and go down the hill. One day we went and there was a red Cobra 427 parked there. I was in the cars and found the guy who owned it, and he gave me a ride through the canyon in it! I will never forget that ride, wow what a car. The sounds and visceral feeling of at all… what a memory!

[literallyshaking]

Probably the best sounding idle chop I’ve ever heard

[jerrycraig]

And that's one of reasons we love Jay so much, ALL of HIS cars get used and even some other people's cars, I'm so envious of all the cars he drives not to mention owns!!! Jay, Mr Leno, you are a true "regular" man, car enthusiast, and hot rodder!!! In my mind, no higher compliment!!!

[areyousureyouenteredyourna]

That has to be the meanest sounding exhaust in the history of time!

[BCHonea]

My grandfather was Shelby’s landlord in Dallas so I have a special connection to these cars. My dad was just out of college in the 60’s and tells tales of him going to Shelby’s shop down on University and Greenville in Dallas to look at all the cars they were working on and tuning. Dad says Shelby offered JC (grandpa) a cobra if he could get 6 months rent abated and my grandfather laughed at him. Whose laughing now Pappy!!!?

[lewgoogle]

A kid I knew in college (1965) bought two of these (rich kid, of course). He drove one around our college town often. Knowing that I was already a car guy, I remember when he stopped by my fraternity house to show me his beast. While we talked, he was sitting in the car with the engine at idle. The sound was so intense that I could hardly hear him, and we both had to shout. The bodywork was vibrating visibly, or I should say "pulsating", with the door gaps opening and closing with the revs. Later in his life, he raced one of his 427SCs in Texas, crashed, and was badly burned over part of his face. He still owns one of his two and still bears the scars of his racing accident.

[popeyeman]

Many have said it before this, including myself, but these "Pandemic" episodes are my favorite. They're on a more personal level than the normal episodes. The glorious noise that 427 makes makes the hair stand up, and it needed some exercise, so glad you took us for a ride

[BrianGlassEOD]

Thanks Jay for letting me come as close to driving my dream car as I'll ever get. There's something so special about the fact that it's an original one also.

[daveman_]

My family moved to Austin, Texas in 1966 when I was 10 years old. Our backyard neighbor had a Shelby Cobra. I didn't know much about cars, but I knew that was very special. I can still hear the sound of that engine. The owner moved away not long after and that was when I subscribed to Road & Track, Car & Driver and Hot Rod. I've always wondered what happened to that car. Fond memories.