This is what a REAL '66 Shelby 427 Cobra looks like | Buyer's Guide | Ep. 307

When you picture a 427 Cobra you probably picture a big hood scoop and side pipes, but that's now how they were made. Hagerty’s Marketplace Editor Colin Comer takes a look at the iconic Shelby Cobra. Colin offers a general overview of the Cobra’s history -- from manufacturing to motorsports -- and provides expert advice on buying, owning, and maintaining this beautiful classic.

Colin's Shelby Cobra books:
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Episode chapters:
00:00 Let's light up the tires
00:41 Cobra valuation guide
01:28 This is silly
02:22 427 Cobra history
03:33 What it's like to drive
03:53 This is what it's supposed to look like
07:00 What's with those taillights?
07:23 The interior
08:36 Engine walkaround
11:20 Underneath the Cobra
13:48 What it's like to drive
14:50 Conclusion

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[stevefowler]

I have a Cobra 427 anecdote I'd like to share. I heard my dad tell this story several times at BBQ's and cocktail parties when I was just a tyke in the mid 60's. My Dad was an Engineer out at Cape Canaveral from '57 until I believe '65 when he took a couple years off to be the Sales and Service Manager for Shelby cars (they sold the Shelby Mustangs and the Cobras) at the Ford dealer in downtown Orlando. So here is the story: a dentist walks into the showroom and asks if they have a 427 Cobra he could look at. He is directed to my Dad. After speaking with the dentist for several minutes and judging his financial wherewithal and driving background, my Dad suggests a 289 Cobra might be a better choice. The dentist insists he wants the 427 so my Dad asks him to have a seat while he pulls one around and they will go for a drive. After a spirited drive with the dentist returning with white knuckles he announces to my Dad that perhaps he is right, maybe he should consider a 289 after all. To which my Dad replies, That WAS the 289.

[barnetcoll]

Brings back memories as a child riding around. Always burned my leg on the side pipes getting out. Also had a 289 cobra and a Pantera. So much fun

[morganleblanc]

Excellent job covering the Shelby Cobra. I have had a fascination with the Shelby Cobra since the 60's. I now own a CSX4000 Cobra that Shelby built special for me in 2004. It's 615 HP and runs an aluminum side oiler with the top loader. It's everything you described and more!

[WarriorsPhoto]

I don't care that this is a rare car. It is good to see these still being driven and enjoyed. I'd buy one for sure.

Hopefully one day I get to see more of one of these. Thank you for this awesome video.

[cgmoog]

A coworker worked at a dealership when these were new. They sat and no one was buying them. A salesman took one out for lunch. He returned and parked in the back and quickly went into the dealership. A couple of minutes later the cops show up and want to know who was driving the cobra.

[BryceLovesTech]

Step one become a multimillionaire. Step two look for a cobra

[impslap]

So nice to see an honest example that has obviously been enjoyed but not run into the ground.

[marki]

I’m totally buying a factory 5 kit car of this beauty someday

[johnp]

watching this while being fully aware I can't afford a Ford Fiesta

[stewartw.]

Very good info here! Since there was zero chance of me ever buying a real Cobra, I did a lot of research before starting the build of my replica here in South Africa from a kit, plus a scrapped Jaguar XJ6 for the suspension and brakes, and a Ford Fairlane with 302 Windsor motor. I did not use side-pipes as I wanted the road version, not a race car for the road, bellowing sound and fury which can actually become very tiresome on long trips - and I did many such trips over the 10 years that I used the car as my daily driver! I had full weather gear, soft top, locally, expensively and beautifully made from the traditional "Double Duck" fabric and a hard-top. Both worked pretty well, but then we have a pretty dry climate over here.

Those "wide-hipped" bodies I find are really pretty ugly and ruin the car for me. Luckily I do not think many replica manufacturers go for those.

I wish I still had the car, but I was forced to sell to generate the capital to start my own business after being laid off from my management job with a chemical company, due to downsizing! Such is life - which inevitably happens while you are making other plans!

[onixbonilla]

What a pleasure to hear an expert with those little interesting details!

[accobra]

One of the best videos I've seen covering the 427, reading the comments below I feel very privileged, even though my 427 is a replica.

[theredgoatviking]

I have only seen one of these in person and it was nothing short of incredible.

[jeffgagnon]

Colin
Great review
Simple and to the point.
Under car = nicely done.
Definitely a bonus to all Cobraphiles
Thank you
Jeff

[jetara]

Laughed so hard at the "Space Shuttle" part. Great Video, covers all you need to know to start with Cobras. A must watch for everyone building a replica

[abbeyhall]

A very very nice presentation of a legend. Super stuff.

[philipshilling]

This car left the factory new with the AC logo on the horn. Many original cars have been given the snake ones, such as the one incorrectly fitted to this car. Many people over the years have automatically assumed that the snake logo is correct, but it isn't! The snake one fits perfectly because it was also made by Moto Lita in England for Shelby's Ford GT 350s.

[CharlesFlahertyB]

They really look best in street guise, without the sidepipes, rollhoop and race bumpers.

[Xplantdad]

Hey Colin, great stuff. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

[kennethconnors]

really great overview and you covered it ALL, thanks