One of the most intimidating cars of its era, the Shelby Cobra 427, marks its 60th Anniversary this year. Named for the 427-cubic-inch Ford engine that powered it to dominate SCCA racing and set a performance benchmark that stood for years, the “big block Cobra” earned iconic status from the day it was introduced.
To celebrate this anniversary, a Shelby Cobra class will take to the show field at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, honoring the model’s legacy of speed, design and evolutionary performance.
“Carroll had a strong personal connection to Pebble Beach, racing and winning here in the 1950s and later sharing his cars at the Concours, so we are honored to feature his Cobras this year,” said Concours Chairman Sandra Button. “The design, performance, and historic wins of these iconic race cars highlight the legendary pairing of Carroll and Shelby American with AC Cars and Ford Motor Company.”
Carroll Shelby, an automotive legend, is popularly known for his groundbreaking work with high-performance sports cars, such as the Le Mans-winning Ford GT40, but he first made his mark as a race driver, winning numerous races, including the last Pebble Beach Road Race, triumphing at Le Mans and competing in Formula 1.
The Shelby Cobra came into being in 1962, pairing an AC Ace chassis with a Ford 260-cubic-inch V8 that was replaced by the larger 289 engine. The ultimate iteration, the Shelby Cobra 427 — with a new chassis, coil suspension, and powerful 427-cubic-inch engine — was introduced in 1965.
“Ford’s ‘Total Performance’ era of the 1960s was epic, equaled only today with the company’s global motorsport program,” stated Edsel B. Ford II. “Carroll Shelby was vital to our dominance in the sixties and his 427 Cobra put an exclamation point on that success! I am delighted that these iconic cars will be celebrated on this anniversary year.”
Four versions of the 427 Cobra were produced and will be showcased — “Comp” (competition), S/C (semi-competition), Street and Narrow Hip — in addition to the first production and last production Cobras.
“The Shelby Cobra remains an automotive icon even 60 years after its introduction,” said Aaron Shelby, grandson of Carroll Shelby and board member of Carroll Shelby International. “Few cars have achieved the fame and staying power of the Shelby Cobra. Not only does it represent performance, this sportscar represents American ingenuity! Simple but effective, it was created with grit and determination.”
The Cobras are coming… The Cobras are coming… to Pebble!
1962 Shelby Cobra 289 First Production RoadsterThis is the first Shelby Cobra Production Roadster to be sold to a customer. It stands as the only Cobra to compete in the Tour de France Automobile. It was initially powered by the 260-cubic-inch engine and later fitted with the more powerful 289 engine.
This small yet significant display of Shelby Cobras will celebrate the automotive vision of Carroll Shelby highlighting the key elements behind the legacy of the Shelby Cobra 427 and its transformative impact on the world of motorsports, a legacy that continues to be celebrated.
About Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
First conducted in 1950, Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® has grown to be the world’s premier celebration of the automobile. Only the most beautiful and historic cars are invited to appear on the famed 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links®, and connoisseurs of art and style gather to admire these masterpieces. Charitable donations raised by Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® now total over $41 million.
Related events include Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance® presented by Rolex, Pebble Beach RetroAuto™, Pebble Beach Classic Car Forum™ presented by Alliant Private Client, and Pebble Beach® Auctions presented by Gooding Christie’s. Pebble Beach®, Pebble Beach Golf Links®, Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®, Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance®, Pebble Beach RetroAuto™, Pebble Beach Classic Car Forum™, and Pebble Beach® Automotive Week are trademarks, service marks and trade dress of Pebble Beach Company. All rights reserved. For more information, please call 831-622-1700 or visit pebblebeachconcours.net.
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