CHASSIS NO. CSX3328
Estimate EUR 1,000,000 – EUR 1,250,000
HIGHLIGHTS
One of Only 260 Street 427 Cobras Built
Late-Production Example Delivered with Optional Dual-Carb Intake
Provenance Includes Noted English and Swiss Collectors
Recipient of a Recent High-Quality Professional Restoration
Documented in the SAAC Registry and Offered with Restoration Records
SPECIFICATIONS
427 CID OHV V-8 Engine
Twin Holley 4-Barrel Carburetors
410 BHP at 5,600 RPM
4-Speed Manual Gearbox
4-Wheel Girling Disc Brakes
4-Wheel Independent Suspension with A-Arms, Coil Springs, and Tube Shock Absorbers
Few automobiles have attained the mythic stature of Carroll Shelby’s 427 Cobra. Among the most recognizable and emulated sports cars of all time, the big-block Cobra occupies a privileged place in motoring history – its production thoroughly chronicled, yet its legend undiminished. Evolving naturally from the lithe 260 and 289 leaf-spring Cobras, the 427 introduced more muscular proportions, wider haunches, coil-spring suspension, and brutally effective big-block power. Weighing just 2,350 pounds and delivering extraordinary acceleration, the 427 Cobra commanded the respect of seasoned professional racing drivers like Ken Miles, whose celebrated 13.8-second 0–100–0 sprint in a production example remained a benchmark of performance for decades.
Of the few 427 Cobras built, only 260 left the factory in road-going specification – less than half the number of street 289s – making any authentic street 427 a significant acquisition. Chassis CSX3328, offered here, is an exceptionally presented, late-production example optioned from new with the desirable twin four-barrel carburetor intake.
Invoiced to Shelby American in November 1966, chassis CSX3328 was delivered new to Stark Hickey Ford of Royal Oak, Michigan, on July 14, 1967. According to copies of original delivery documents, the Cobra was shipped in primer for customer paintwork. Its first owner, a General Motors employee, purchased the car as a gift for his son, who finished it in silver and installed a chrome roll bar and the wide hood scoop from a Boss 429 Mustang.
By 1971, the car had passed to its second owner, Ralph Dempsey of Waterbury, Connecticut, before being sold to Hexagon Motors of London later that year. Shortly after arriving in the UK, CSX3328 appeared in an Autocar magazine road test, where its performance left an indelible impression on the publication’s seasoned testers.
In 1972, the Cobra entered the ownership of John Charles Cooper, who retained it for 14 years. During this period, he covered approximately 3,000 miles and campaigned the car in several competitive outings, including a hill climb at Lorton Park and a sprint event at Silverstone. By the mid-1980s, CSX3328 had joined the collection of Ed Hubbard, who commissioned noted Cobra specialists Autokraft to refinish it in the classic blue and white livery. The car then remained largely on static display in his private museum. In the early 1990s, it passed to Kevin Pilling, and subsequently to Charles Grohe, a respected Swiss collector.
Acquired by its current Swiss owner in 2002, CSX3328 later underwent an extensive, concours-quality restoration carried out between 2018 and 2022, as documented by invoices on file. This extensive work included returning the aluminum bodywork to its original AC Cars-specified scheme of red over black upholstery, along with a mechanical overhaul. Since completion, the Cobra has been used sparingly and today presents in outstanding cosmetic and mechanical order – equally suited to concours competition or spirited participation in vintage rallies.
Importantly, CSX3328 retains its Shelby American-engraved data plate and correct chassis stampings on the shock tower and opening panels. It is powered by a genuine 427 side-oiler engine, equipped with the proper dual-quad induction system, and the car rides on the seldom-seen Sunburst cast-alloy wheels, designed by Peter Brock and long prized by marque enthusiasts. Included in the sale are copies of original AC and Shelby American delivery records, the original UK logbook, and a significant file of restoration and service documentation.
A superb example of the most coveted road-going Cobra, CSX3328 combines pedigree, correctness, and exceptional presentation. For the collector seeking a top-tier 427 street car, this beautifully restored, well-documented Cobra represents a rare and compelling opportunity.
