UPDATED November 2, 2006 The name Carroll Shelby is universally known for his remarkable road and racing cars, so when his personal car comes up for sale, it’s worth taking notice. In 1966, Shelby plucked this vehicle from a line of 19 production Competition Cobras and molded it into one of the most impressive automobiles ever built. It has a monstrous 427cid, 800hp twin Paxton supercharged V8 with a super three-speed automatic transmission. “When I built this dual supercharged 427 Cobra in 1966, I wanted it to be the fastest, meanest car on the road,” said Shelby. “Forty years later, it will still kick the tail of just about anything in the world. It’s the fastest street legal Cobra I’ve ever owned.” For those interested in the history of the vehicle, check out this web page with lots of detailed (if somewhat faded) images of the restoration.
“This is conceivably one of the most significant and valuable automobiles to ever cross an auction block,” said Craig Jackson, president of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. “Carroll Shelby not only poured his automotive wisdom and racing pride into this vehicle, he also personally gripped the wheel of this American legend.”
“This incredible Cobra personifies Carroll Shelby, and the maverick he is,” adds Steve Davis, senior executive vice president of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. “CSX3015 embodies the spirit that defined a generation and is as impactful today as it was some forty years ago.” Shelby built a similar Twin Paxton-enhanced 427 Cobra (CSX3303) for close friend and famed comedian Bill Cosby. The car became the subject of one of Cosby’s most famous sketches. CSX3303 was later wrecked, leaving CSX3015 as the only one of its kind in the world.
"CSX3015 speaks volumes about the genius in Carroll Shelby,” said Harley E. Cluxton III, owner of CSX3015. “His Cobra is the benchmark that defines the American Muscle car. His baby does it all, and without the help of ASR, ESP, ABS, engine management ECU’s, carbon fiber or titanium.”
In addition to use as his personal automobile, Shelby drove the Cobra in a running of the “Turismos Visitadores” in Nevada. In February 1968, Road & Track referred to CSX3015 as “The Cobra to End All Cobras.”
Carroll Shelby’s personal 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Supersnake will be sold at No Reserve during the 36th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event from Jan. 13-21, 2007, in Scottsdale, Ariz.
