Shelby Cobra 427 to Celebrate 60 Years of Performance at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
Contact: Camryn Garcia or Kandace Hawkinson
(831) 622-1700; media@pebblebeachconcours.net
[PEBBLE BEACH, CALIFORNIA, May 14, 2025] — 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 headed our way include:
1962 Shelby Cobra 289 First Production Roadster
This 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.
1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Narrow Hip Roadster
Known for its rare design and powerful engine, the 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Narrow Hip Roadster features a narrower track version of the Shelby Cobra. This Cobra is one of just 32 “Narrow Hip” 427 Cobras produced by Shelby American and is one of only ten that remain in original unmodified configuration.
1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Competition Roadster
This 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Competition Roadster raced in Sports Car Club of America events at famous tracks including Meadowdale, Wilmont Hills, and Road America. It retains all of its original components including drivetrain, body, and chassis.
1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Roadster
This road-going 1966 Shelby Cobra is recognized as one of the most authentic 427 street Cobras, complete with original components throughout.
1967 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C Roadster
This 1967 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C Roadster is one of just 29 original S/C versions–one of the most revered Cobra models of all time.
1967 Shelby Cobra 427 Roadster
This 1967 Roadster was the last Shelby Cobra 427 built. It has been restored using all its original components including hardware, wiring, vinyl, leather and more.
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.
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