by Rare 1966 Shelby Cobra to be auctioned
Finding an original 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra Roadster is like finding a needle in a haystack. And now such an example has been found. It will be offered at the Mecum auction next week. This extremely rare and authentic car is likely to generate genuine excitement among Shelby enthusiasts and collectors.
It is one of only 16 original 427 Cobra Roadsters painted in black, and one of approximately 155 cars built with a big block engine. It is also equipped with the desirable dual-carburetor system, which is exactly the specification serious buyers are looking for.
Original condition and specifications
Mecum does not disclose the mileage, but the roadster retains its 427 cubic inch V8 engine paired with the original four-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels. The body and chassis are also original — a truly rare claim in the world of Shelby Cobra, where decades of accidents, restorations, and continuation cars have complicated the market.
The car has been restored using all original components and looks impeccable. The body shows no obvious signs of damage, the car retains its chrome front and rear bumpers, and sits on a classic set of wheels.
Factory-condition interior
A similar story applies to the interior, which also looks as if it just came off the factory line. Black upholstery adorns the seats and dashboard, and there is also the original metal gear shift lever, a three-spoke steering wheel with a wooden rim, and classic gauges.
Classic Cobra 427 models like this one often sell for staggering sums. Some particularly desirable examples have fetched over $3 million in the past, while even the most ordinary high-mileage models typically sell for at least $1 million. Of course, for that money you could buy a very nice house, but we can’t recall any house that has as much history as this car.
Anyone with a few million dollars and a suitable dose of recklessness can check out the Mecum lot before it disappears into yet another private collection.
This unique example is not just a car, but a true artifact of automotive history. Its rare combination of original black color, big block engine, and authentic condition makes it one of the most valuable finds for collectors. It is worth noting that the market for classic Shelby Cobras remains extremely stable, and such lots often become investments that only increase in value over time, confirming the status of this model as one of the most desirable in automotive history.
