This is what a REAL '66 Shelby 427 Cobra looks like | Buyer's Guide | Ep. 307

When you picture a 427 Cobra you probably picture a big hood scoop and side pipes, but that's now how they were made. Hagerty’s Marketplace Editor Colin Comer takes a look at the iconic Shelby Cobra. Colin offers a general overview of the Cobra’s history -- from manufacturing to motorsports -- and provides expert advice on buying, owning, and maintaining this beautiful classic.
Valuation Tools: www.hagerty.com/apps/valuatio...
Colin's Shelby Cobra books:
www.colincomerbooks.com/
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Episode chapters:
00:00 Let's light up the tires
00:41 Cobra valuation guide
01:28 This is silly
02:22 427 Cobra history
03:33 What it's like to drive
03:53 This is what it's supposed to look like
07:00 What's with those taillights?
07:23 The interior
08:36 Engine walkaround
11:20 Underneath the Cobra
13:48 What it's like to drive
14:50 Conclusion
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[@stevefowler2112]

I have a Cobra 427 anecdote I'd like to share. I heard my dad tell this story several times at BBQ's and cocktail parties when I was just a tyke in the mid 60's. My Dad was an Engineer out at Cape Canaveral from '57 until I believe '65 when he took a couple years off to be the Sales and Service Manager for Shelby cars (they sold the Shelby Mustangs and the Cobras) at the Ford dealer in downtown Orlando. So here is the story: a dentist walks into the showroom and asks if they have a 427 Cobra he could look at. He is directed to my Dad. After speaking with the dentist for several minutes and judging his financial wherewithal and driving background, my Dad suggests a 289 Cobra might be a better choice. The dentist insists he wants the 427 so my Dad asks him to have a seat while he pulls one around and they will go for a drive. After a spirited drive with the dentist returning with white knuckles he announces to my Dad that perhaps he is right, maybe he should consider a 289 after all. To which my Dad replies, That WAS the 289.

[@ImTHATguy...]

I've got a pretty hot 302 in my 66 replica. I couldn't even imagine what a 427 would be like. I'm just thankful I got seat belts to keep me in the car when I stab the throttle!

[@andrefecteau]

yeah, I drove a 93 twin turbo rX7 in about 95...after hauling ass in the thing I had to tell the sales guy "that is a 4 cylinder motor"...he replied "that's a powerful 4"

[@andrefecteau]

@@ImTHATguy... got a 427 stroker in a 95 Mustang, it's beyond sick

[@skeetersaurus6249]

Cute stories...reminds me of the old 'moonshiner' story (told to me personally, by Junior Johnson)...'old boy pulls up in a 1969 Ford Galaxy 500, for a 'shine pick-up...bootlegger looks at the fella and says, 'son, will this car run? Lot of police around...it will go bad for you, if they catch you. Driver tells the bootlegger, 'get in, take a ride with me'. As the bootlegger sits down in the car, the guy sticks a $100 bill into a crack in the dash of the car, the driver tells the bootlegger, 'when I grab second gear, if you can grab that $100, it's yours'...bootlegger starts to laugh, says 'I've heard the talk before...' with that, the driver takes off, winds the 500 until it sounds like it's going to launch off a rocket pad...when he grabs 2nd gear, the bootlegger can barely move...right as he's about to grab the money, the driver grabs 3rd.' When they get back, the bootlegger asks him, 'what infernal engine you have in that car, boy?' The driver opens the hood...displaying a 427 Side Oiler with dual 4's, tied to an M22 Muncie... Then again, when I was a kid, we had to walk to school, barefoot in the snow...uphill BOTH WAYS! Careful of what you hear...family 'fishing stories' always start out innocent enough...

[@HLife719]

😂😂😂👍

[@marki4114]

I’m totally buying a factory 5 kit car of this beauty someday

[@heinrichbier4759]

I helped my buddy and his dad build one back in college. Except he didn’t buy a 302 or 351 kit. He found and old farm irrigation pump that had a 390 in it and taught us how to “massage” it. 3.55 gears in the rear. It was nothing short of incredible. wish he never sold it.

[@BradThePitts]

A Factory Five can be built without a hood scoop, plus the through exhaust if you want. And yes, they come in black!

[@marki4114]

@@BradThePitts hell yea

[@decimat777]

Go for it! I just got mine last week and it’s been a blast!

[@rockets4kids]

What's the price range (min/max/avg) to get one of these on the street?

[@cgmoog]

A coworker worked at a dealership when these were new. They sat and no one was buying them. A salesman took one out for lunch. He returned and parked in the back and quickly went into the dealership. A couple of minutes later the cops show up and want to know who was driving the cobra.

[@unclejoe6811]

What cobra, that car hasn't left the lot in a week.

[@heartolearn9413]

This happened to me twice in a 65 Cobra the past few months. Cops showing up to house I was at looking for me.

[@DataWaveTaGo]

@@heartolearn9413 Why were they looking for the driver? Running a stop sign? ;)

[@heartolearn9413]

@@DataWaveTaGo burnouts. Of course.

[@barnetcoll8]

Brings back memories as a child riding around. Always burned my leg on the side pipes getting out. Also had a 289 cobra and a Pantera. So much fun

[@WarriorsPhoto]

I don't care that this is a rare car. It is good to see these still being driven and enjoyed. I'd buy one for sure. Hopefully one day I get to see more of one of these. Thank you for this awesome video.

[@sergeantmasson3669]

ricky v, finding an original '66 Shelby AC 427 Cobra is near impossible to find. Price tag would be $1million+ for an original.

[@WarriorsPhoto]

@@sergeantmasson3669 Yup 👍 I believe it. Is this one your dream cars 🚗?

[@sergeantmasson3669]

@@WarriorsPhoto 1966 I came very close to buying one new at Tasca Ford in RI. Price was $6757 Bob Tasca Sr talked me out of buying it. Instead, I bought a '66 Fairlane GT 427 "R" code car instead because the Cobra came with no top, no radio, and no heater. BTW, I still have the 427 Fairlane.

[@WarriorsPhoto]

@@sergeantmasson3669 Now that’s a beautiful car story. Any videos about said car?

[@sergeantmasson3669]

@@WarriorsPhoto Now retired, I was a 50+ years master-level factory-certified auto/truck tech. Most of those years with one Ford/Lincoln/Mercury dealership. I also had a successful classic/vintage vehicles restoration facility. I still do vehicle restorations part-time. I personally own 8 fully restored classic/vintage Ford high performance vehicles. I don't do videos of any restoration projects but do document the restorations with photos. Back in the mid '60's through early '70's, I bought three high performance Fords from Tasca Ford in RI and I'm still friends with the Tasca family. Not trying to brag here but there isn't much that I don't know about Fords and most any high performance vehicles.

[@BryceLovesTech]

Step one become a multimillionaire. Step two look for a cobra

[@rayshepherd2479]

No, you just needed to buy one a long time ago. I purchased mine in 1968 for $4,995.

[@DataWaveTaGo]

@@rayshepherd2479 Do you still own it?

[@rayshepherd2479]

@@DataWaveTaGo Yes, I also still have the first car I purchased in 1962 with paper route earnings. It's a 52 Chevy hot rod. The cobra was my second car. I was graduating from college and spent a week convincing my dad to cosign on a loan. I kept telling him it's value would increase. I was thinking $10,000. I used it as my every day car for the first 4 years adding around 48,000 miles. It had 9,000 miles when I got it.

[@broskimedula5300]

No need to be a multi-millionaire. Cobras are easy to find in the desert.

[@ThePilotGear]

this is one of those cases where a replica is almost always a better idea. you get 98% of the driving experience, better reliability, modern engine benefits, no detriment to the value of a classic car, but looks and feels the part. original Cobras are f*cking cool, but I'd have a replica instead and money to buy other cars.

[@erepsekahs]

These things are investments, not cars. (as I am sure you know) and btw although I do not own one I have driven one and can visit it any time I like. It's owned by a family friend....as an investment, and he has had it for 44 years. They were not exactly cheap when he purchased it, however I would say he has done pretty well. .

[@kevinkarbonik2928]

I've heard times where owners of real ones also have replicas of them to drive... the real ones don't get driven.

[@smartprocesssolutions748]

Your estate will drive it, for god’s sake, drive the car!

[@michaelbenardo5695]

BUT, a replica will need smog checks, will have a catalytic converter, probably computers, and will require you to wear your seat belts. The originals have NONE of these things. They can not give you a seat belt ticket in one of the originals, unless you add them. Then you will have to use them, but they can't make you add them.

[@michaelbenardo5695]

Also, a replica probably won't have a Big Block, so it won't have the torque, and a big part of this cars attraction is the massive power.

[@morganleblanc730]

Excellent job covering the Shelby Cobra. I have had a fascination with the Shelby Cobra since the 60's. I now own a CSX4000 Cobra that Shelby built special for me in 2004. It's 615 HP and runs an aluminum side oiler with the top loader. It's everything you described and more!

[@opera93]

Thanks for commenting…. Any5hing else about driving: maintenance,repairs, adjustment etc?

[@morganleblanc730]

@@opera93 overall the Cobra is easy to maintain. However replacing brake rotors or any suspension parts can be a real pain and you really need someone with a lots of experience working on Cobras to perform the work. These people are getting hard to find!

[@johnp9235]

watching this while being fully aware I can't afford a Ford Fiesta

[@solidsnake3861]

haha me too

[@LagrangePoint0]

I can't afford even an 80's fiat uno

[@impslap7620]

So nice to see an honest example that has obviously been enjoyed but not run into the ground.

[@stewartw.9151]

Very good info here! Since there was zero chance of me ever buying a real Cobra, I did a lot of research before starting the build of my replica here in South Africa from a kit, plus a scrapped Jaguar XJ6 for the suspension and brakes, and a Ford Fairlane with 302 Windsor motor. I did not use side-pipes as I wanted the road version, not a race car for the road, bellowing sound and fury which can actually become very tiresome on long trips - and I did many such trips over the 10 years that I used the car as my daily driver! I had full weather gear, soft top, locally, expensively and beautifully made from the traditional "Double Duck" fabric and a hard-top. Both worked pretty well, but then we have a pretty dry climate over here. Those "wide-hipped" bodies I find are really pretty ugly and ruin the car for me. Luckily I do not think many replica manufacturers go for those. I wish I still had the car, but I was forced to sell to generate the capital to start my own business after being laid off from my management job with a chemical company, due to downsizing! Such is life - which inevitably happens while you are making other plans!

[@theredgoatviking4686]

I have only seen one of these in person and it was nothing short of incredible.

[@onixbonilla4420]

What a pleasure to hear an expert with those little interesting details!

[@jeffgagnon4557]

Colin Great review Simple and to the point. Under car = nicely done. Definitely a bonus to all Cobraphiles Thank you Jeff

[@allanmcelroy9840]

cobraphiles...that a new one

[@CharlesFlahertyB]

They really look best in street guise, without the sidepipes, rollhoop and race bumpers.

[@richardgadoury8452]

I just got out of the marines, fall of 1967. I was in Montreal and a fellow could not get his car going, same color. It was stuck on the ring gear. I put it in 2nd, rocked it back, and it started. He said thank you in French, I think. Neat...

[@jetara3082]

Laughed so hard at the "Space Shuttle" part. Great Video, covers all you need to know to start with Cobras. A must watch for everyone building a replica

[@vettekid3326]

Its hard to imagine how quick the dual quad 427 side oiler was but I got a ride in a 1963 Galaxy XL factory 427 with four speed in 1967 when I was 11 years old and it was the quickest car I rode in until I was 16 and got a ride in a 1969 LT1 Corvette complete with off road cam and exhaust.

[@philipshilling8665]

This car left the factory new with the AC logo on the horn. Many original cars have been given the snake ones, such as the one incorrectly fitted to this car. Many people over the years have automatically assumed that the snake logo is correct, but it isn't! The snake one fits perfectly because it was also made by Moto Lita in England for Shelby's Ford GT 350s.

[@accobra383]

One of the best videos I've seen covering the 427, reading the comments below I feel very privileged, even though my 427 is a replica.

[@michaelbenardo5695]

It least your's is a Big Block!

[@tvrduude]

Eternally blessed that I have been lucky enough to drive both an original 289 and a 427... 20+ years ago. It was a lust for a Cobra (That I'd likely never be able to afford) early on that I was directed to the more affordable TVR Griffith with similar performance. A project Griffith was acquired and later sold to get a 68 TVR Tuscan SE V8. I still have this and videos like this want me to get it back on the road again!! Love sbf swaps!

[@ericheine2414]

The Cobra was a car of my dreams. Then I drove a Superformance 427 for 45 minutes. I realized it was not the car for me. It was loud you have to stay on task the entire time you are in the car. People drive up to you and bother you while you're driving it. The exhaust exited right by the door and you get a little fatigued from mussel blast. The car is so powerful don't expect to just get in and drive it, it's going to take some time to get used to it. Get instructions on how to enter and exit the vehicle. After driving one for 45 minutes my body was sore. I think a 289 slabside would be a little more my style- less brutal and a little more elegant. Everybody thinks they can drive-take a driving class.

[@TeddyRumble]

The best deal is the 302 or the Coyote V8.

[@MKeuning01]

Built, titled and registered an F5 in 2019. While I can't afford the real thing, at least it gives me a taste of what it's like.

[@TeddyRumble]

If I liquidated everything,I suppose I could buy one. Realistically, you'd need $10 million plus. More realistically, $25 million or more.

[@geoffmarsh7986]

Very interesting cars in the garage background, somebody loves and enjoys European classics. Jaguar Series 111 V12 E Type (XKE in the US I believe), Sunbeam Tiger(?), 2 x Austin Healey Sprites (Frogeye), and 2 cars very blurred, the dark car, no idea, the green car either a Fiat, but more than likely an Alfa Romeo. Good video.

[@martindutko5198]

I think that green car is gulietta/gulia sprint speciale.

[@DLITINTHEHOUSE]

Good little tour of the underside. I have yet to see one underneath until now. Would never have thought of it being a tubular chassis.

[@TeddyRumble]

It is. Very adaptable.

[@AbbieHoffmansGhost]

I remember when John Bond of Road and Track fame bought one in Ohio I believe and described driving it home leaving bits and pieces of the exhaust along the way. One of his descriptions was that 'the Cobra does not have anything on it that doesn't make it go faster'. At the time it was introduced the fastest 0-100-0 time was done by none other than the Aston Martin DB4GTZ. Now that's some pretty good company.

[@bobbyb9718]

This would have to be a visceral experience. I’d love to build a kit one day.

[@TeddyRumble]

Factory five is probably the easiest and most reasonable to build.

[@bobmanson569]

Unfortunately, I will never be able to afford a Cobra, but I thoroughly enjoyed this general overview of the Cobra’s history.

[@McNabbula]

There are some great kits and used ones. One way to get there .

[@bobsmoot8454]

The 427 and especially the S/C version are at the pinnacle of the most desired cars of all time IMHO.

[@williambrandt9254]

I learned a lot from this thank you! Didn’t know about the rear fenders. If you ever have the opportunity go visit the cobra museum in Martinez. One of the docent said that the 427 was actually designed by Ford as an offshoot of the GT 40 program. And they really couldn’t sell all of their competition cobras so they converted a handful to the semi competition. Interesting history although for my taste I would prefer the 289 as it is more balanced.

[@TeddyRumble]

The 289/302 is more than most people can handle.

[@dinorossi6611]

Yup. Clean no stripes no rubbish. Clean and nice.

[@kevinwells768]

Great vid. I'm in my 50s. I have a big block replica (that I can't really afford). But I'm glad I lived in the age of petrol. In just a few years any Cobra will be a very rare sight on a public highway.

[@TeddyRumble]

The stated goal of Democrats in California is to simply outlaw all gasoline or diesel powered cars. Yet people still vote for those guys. Better get used to a Nissan Leaf.

[@abbeyhall4624]

A very very nice presentation of a legend. Super stuff.

[@ImTHATguy...]

I'm fortunate enough to own my '66 replica. The real deal is only getting further and further away as the years pass.

[@tips4truckers252]

I spent 21k on my kit used. I love it. Its amazing how many people ask if its real when clearly its not

[@jiveturkey9993]

Nice

[@MrTheHillfolk]

Haha I don't ask cause I know. If you see a real one on the street, it's like seeing a unicorn. I dig the reps when done nice,nothing wrong with em unless the owners a liar 😂😂

[@mikemadonna9449]

My answer is, "It's real... it's just not an original".

[@TeddyRumble]

One guy with a FF5 said somebody at work asked him if it was an original. He said, would I be working here if it was an original?

[@SmartMass]

A $100k driving experience at a 21x markup; I will never laugh at people paying an ADM on a new car ever again.

[@unclejoe6811]

100k just buys you a pickup truck or a Tahoe these days. It's pocket money.

[@sneff1052]

There is basically no downsides to replicas. Why would you pay 2mil if you can buy a technological superior car for maybe €100-200k? And it's not like these cars were the original race cars or something with real historical significance. They are just homologation cars.

[@unclejoe6811]

@@sneff1052 replica watches, replica cars perfect for fake people.

[@gumballr11]

One of my favourite vids for a long time. Would love one…

[@CanadaBud23]

@@sneff1052 It's nice but for the money if your rich and have soft hands, I'd rather just hand build myself a better car.

[@steves9905]

super interesting. Its purely academic since I would never afford one...I'd get the street car too, but did always think that the rear quarter looked weird stuck way out like that. did not know they built a few with 'narrow hips'...looks so much better. in fact i thought when the vid started that this car had 'work done' for better aesthetics but good to know is was actually factory work. also, yes to the dual quads...

[@kennethconnors5316]

really great overview and you covered it ALL, thanks

[@Xplantdad]

Hey Colin, great stuff. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

[@allanmcelroy9840]

Good video. I was not aware that the copy was a bit more curvy then original, as well as the under exhaust for the street version. I am not surprised at the few modern touches under-hood, but am a bit, pleasantly, surprised that it does not affect the value.

[@2JZDestroyer]

in short either buy a factory 5 or pick up a first gen viper for that true cobra feel.

[@joeyd4593]

or Kirkham, ERA, SPF, Unique

[@2JZDestroyer]

@@joeyd4593 any car willing to kill it's occupense on the likely chance they don't know how to exit a corner will do for that authentic deathtrap feeling

[@georgebrookes6317]

Buy the Kirkham because they are exact copies. Not fiberglass or with a different frame. Buy the real deal.

[@cooperparts]

I had cobras and vipers don't even mention viper when compared to a cobra

[@2JZDestroyer]

@@cooperparts did it try to kill you?

[@VolkerHett]

Years (decades, to be true) ago the german Magazin Motor Klassik had a 427 Cobra for a test. I read the whole article several times but the gist of it is in one sentence: "You drive in 4th gear through town and accelerate ad the end of the town, still in 4th gear. A BMW M3 shifted through all gears has no chance to follow you." Ok, it was the E30 M3 at that time. But impressive for a then already ancient car.

[@chrismunn915]

Someone should count how many times he said 427 cobra

[@5thgearouttahere]

427.

[@RUfromthe40s]

and how many he call it by it's name ?or refers to the brand history and it's relation with Carol Shelby because he did was a racing pilot

[@MrTheHillfolk]

@Areyouthick either way, I'm drunk as heck right now 🤦🤣

[@evanneiswanger]

@Areyouthick I was gonna make the comment “take a shot,” but we’d all die 2 mins in

[@Loulovesspeed]

But he never said 428, which almost half the Street 427 Cobras were! They still wore 427 emblems and valve covers but they were the more docile and street friendly 428s!

[@Popsaircraftdetail]

Amazing car been around them all my life and is still amazing

[@cayman9873]

Such a beautiful car.. the engine is the star...just like the 427 corvette

[@vtr0104]

60 years later and on modern tires, and it still squiggles off the line... How can you NOT want one?

[@charlie6629]

The AC was I believe 6" longer of the two models. Tried to go in on one with my brother in 73 for $40,000. The next year same car sold for $80K then 200k a few years later

[@richardgreen7811]

I have a Clownifornia registered 1965 427 AC Cobra MKIII which I drive frequently along with my 1965 Le Mans Gulf Oil Racing Helmet. Not to give my story away ... everywhere I go I have to save at least "15 minutes in and out" of the venue (usually a restaurant/bar or the LA area car/motorcycle scene (Rock Store, Deer Lodge, The Place, The Waypoint Cafe, etc.) because "everybody" wants to see it and ask "the myriad questions". This is part of ownership, and if you don't want to do this, you shouldn't own one. Here's the rub ... usually the 1st question is "is it real" ? I have devised accurate and polite responses to this question because I knew Carroll Shelby from my Odessa, TX days when he was hocking his famous Chile Powder (which was awesome), and I savor his legacy. My Cobra is a manufactured car produced by a company named Cutting Edge out of Manteca, CA. It was a Father/2-Sons organization that sprang from their core work with the Aero-Space Industry with a specialty in producing high strength CNC parts with close tolerances. For many reasons, they're production ran only two years, chiefly because they couldn't hold the price to the competition (got too expensive). It was produced to the "precise" specifications from the cars produced by Shelby American, with notable exceptions such as an Indy Suspension on all 4 corners and other updated critical components. In support of the Indy Suspension (night and day to the Shelby American car) are Penske Racing Shocks (custom built for me by Penske Racing). The power train starts with a fully shrouded racing aluminum radiator, Ford Racing's Aluminum 427 Racing Engine Short Block (not for street use), AFR 220 Renegade Aluminum Racing Heads, a Ron Iskandarian designed roller cam and lifters, a 7 quart Milodon oil pan, a triple pass oil cooler by Earl's, a Tremec TKO 600 5spd Transmission, and an 8.8" IRS racing differential. The carbureted engine dyno's at 648 hp (flywheel) with 574 ft lbs torque, a Derale Triple Pass Fuel Chiller, and a Magna Fuel Pump capable of supporting 1,200 hp. Every aspect of this car, which is 1 of only 8 ever built (mine is #2, the photo car) is a full Race Car. Carroll and company could not have built this car due to metallurgy of the day and machining technology available today. So when people say "is it real" ... what I want to say is, go find every owner of a "real Cobra" and we will match titles (and I have no fear of this). Just remember folks, when the Cobra was originally introduced and raced in Nassau (where it got its ass whipped by Corvette), it sported a 260 cu in Ford engine. With that embarrassment, Carroll accosted Lee Iaccoca with a vigor Lee could not escape, resulting in Lee sponsoring a number of the newly developed 289 cu in Cast Iron Racing Engines. All ... "all" ... all of the records and winnings accomplished by the team were with the cast iron 289 engine. Suspension ... forget it. It just wasn't available. When Dan Gurney cornered, many times the inside wheel would lift dramatically. The 427 was used solely to market the street version of the Cobra. Even then, Carroll just couldn't resist. After the production run of the Cobra, his CPA pointed out that he still had 23 vehicle identification numbers (VIN's) allocated by the Clownifornia DMV for production. He produced those cars but ran out of 427 engines, so he switched the Ford 428 cu in engine (not even close to the 427 performance) and called these cars the "SC" meaning Semi-Competition. You can read what you want but that's really what happened, and if you knew Carroll you wouldn't doubt if for a minute. Carroll could sell you your own underwear. So why am I sharing this with you ? I understand the concept of "is it real", but the reality is that in my case, I paid a ton of money for this car and have spent a ton more to bring it to "show worthy" and high performance. It's kind of offensive for those of us who have embraced Carroll's legacy and spend our weekends (and maintenance nights) bringing this car to populated events only to hear this question. In reality, my Cobra can "eat" any original Cobra ever produced, and absolutely out-corner them. For those few guys who sport a $2M to $4M original Cobra stored in a climate controlled livery while you nightly savor Single Malt and an A Fuente cigar while wishing you could drive it ... I wish you well. As for me ... it's Portrero Canyon at 95 mph while making my way to the best breakfast in LA (the Waypoint Cafe, Camarillo Airport). When you see Ghost Rider ... just look at the plate ... says it all.

[@brianz426]

Nice video Colin, keep these coming. 👍

[@Carguyeight]

This was my grandfather’s cobra at one time, happy to see it driven

[@cobracolin]

Who was your grandfather? Thanks!

[@Carguyeight]

@@cobracolin Tom Utterback, I believe he sold it back in the ‘70s

[@Wheels-Wheels-Wheels]

Useful & concise information. Thank you.

[@Mateo8402]

awsome video... nice approach to the 2,1 million dollar sitiuation.... great presenter

[@clevejason]

Can we just have the review without the terrible music in the background? It’s hard to hear the presenter and more importantly the vehicle. Thank you

[@andyfranklinitsbecausehesa5774]

Its taken from an old 70s porn film 😖

[@frankpavan7865]

Beautiful car. Nothing else looks like it.

[@formerpilgrim4934]

Spider web on the front left wheel at 6:30? They are everywhere this year!

[@MrTheHillfolk]

Haha. Nah, that's safety wire. Thoroughly enjoyed that clip, that's legit 👌

[@jstdrv]

If you want a usable car similar to this, that doesn't cost a lot to buy and maintain, buy a 90s TVR Griffith or chimera 500

[@opiealvin]

What a beautiful car. Every boys dream. Had the poster in my basement rec room as a kid. Great review.

[@jacobbriggs311]

The description of the video describes the 427 S/C which actually looked like that. There are many types of cobras

[@philzook4114]

Came to watch a video about a car I will never own… stayed to stare at the Buick sign in the background. Would look great in garage behind my 55 Special. lol

[@Brotherbear75]

Massively popular kit cars in South Africa with clubs around the country

[@TeddyRumble]

Superformance. However, SA isn't long for this world. Will be just like Zimbabwe in a decade or less. Why anyone would risk living there is beyond me.

[@thepizzabicycle]

There's a man named Tom in Powey CA.... He is the original owner of a 427ci Cobra. He drives it every Saturday morning.

[@MrMightyytau]

Best Looking of all the AC427 cars

[@RestorationObsession]

One of the sweetest sports cars made.

[@marcryvon]

Funny, "sweetest" is not the word coming to my mind just looking at it. Absolute fear would be more appropriate to me ! 🤣

[@timking2822]

Great intro video on 427 Cobras. A little surprised you'd drive one like that on a public street. Also, surprised there was no mention of the continuation car alternatives. The same car for a lot less money.

[@TeddyRumble]

They are not collectable. You have to wait until there's a model change (like Mustangs 64-70), or they stop making them. I'd buy a Kirkham, but even $350,000 is too much. A FF5 kit that you build yourself is the best option.

[@mickden3155]

Hey you know your stuff great video and really informative

[@98pharaoh]

Very informative. Bravo!

[@henrycollins2478]

A guy who loves like 15 minutes away from me owns one. Sounds incredible.

[@AndrewByrnes-iv5dn]

The 427 in the 289 were running laps one day at Willow lawn. 427 got tired of the 289 on its ass and try to get away from it. Spun out in the grass that's the 289 just roared its way by. Ken miles

[@joshuagibson2520]

The music was a little over the top. I could do without music altogether honestly.

[@Icutmetal]

Ok

[@j.franklin4999]

Cool vid Colin...well done! ;)

[@michaellorenson2997]

Luckily, you can build your own 427 Cobra, and it'll potentially have important features like a lot more leg room. I'd have to run side-pipes because they look cool, but mostly because they sound soooo good. The 2" exhaust on the street version sounds absurd for a big-block, but the Ford manifolds were just terrible so bigger pipes were pointless. Ford had a reason for their super-restrictive manifolds, but it was a stupid reason. The headers and side pipes were certainly worth a hell of a lot of additional power.

[@lakhiruchiranthena1118]

Greatest of all time

[@sl33per1]

I've heard that most of the surviving cobras are in Japanese collectors hands now.

[@slappy1965]

Nice cruise through Estabrook Park in Milwaukee. How come I haven't seen this car around?

[@danmitchell7218]

Man this is a legit video.

[@funkyzero]

My dad actually had an early model AC of some sort, it was a 6cyl according to him. I'm not sure if it came that way or not, I only have one photo of it and it's at a distance... plus it's from the early 70's, so crappy photo.

[@sixfootbear]

Probably an AC Ace with a 2 litre straight six. That is the car that Shelby shovelled a V8 into..

[@TeddyRumble]

Yes, they had a straight 6. The Shelby story is fascinating, but by ALL accounts, old man Shelby was a jerk.

[@haphmiler]

Let me know when you are filming in Milwaukee! Would love to have seen this!

[@teslapete4461]

the street cars are the most beautiful...my favorite a slab side with a 260 or 289

[@Seedcadets]

Great video but there was one big glaring lie @9:50, owners do not drive there 1-2 million dollar cobras….. I’ve come across at least 10-15 and spoke with each owner. None and not even one has told me they have driven it in over a year….. so yeah beautiful car, amazing car in fact. But it’s just a shame people don’t use them for there intended purpose, to be enjoyed….

[@TeddyRumble]

That's the problem with a car that cost over $100,000. You are not going to drive it to the supermarket. More realistic to me is a restored '65-'68 Mustang fastback. Even those are $100k+.

[@sanandreasthegoldenknight5207]

Do the buyers guide for the American Performance Cobra replica next time

[@R.Sole88109]

I bet the Trigger's Broom analogue applies to Original Cobras as well as old Land Rovers😁👍🏻

[@drbelli]

THAT IS NOT A TRANSPORT OR MOBILITY DEVICE! it is the very soul, the metal amalgamation of real Motorsporting (Yes i just made a word, add it to your google words).

[@townsville69]

I felt actual pain when you said owners used to cut holes in the side of their cars.

[@BradThePitts]

Please look up some videos about Lynn Park. Great stuff!

[@klimeji]

Nice work. Only minor editing issue: music is too loud compared to voice. Other than that, just pretty nice. ;-)

[@billymania11]

It's not worth 1.9 million to me but I'm glad we can see em on video and such. I'm very much into current automobile tech and I wouldn't trade my M2 for anything.

[@BradThePitts]

Definitely worth 1.9 million - It will grow in value faster than any mutual fund or most any other collector car.

[@donnlowe9129]

Years ago I had the opportunity to drive A 289 Cobra And later on I had the opportunity to drive A 427 Cobra. I liked the way the 289 road and drove much better than the 427.. And both cars belong to a friend of mine and they were original cobras not knock offs.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

I've heard many tales of my cousins cobra, built for him because he wanted a 289 car when the 427 just came out. He got them to do a 289 body and engine put on a 427 chassis. And for the reason you said , the 289 was more fun on twisty backroads.

[@TeddyRumble]

Apocryphal story. No one is going to just let you drive a million dollar car.

[@whenvioletsturngrey9597]

The one thing people get wrong is that most Original Cobras have flaws. They are old cars with aluminum bodies. There are usually star cracks in the fenders from rocks. The paint iteself, less often aged. The dash instrumentation is often yellowed & the seats cracked & worn. They look like old cars. They are. Most replicas look TOO NICE. The other thing about a replica is that the further it is from original spec, the more likely you are to question "does this feel like a Cobra?" & the less likely you are going to want to keep it, for the long term. I've had the pleasure of being able to see quite a few early cobras, up close. Some of them were really beat. But there's something magic about these cars, in any condition. The history the carry seems to have as much of a pull as the mechanism, itself. I wish more people would build replicas with this type of vibe. Some "patina".

[@LagrangePoint0]

Great video!

[@borkair6581]

They are rare now because "lethal". So many were written off. Similar rarity = the sunbeam tiger

[@tonywise3705]

That was great, thanks

[@dewightkey6975]

Lot of 👍good lnformation 😊thanks

[@lavonwatson8814]

Had a nice kit version pull up by me at a light last week, looked and sounded great but it was running so rich I still smell like gas.

[@TheLambo123254]

great video!!!!

[@jacksonpereira5898]

Very nice!

[@AndrewByrnes-iv5dn]

Apparently Shelby won all three classes in the Cobra sccaa be in drag racing in the same car. Usrrc and the dragon snake

[@acemacgruber6593]

I wonder if a small block would be better overall with less weight up front.

[@troynov1965]

They are , in fact Carrol Shelby preferred them.

[@BradThePitts]

I've owned both big block and small block Cobras. (Small block Factory Five and big block Superformance.) Heavier springs up front more than make up for the extra weight of the big block and you don't know the difference. The handling of the modern replicas depend much more on coilover choice, their settings, and whether you have IRS or not. There is also notable a difference comparing 15" wheels to 17" or 18" wheels. When Carrol Shelby said he preferred the small blocks, I am really certain it was because of the higher redline.

[@troynov1965]

Im pretty sure he liked the handling better because of the lighter weight of the small block, at least thats what I recall.

[@TeddyRumble]

​@@troynov1965Ken Miles loved the 289.

[@yamahaxs6501]

The best part about this car? its got stone chips, it's a little greasy and not perfect underneath! It gets driven!

[@paladin0654]

"Not too bad"....as he blows through the 30MPH speed limit sign!

[@ghost21501]

I love this series, but what happened to interesting, more affordable, cars that the series started with?

[@marcryvon]

Well Ivan, it proves that you cannot please everybody all the time at the same time. For me, I was pleased to know that the original 427s did'nt come with those horrible side pipes and humongous back fenders. Like Shelby liked. Make mine exactly like this one but Ford Blue.

[@BradThePitts]

I've been following Shelby Cobra history for 40 years and this is the first I've heard about the use of a supercomputer to design the chassis and suspension. I'm certainly not saying it isn't true, it just seems odd.

[@sirewokthefirstidonthaveal2902]

supercomputer means the used a calculator

[@davidpeters9897]

@@sirewokthefirstidonthaveal2902 A calculator in 1966 was probably an adding machine!

[@dr.hugog.hackenbush9443]

A computer in 1966 filled up an entire room.