Although Carroll Shelby’s 289-powered Cobra was proven and immensely successful on the race track, more power was clearly needed to stay competitive. Shelby engineer and driver Ken Miles correctly surmised an even bigger engine might work within Cobra’s confines. While Shelby was initially promised a new lightweight aluminum-block version of Ford’s 390 CI FE engine, internal resistance from the NASCAR faction at Ford dictated a switch to the heavier cast-iron 427. Although reliable at 500 HP and beyond, its added weight dictated a complete redesign of the Cobra’s chassis, with the update measuring 5 inches wider and sporting huge rear fender flares, massive tires and new coil-spring underpinnings.
The brutal 427 Cobra utterly dominated the SCCA A-Production class, unceremoniously putting Corvettes onto their trailers with cold efficiency. Usually sweeping the podium wherever they entered, 427 Cobras were piloted by the era’s top drivers and figured prominently at the ARRC or American Road Race of Champions. Shelby’s big-block cars were never mass-produced, with just over 300 built, including competition, street and the final Semi-Competition (SC) cars that were initially intended as factory-built racing cars but repurposed after Shelby failed to meet the FIA 100-car production requirement for international racing.
Numbered CSX3220 and documented with fascinating history listed in the SAAC Shelby Registry, this 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra is an original “Street” 427 Cobra that left the Shelby American factory finished in Guardsman Blue paint over black upholstery—the colors it sports today. Invoiced to Shelby dealer Hi-Performance Motors of El Segundo, California, CSX3220 was sold to William M. Noe, III of Hollywood and received warranty service at Hi-Performance Motors. The next known owner was Malibu resident George Henderson, who purchased the Cobra in 1974. He soon had the car repainted from blue to red and had a side-oiler 427 CI engine installed. Following some time in storage, the Cobra was sold in 1989 by Henderson to Danny Donegan of England, who is reported in the Shelby Registry to have restored CSX3220 to S/C Semi-Competition Cobra appearance and specification.
Frank Sytner, the 1988 British Touring Car champion driver and new-car dealer, acquired CSX3220 via Robin Stainer in November 1992 and returned it to the U.S., where it was acquired at auction by noted Ohio-based collector Harry Yeaggy in January 1993. Subsequent owners include Chris MacAllister (1995-97), New York dealer Nick Soprano (1998-99) and Pennsylvanian Dr. Lear Von Koch (early 1999), with the car remaining as Donegan had restored it. Magazine features on the Cobra were published in Cars & Parts magazine in August 1993 and in the May 1999 edition of Classic & Sportscar magazine.
As now offered at Indianapolis, CSX3220 benefits from a comprehensive Comp/SC-spec conversion restoration completed in March 2024. Refinished in its factory-specified Guardsman Blue paint color, the Cobra retains its original, undamaged frame and the original aluminum body including the doors, hood and trunk. The original chassis was media-blasted and epoxy-coated and the original A.C. welds were retained. The body was hand-sanded and high-build primer was applied prior to the Guardsman Blue paint finish. The legendary 427 CI side-oiler V-8 engine features a Holley 780 CFM carburetor atop a “Turkey Pan” intake, plus supporting features including an oil cooler and ducting. Iconic side pipes deliver an unforgettable exhaust note. The original 4–speed manual transmission and original differential deliver the power. Furthering the restoration’s correctness and period authenticity, the Cobra’s hardware and fasteners are restored original items.
The Cobra’s black interior includes a Comp Cobra/SC dashboard and original Smiths gauges, plus deletion of the defroster vents and wiper/washer to meet SC specifications. Other highlights include a roll bar, hood scoop and riveted hood, plus the aluminum trunk floor design, 3/8-inch body flange, rear-wheel fender flares and conversion to competition-type rectangular tail lights. Batteries have been relocated behind the passenger seat. Other details include a 41-gallon fuel tank with a competition trunk conversion, a Le Mans filler neck, bumper jacks, original Koni coilover racing shocks, brake duct scoops and Halibrand knock-off wheels with pin drive spindles. Simply spectacular throughout with a freshly completed restoration, CSX3220 carries documented history and comes in quite likely the most desirable Semi Competition specification.
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