While the very first Cobras were powered by 260ci V8s, the most well-known version of the Anglo-American roadster was a 289 (4.7-litre). This formed the basis for the Ford-bankrolled company to take on – and beat – Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin in international GT racing, achieving an over-2000cc class victory in 1965.

The ‘big-block’ 7-litre V8 went into a heavily revised Cobra later in its life, seeing action on the race tracks and drag strips as well as the highway. The Cobra 427 was raced until the early 1970s, winning hundreds of events.

With a new chassis (now with coil springs) covered by more aggressive, curvaceous bodywork designed to cover the widest wheels possible, the 7-litre Cobra is the definition of ultimate motoring machismo.

This Shelby Cobra 427, for sale at Copley Motorcars in Boston, MA, has many desirable original competition extras: a hood scoop; side exhaust; chrome roll bar; and large fuel tank.

It was delivered new on 30 June 1966 to Stark Hickey Ford, Royal Oak, MI and is documented in the Shelby World Registry of Cobras.

For further information, see the car details in the Classic Driver Market.

Photo: Copley Motorcars