The 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra isn’t just a car, it’s a chapter in racing history, raw and unfiltered. With a lineage that includes Ford’s current CEO and a celebrated vintage racer, CSX 3195 is more than legendary metal; it’s living proof of Carroll Shelby’s uncompromising vision.
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A Legend Among Cobras: 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra CSX 3195
When Carroll Shelby unveiled the 427 Cobra, the world got a glimpse of raw American muscle wrapped in British skin. CSX 3195 is one of those rare beasts. Built in December 1965 and delivered in May 1966, it has seen circuits, celebrities, and decades of enthusiast care.
Over the years, it transformed from a bruised road car to a razor-sharp track weapon. And its story is steeped in character, from its early accident to Mac Archer’s racing victories and Jim Farley’s passion-driven ownership.
Power That Shakes You to the Core
At its heart, CSX 3195 boasts a fully prepared 427 cubic-inch V8. Tuned to produce between 525 and 550 bhp at the wheels, this isn’t just a showpiece, it’s a street-legal predator.
After its most recent rebuild, compression was set to 11:1 for daily fuel use, with a dyno read on 93-octane. The engine screams with intent, paired to a lightweight chassis and side-exit exhausts that remind you every drive is an event.
Racing Roots and Unmatched Provenance
The late Dr. Mac Archer turned this Cobra into a race-ready machine in the 1980s. Over two decades, he entered over 90 events across America, proving the car’s speed and resilience.
In the 2000s, Jim Farley, then Ford’s EVP of Marketing, sought the ultimate Cobra and found it in CSX 3195. He had it fully restored, repainted in blue with white stripes, and raced it at Laguna Seca. Even Hot Rod magazine called it “The Most Brutal Car I’ve Ever Been In.”
Track-Ready Yet Street-Tamed
Today, the Cobra blends show-worthy looks with usability. Its race seats have been swapped for more comfortable S/C-style buckets. It features interior carpeting, a rearview mirror, and engine tuning for the road.
This careful balance means you can enjoy the Cobra’s thunder without needing a full racing suit. It’s still fast. It’s still loud. But now, it’s also more driveable.
A Signature of Legacy
Signatures in the engine bay tell their own story, Peter Brock, Jack Roush, Jim Farley, and others have all left their mark. The car’s history includes original documents, race logs, magazine features, and service records from legendary specialists.
Summary
This 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra isn’t just another vintage sports car. It’s a legacy on wheels, tuned and loved by icons of both motorsport and industry. For the next owner, it’s a ticket into an exclusive world of Shelby passion, track prestige, and true American grit.
Disclaimer: Vehicle condition and history should be independently verified by the buyer before any purchase or use.
