The 1965 Shelby Cobra CSX4000 Series Roadster represents raw, unfiltered automotive aggression. CSX4262 pairs a lightweight aluminum body with a massively upgraded 427 side oiler V8. Carroll Shelby personally signed the dashboard of this incredible machine. It crosses the auction block at Tulsa in June 2026.
Aggressive Proportions Cloaked In Blue
Guardsman Blue paint covers the hand-formed aluminum bodywork beautifully. The iconic roadster silhouette features a low-slung nose and bulging front fenders. A menacing front opening feeds cold air directly to the hungry V8. Side exhaust pipes exit just ahead of the rear wheels, broadcasting a thunderous soundtrack.
Classic knock-off wire wheels secure fresh tires installed in the fall of 2025. The raked windshield sits low to reduce aerodynamic drag at speed. Broad rear haunches house massive rubber needed to put the power down. Every curve of the body serves a functional, purposeful aerodynamic goal.
A Spartan Cockpit Built For Speed
The cabin strips away every unnecessary luxury in pursuit of lower weight. Black vinyl bucket seats provide basic comfort during high-speed runs. A wood-rimmed steering wheel offers a period-correct tactile connection to the front wheels. Gauges are positioned directly in the driver’s line of sight for rapid monitoring.
Simple toggle switches control the essential electrical systems. A new fuel cell was installed in the fall of 2025 for safe fuel delivery. The signature of Carroll Shelby on the dashboard adds immense historical value. Floor-mounted pedals demand driver engagement at every corner.
Keith Craft Upgrades The Side Oiler
The legendary 427 cubic-inch side oiler V8 serves as the foundation for this build. Keith Craft Racing Engines performed extensive head work and installed a roller camshaft. Dyno testing confirmed output reaching 539 horsepower (546 PS) and 543 lb-ft (736 Nm) of torque at the crank.
This heavyweight power flows through a heavy-duty four-speed manual transmission. The side oiler block ensures critical lubrication under extreme lateral cornering loads. Throttle response is violently immediate due to the aggressive camshaft profile. Power delivery feels brutal yet surprisingly linear as the revs climb.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 427 CI Side Oiler V8 |
| Power | 539 hp (546 PS) |
| Torque | 543 lb-ft (736 Nm) |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| Body Material | Aluminum |
Continuation Cars Hold Strong Value
The CSX4000 series allows collectors to experience original Cobra aesthetics without the astronomical cost of an original chassis. These continuation cars utilize correct period specifications and materials. An aluminum body commands a significant premium over fiberglass replicas. The Keith Craft engine upgrade makes this specific car highly desirable.
Compared to a Factory Five or Superformance replica, the Shelby badge carries undeniable pedigree. Collectors view CSX4000 cars as legitimate extensions of the original production run. Signed examples like CSX4262 typically fetch top dollar at auction. The included spare set of Goodyear Eagle tires adds extra value to the package.
Auction Arrival And Mechanical Readiness
CSX4262 heads to the Tulsa 2026 auction as Lot V225 on Saturday, June 6th. Recent maintenance ensures the car remains mechanically ready for its next owner. New tires and a fresh fuel cell provide immediate driving confidence. The dyno-tested engine removes any guesswork regarding its performance potential.
Prospective buyers should prepare for the intense physical demands of a 539-horsepower roadster. This vehicle lacks modern driver aids, requiring immense skill to control safely. The combination of an aluminum body and side oiler engine creates a premier investment piece.
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Source: mecum.com
