This 1965 Shelby 427 S/C Cobra is described as one of the genuine CSX4000 continuation cars built under Carroll Shelby’s authorization in accordance with factory specs and standards. These cars are considered highly collectible and not necessarily regarded as replicas, as Shelby himself allowed them to be built for a second time and stamped with the correct CSX chassis numbers. If the first generation of production is out of reach, these are considered the next best thing. This CSX4000 is described as being like new with 990 miles on the clock, and listed here on craigslist for $130,000 in Las Vegas. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Rex M. for the find.
These continuation cars always broke my brain, just a little bit. I understand the concept, and that Carroll Shelby himself initiated the production “extension”, if you will. There were some variations, of course, as production was not limited to one facility but rather a few different manufacturers who were authorized to produce the Cobra in accordance with various standards required by Shelby. From what I can gather, the values depend on a few different factors, as some cars had a higher ratio of original components that were found on the earliest examples, such as Girling brakes and Salisbury IRS. Presumably, the logic would be that the later the continuation car is in the production line, the fewer components it would share with the original production run.
That could be flawed thinking on my part, but in looking at previous auctions for CSX4000 cars, it seems like the devil is in the details for assigning worth. The lower sale prices almost always seem to be tied to models with excessive personalized touches by the first owners, or cars that were built deep in the production run. This example appears to be an earlier run model, with the identification plate indicating it is car number 4077 – and a previous sale for car number 4068 is one of those models loaded with original parts and features. Again, I’m learning as I go when it comes to the continuation cars, but it’d be helpful if the seller could confirm when his example was built in the overall production schedule. It was purchased in 1997, which lines up with the initial stages of continuation production.
The continuation models even came with titles stating they were 1965 models, another aspect of the levels Shelby went to in order to market these as the real deal specimen, just built a few decades later. The Cobra will come with an owner’s manual and the complete build sheet and specifications. Carroll Shelby’s signature does indeed appear inside the cockpit, rounding out the list of “must haves” if you’re a Shelby fan. While the continuation cars will never be as valuable as the first generation production models, it makes a lot of sense (to me, at least) if you want to have a genuine Shelby in your garage with far more pedigree than a Factory Five kit and for way less cash than you might expect. Speaking of, do you think the seller’s asking price is reasonable?
This doesn’t make a lick of sense, and puts me in my place, kind of. I know what I said about price ( see CJ2 post), but just one more. I was watching one of the highly entertaining auctions, and a Cobra like this came up , IDK, maybe it was Mr. Shelby’s personal care, I couldn’t care less, but the bidding came down to 2 white haired guys, one more determined than the other to have that car, FINALLY, the car sold for a whopping $5.4 MILLION. The guy who bought it, clearly proud that his ding a ling was bigger than the other guys, gets the standard hug from his “half his age” arm candy, and off they go. Makes this seem like a relative bargain. Amazing, Captain.
Perfect! I LMAO!
4 or 5 million who cares it is still more fun than a Rembrandt or a Monet.
The 4000 series is the continuation series, fiberglass bodies built by Shelby American under license authorized by Carroll Shelby. They definitely dont have the value of the original aluminum body 2000 series cobras
I think that the difference is that the auction car was purchased by Carroll Shelby in 1966 and this car was built after 1997.
I’ve been watching these for a while, would love to own one but lotto hasn’t come thru. But the one I want needs to have an aluminum body (some did). The ad incorrectly states this one has a fiberglass frame, it’s steel tube like the originals, body is most likely ‘glas. I’ve heard stories about a batch of VIN tags that were “found” and claimed to be from original run in 60’s that were used on some Cobras built much, much later, most with ‘glas bodies
As recall he found the numbers like you said, but made a deal with the local prison for inmates to build them as work release. Surely at bargains prices for their bread and water.
Am I the only one here who doesn’t think it’s right
that cars like this (& the ” tribute” cars) are recently built,
but registered as a “1965”,etc.?
Not only wrong, it’s just plain wrong! Let a guy advertise a swiss cheee Yenko ,Spaulding etc car , knowing that buyer wants vin for a rebirth, then everyone slings accusations of criminal activity! Maybe the tale of prison workers having a hand in the fab work isn’t a tale at all. How ironic!
One tale that isn’t a tale….”It’s who you know “😎
Meh. So many of them with so many stories. I see more of the pretenders than I do Camaros. Are they that much fun to drive?
427 with no power steering. Clearly no fun to park. Not sure how much fun to drive. Revs up at speed should be a blast.
Shelby built 900? Counting the factory five I am building there are an estimated 30,000 replica’s out there. I don’t know how much fun they are to drive but I am having a blast building it.
I’ll bet this is a ball to drive, and the price seems fair enough for a vehicle that few outside of the hobby would realize isn’t the real thing.
Kenn, I own a 427 replica from ERA. These cars are a sensory experience to drive. The sound from the sidepipes, smell of the exhaust, the seat of your pants vibrations and brutally raw acceleration is something to experience. I’ve driven faster cars, but the Cobra leaves you with an adrenaline rush for hours. That’s the beauty of the Shelby Cobras.
Wouldn’t the fact that Shelby CSX number and Shelby’s authorization make it the real thing?
In what sense? As a continuation of the cars built in the ’60s, yes, it’s very much like them. As a “1965 427 S/C Cobra?” Not so much.
A real Shelby fiberglass copy! Wasn’t he having the aluminum bodies made in a previous MIG factory in Poland?
I sold a 1964 427 to a Shelby owner, he said 65 and up (there dated blocks) had to have a smog pump and pass inspection.
I bet they are a blast to drive, like on the edge of scary, and I’m a Chevy guy. A real deal one of these just won the GoodGuys Autocrosser of the Year at the Duel in the Desert for the 3rd year in a row. It’s highly modified,but all the cars out there are. It’s cool that it’s out there getting thrashed, not in a museum. good-guys.com
Isn’t this just a replica car? same thing as,say, a superformance car? Only with the words, continuation car? im confused?