1965 Shelby Cobra CSX4000 Series 50th Anniversary

Few if any cars of the 20th century inspire more passion than the famed Shelby Cobra, a name that has always been synonymous with racing domination since its introduction in 1962. Its successor, the Cobra 427 introduced in 1965, has fueled the dreams of generations of enthusiasts as the ultimate iteration of Carroll Shelby’s creation. In late 2014, Shelby American announced the release of a special edition of the CSX4000 Series “Component Cobra” to commemorate the 427 big-block Cobra’s 50th anniversary. Only 50 were built, making them among the most exclusive of any machine to wear the official Cobra badge.

Of special significance is the fact that these cars were available with a choice of a fiberglass body painted Guardsman Blue with Wimbledon White stripes or, for an additional premium of $60,000, a polished aluminum body with brushed-texture stripes, the latter adding an extra serving of excitement to this already visually stunning automotive icon.

The second of the only 50 produced, CSX4551 is one of the few alloy-bodied examples, and it’s made even more exclusive by its single ownership and the odometer reading of a single mile. Its Shelby-built FE 427 V-8 engine employs rare Weber carburetors and ported aluminum heads, and it powers 550 HP through a beefy Tremec TKO600 5-speed manual transmission. Equipped with independent suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, 4-wheel Wilwood disc brakes, low-back leather bucket seats and Goodyear billboard tires on pin-drive knock-off wheels, it is built on a powder-coated frame and also incorporates a chromed roll bar and side exhaust, chromed quick jack bumpers, a racing-style fuel tank, heater, Shelby gauges and unique 50th Anniversary badging. This polished jewel is literally a shining tribute to the man whose creations and accomplishments left an indelible mark on automotive history.