By 1965, Shelby and Ford set out to dominate the racing world with a new, more powerful Cobra. The result was the Mark III, featuring a heavily revised chassis with 4-inch main tubes (up from 3 inches), coil spring suspension at all four corners, and dramatically flared fenders to accommodate wider tires. The most important change, however, was under the hood: a monstrous 7.0-liter (427 cubic inch) Ford FE “side oiler” V8. In standard form, this engine produced 425–485 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, launching the lightweight roadster from 0–60 mph in as little as 4.3 seconds and on to a top speed of up to 165 mph. The semi-competition (S/C) models, built from unsold race chassis, could reach an even higher 185 mph.
The 427 Cobra’s performance was ferocious, but so was its reputation for being a handful—its short wheelbase, light weight, and immense power demanded respect. Even today, it’s regarded as one of the most thrilling and challenging cars to drive fast. The car’s aggressive stance, side exhaust pipes, and unmistakable presence have made it a favorite at car shows and on racetracks for decades.
Shelby built just over 300 of these big-block Cobras, making original examples highly sought after and extremely valuable—often fetching well over $1 million at auction. Despite its brief production run and the fact that it missed out on official factory racing glory due to homologation issues, the Shelby Cobra 427’s legend has only grown, cementing its place as a true American supercar and a symbol of 1960s performance excess.
Whether tearing up the quarter mile or stealing the show at a concours, the Shelby Cobra 427 remains an enduring icon—loud, brash, and utterly unforgettable.
