1965 Shelby Cobra 427 Competition Roadster Prototype

Shelby Cobra 427 Competition Roadster Prototype image

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The 1965 AC Shelby Cobra 427 Competition Roadster Prototype is a high-performance sports car that epitomizes the prowess of British and American engineering. This vehicle is a significant addition to the car industry, with numerous advanced features that make it stand out from other sports car models.

The AC Shelby Cobra 427 Competition Roadster Prototype is built with a lightweight, tubular space frame chassis that is enhanced with additional bracing, which provides the vehicle with improved structural rigidity. This frame is wrapped in a fiberglass body that is rigid and aerodynamically sound. At the front, the vehicle features a classic look, exemplified by the iconic Shelby Cobra grille that greets you when you first lay your eyes on it. With its sleek and aggressive design, the vehicle is a true marvel of modern-day car engineering.

Powering the AC Shelby Cobra 427 Competition Roadster Prototype is a massive 7.0-liter V8 engine built by Ford known as the "side-oiler." This engine fitted to a four-speed transmission puts out a whopping 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. This power is enough to give this sports car an impressive acceleration of 0-60 mph in just about 4 seconds.

The vehicle comes with an independent suspension with unequal-length upper and lower A-arms at the front, and at the rear, you will find the tried-and-tested narrowed rear axle with a transverse leaf spring. It also features disc brakes on all four corners, which are larger and more potent than the standard 427, which epitomizes the vehicle's high-performance ideology.

The AC Shelby Cobra 427 Competition Roadster Prototype also boasts of other advanced features that were designed for high-speed racing. It comes with a roll bar, fire suppression system, and a fuel cell, among other safety components, making it a reliable option for high-speed racing events.

Inside the car, you will find a minimalistic interior designed to reduce weight and improve visibility. The bucket seats are comfortable and secure, providing an excellent driving position. The gear shifter is situated within easy reach, providing seamless gear changes. The vehicle also boasts of an array of gauges and instruments that enable a driver to monitor the car's performance and engine vitals, ensuring that the vehicle responds consistently at various speeds and conditions.

Overall, the AC Shelby Cobra 427 Competition Roadster Prototype 1965 features advanced engineering, quality components, and exceptional attention to detail that make it an iconic model. This vehicle represents a blend of power, precision, safety, and performance, which makes it a remarkable vehicle that enthusiasts and collectors alike will undoubtedly cherish for generations to come.

Milestones

- Developed in 1964 as a competition model for racing - First prototype built by AC Cars in England and shipped to Shelby American in California - Fitted with a 7.0-liter V8 engine producing over 500 horsepower - Purpose-built for endurance races, such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans - Only 23 427 Competition Roadsters produced, making it highly sought-after by collectors - Won numerous races, including the GT class at the 1965 12 Hours of Sebring - Carroll Shelby drove one to victory at the Riverside Grand Prix in 1965 - Considered one of the most iconic American sports cars of all time


Technical

- Engine type: Ford FE 427 V8 - Displacement: 7.0 liters - Horsepower: 485 hp - Torque: 475 lb-ft - Transmission: 4-speed manual - Suspension: Independent coil springs and wishbones in front, De Dion tube with coil springs and lateral location at rear - Brakes: Disc brakes all around - Top speed: 165 mph - Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds - Curb weight: 2,315 pounds - Dimensions: Wheelbase of 90 inches, length of 155 inches, width of 68 inches, height of 47 inches - Production numbers: Only one prototype was made

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