Shelby Cobra 427

The Shelby Cobra, one of the world’s most collectible cars, resulted from the legendary collaboration between AC Cars and Carroll Shelby. As Berkley One Classics celebrates the big 5-0, we’re hosting an exciting virtual car show for collectors and enthusiasts alike. We’ll share our love of classic cars by spotlighting 50 cars for 50 years that have been chosen and beloved by our employees. Each will showcase the evolution of design and engineering and provide a nostalgic journey through auto and pop culture history. Read on as Stacey Silipo, Vice President of Marketing & Branding at Berkley One, tells us why she loves the Shelby Cobra 427.

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The Car:

Collaborations between manufacturers are very popular today yet fifty years ago, one of the most notable examples created one of the world’s most collectible cars —the Shelby Cobra. Manufactured by AC Cars, a British company, with a Ford V8 engine, the Shelby Cobra was produced in both the United Kingdom and later in the United States. Pushed by the emergence of the General Motors Corvette and Ferrari V12-powered GTO, Carroll Shelby, American racecar driver and automotive designer, initially produced the Shelby Cobra using the AC exported Cobra body finished with a Ford engine and gearbox. Further iterations that incorporated a new chassis resulted in the Shelby Cobra 427, considered by many to be the most iconic and recognizable sports car in American history. It was outfitted with a Ford 7.0 Liter (427 cubic inch) FE Engine producing a top speed of 164 mph in standard trim. The more powerful semi-competition model boasted a 485-horsepower engine and a top speed of 185 mph.

The Collector:

The value of the Shelby Cobra 427 is driven by its rarity. Only about 350 Shelby Cobra 427s were produced between 1965 and 1967.

The Love:

In 2011, during Monterey Car Week, I went to Laguna Seca with my husband to see the vintage car races. We saw the Shelby Cobra up close during a walk through the paddocks and it was a stunning car. There was quite a crowd drawn to it and its beautiful design and unique story.

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Contributed by Stacey Silipo

Photo: Alamy

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This car feature is part of our 50 Cars for 50 Years campaign in honor of Berkley One Classics celebrating 50 year of insuring collectors and their vehicles. See the other cars we love here.

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Berkley One Classics is a Berkley Company who recognizes that classic cars are unique and require insurance that’s equally distinctive. Let us help you protect your beloved vehicle so you can enjoy it for years to come. Learn more here.