One to Buy: 3300 mile ex-Richard Messersmith 1965 AC Shelby Cobra 427 Competition
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For many collectors and enthusiasts, the ultimate incarnation of the legendary AC / Shelby Cobra is the seven-litre 427 Competition. Produced between 1965 and ‘67, just 23 of these legendary machines were completed at the Shelby works in California before the firm switched focus to other projects.
In addition to the custom large diameter tubular steel chassis and aluminium body common to all seven-litre Cobras, the 427 Competition came with features like enlarged Halibrand wheels, uprated brakes, reinforced suspension, a massive long-range fuel tank, front and rear jacking points, a roll bar, a remote oil filter, a turkey pan air box, vented inner body panels, dual aircraft batteries and a differential oil cooler with electric pumps.
Despite this incredible specification though, the Cobra 427 Competition arrived too late to make a major impact on the GT racing scene as an insufficient number had been completed for approval into the Group 3 GT category for 1965.
Currently on the market with Fantasy Junction in Emeryville, California, is one of the most highly regarded Cobra 427 Competitions to exist: chassis CSX3018.
Invoiced to Shelby American on January 26th 1965 and assigned a work order on March 1st 1965. CSX3018 was subsequently supplied via Jack Loftus Ford of Hinsdale to fellow Illinois resident, Richard Messersmith of Wilmette, who traded CSX2525 as part of the deal made in November ‘65.
CSX3018 was completed unpainted with a black interior. Messersmith went on to race his new car in SCCA Chicago region events from 1966 through 1968. It was then sold in the spring of 1969 with just 3000 miles on the odometer, after which the new owner dis-assembled it for restoration, a task not completed until the 1990s.
Today, this sensational Cobra 427 Competition has covered a mere 3300 miles from new and is offered with a documented history back to day one.
