One to Buy: 3300 mile ex-Richard Messersmith 1965 Shelby Cobra 427 Competition
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.
Reprinted below is Fantasy Junction’s description:
VIN: CSX3018
One of 23 427 Shelby American Competition Cobras
3,300 mile original with 1966-1969 competition history
Original drivetrain and alloy body with documented ownership history
Beautifully restored
Price: $3.15m
History
The Shelby Cobra continues to be one of the most revered sports cars of the post war era. Since its release, the Cobra mystique has continuously captivated generations of enthusiasts.
Though the small block Ford 289 established the first strike, the Cobra legend became anchored to posterity with the introduction of the commanding 427 – a performance icon that continues to reign as the ultimate example of one of the greatest American sports/competition cars ever constructed.
Unlike the earlier 289, the 427 was designed and built from the ground up by top Shelby American experts.
Not merely a 289 with a larger motor, the 427 Cobra was a fully developed and specialized performance car, built to impress even the most capable high-performance drivers. The massive 427 featured a large diameter handmade steel frame, wrapped in a handcrafted aluminum body, featuring muscular fenders specially formed to make room for wide tires. The stance, power, and awe-inspiring performance included a now famous Ken Miles run of 0-100-0 test achieved in 13 seconds.
However, performance car engineering was moving just as quickly as the 427 dominated the scene, and soon after its introduction, production ceased. The move to mid-engine powered cars, the growth of the GT40 program, and the emergence of the profitable Mustang branded GT350 pushed Shelby American in other directions.
427 Cobra production continued through 1966 using both the 427 FE block (a proven winner in Ford NASCAR events) and the 428, but by 1967 the quick-striking Cobra had vanished.
Though the 427 was an impressive performance machine, the most desirable Cobras were the factory built, competition-prepped 427 powered legends produced by Shelby American.
Not merely a 427 with competition seat belts and race tires, the Competition Cobra was very specifically built. Features included massive Halibrand wheels and tires, a 42-gallon fuel tank, front and rear jacking points, roll bar, remote oil filter, turkey pan air box, vented inner body panels, competition brakes, reinforced suspension, dual aircraft batteries, and a differential oil cooler with electric pumps.
In addition to being wickedly fast, these special cars rapidly emptied even well-stocked wallets – costing nearly 50% more than a street 427 and double the price of a new Corvette.
This high-priced exclusivity translated into very low production. Just 23 427 Competition Cobras were built by Shelby American.
Very few examples remain, fewer still in original condition, with original features, original body, and racing history. CSX3018 is one of those rare 427 Competition Cobras and is considered by several Shelby experts to be the best surviving example of these rare and historically important competition cars.
History of CSX3018
Chassis #CSX3018 was billed to Shelby American on January 26, 1965 and assigned a work order on March 1, 1965.
On November 18, 1965, an order for a Full Competition 427 Cobra was received from Jack Loftus Ford, Hinsdale, IL. The car was completed 'unpainted with a black interior', filling the request for order on March 8, 1966 and invoiced to Loftus Ford as “1 Competition Model Cobra, CSX3018” at a total cost of $9,650. The buyer, Richard H. Messersmith, Wilmette, IL, traded CSX2525 as partial payment on the order.
After picking up the car, Messersmith attended the Carroll Shelby School of High-Performance Driving at Riverside, CA (April-May 1966) to enhance his racing skills. Messersmith would go on to race 3018 in SCCA Chicago region events including races held at Meadowdale, Wilmot Hills, Wisconsin at Lynndale Farms, and Road America.
Photos of the car during this period show it competing with 6.5” front and 9.5” rear FIA Halibrand wheels. The formerly black side pipes would later be chrome plated by Messersmith.
After a spin out on the grass at Elkhart Lake in 1966, the car was sidelined for mechanical updates and minor repair with historic references confirming minor surface damage to a small portion of the front of the car and an equally small portion of the rear, no frame damage or associated structural repair was required.
The car returned for three more seasons of racing (10 races) completing the period racing portion of its history retaining its factory original alloy body, hood, doors, and trunk lid.
After amassing just over 3,000 miles on the odometer, Messersmith offered the car for sale in the spring of 1969. His advertisement presented 3018 as a blue with black interior Cobra, licensed and titled with street equipment, in excellent condition for $6,500.
Chuck Mollica, Milwaukee, WI purchased the car, disassembling it over several years in an effort to restore it.
After Mollica’s passing, in 1976, 3018 was sold to Bill Kemper, Barrington, IL, as a complete project with all pieces and components including the original body, inner panels, fuel tank, gauges, engine, transmission, rear end, and interior pieces including the seats.
By the 1990s, 3018 had been comprehensively restored and was featured at the 1995 SAAC-20, Atlanta, GA show finished in Guardsman Blue with 7.5”/9.5” Halibrand wheels, a chrome roll bar, chrome quick jacks, and black side pipes. The car received a Silver Award in the Concours Cobra class and was later offered for sale in 2018 when it was advertised and promoted with just over 3,000 original miles retaining all the original Competition Cobra components and features.
Current presentation
Today CSX3018 presents as an awe-inspiring example of Shelby American history.
With the vast majority of the original 23 Competition Cobras sacrificed to the rigors of racing or welded back together after various shunts, 3018 remains a remarkable statement combining originality and restoration artistry. Every noted Shelby number is correct including the hood and trunk latch (both stamped with 3018) and the door hinges, while not visible, also similarly stamped.
The traditional Guardsman Blue paint is excellent throughout, accentuating the curves and undulations of the original 427 aluminum bodywork. Reports and restoration accounts accompanying the car reference the alloy body work performed on 3018 when it was restored in the 1990s. These letters confirm that the original aluminum body has been retained and restored.
The exterior trim, original grille, polished aluminum fuel filler, side pipes, and original quick jacks deliver refreshingly correct and historically accurate Competition Cobra features. The lights, lenses, and emblems are in excellent condition while the correctly finished Halibrand wheels and raw cast knockoffs with safety wires contribute to the perfect stance.
The interior has been faithfully depicted featuring leather seating surfaces correctly contoured with proper pleat lines and correct padding. Black carpeting and black door panels continue the theme while a chrome plated fire extinguisher completes the competition details.
Further notable items include the original speedometer indicating 3,338 original miles, the original center zipper black tonneau cover, original black top, and the original Triplex factory windshield and glass. A set of plexiglass competition screens are currently fitted to the car. The dashboard and instruments are properly arrayed with correct instrumentation displaying beautiful numeric details and chrome surrounds. The original wood-rimmed Shelby steering wheel exhibits a handsome warm patina proudly displaying the Cobra center emblem.
Under the hood, the 427 engine is date coded January 5, 1965 and features a factory correct 4bbl carburetor with “turkey pan” carburetor. Correctly finished details throughout include chrome plated valve covers with competition decals, painted surge tank, and raw aluminum inner fender panels. The engine compartment and powerful engine display correct finishes including the originally stamped frame member and chassis plate, both of which bear the CSX3018 number.
The trunk is correctly finished also featuring correct aluminum inner body panels, rivets, and correct hardware. The underside of the car is exemplary in finish and detail with beautifully prepared correct components consistent with Shelby American original construction methods and reflective of the indicated low miles.
This Cobra is accompanied by an impossibly rare lightweight 4-bbl magnesium intake manifold, the original standard height Triplex etched windshield and chrome plated frame with plexiglass Cobra branded wind deflectors, the original black convertible top, the original black tonneau cover, a spare tachometer, and spare electrical components.
Also included are copies of factory documentation, memorandums, and diagrams describing 427 Competition Cobra specifications, a copy of the original order form for CSX3018, and copies of service invoices under prior ownership.
This beautifully restored 427 Cobra is documented in the Shelby American World Registry, defining the ownership spanning more than half a century. Remarkably original and one of 23 factory-built Competition cars, this 427 Cobra is sure to be welcomed at any major concours, competition event, or prominent National Cobra gatherings.
Unprecedented for originality and documented history, this 427 Cobra continues to strike with precision as a highly desirable example from an unrepeatable period of Shelby American history.
