1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake CSX3015

CSX3015 Vehicle Information and History:

CSX3015, an iconic AC Cobra 427 Competition roadster, embarked on a European promotional tour in 1965 alongside CSX3014 and two R-model Shelby’s.
It was later transformed into the legendary “Super Snake” and reclassified as a 427 Cobra Semi-Competition (S/C) in the late 1960s.
The Super Snake modification allowed CSX3015 to meet street-legal requirements, distinguishing it from the race-only 427 Cobra Competition models.
CSX3015 is one of two Super Snake Cobras ever built, the other being CSX3303, which was associated with renowned entertainer Bill Cosby.
Shelby American sold CSX3015 to S and C Motors in San Francisco before it changed hands and continued its extraordinary journey.
It retains its original body, featuring the iconic 1967 aluminum ‘Super Snake’ hood and authentic 427 Competition 377 rear end.
The Cobra proudly displays its original 1965 date-coded engine block, marked “5M17, December 17, 1965,” further enhancing its historical significance.
CSX3015 stands as a testament to the visionary spirit of Carroll Shelby and his pursuit of automotive excellence.
Its transformation into the Super Snake solidifies its place in automotive history and highlights the craftsmanship of the AC team.
CSX3015 embodies the enduring legacy of Carroll Shelby and the timeless allure of the AC Cobra lineage.

On September 7, 1965, this extraordinary AC Cobra 427 Competition roadster, alongside CSX3014 and two R-model Shelby’s (5R107 and 5R209), embarked on a thrilling European promotional tour after being shipped and invoiced to Ford Advanced Vehicles in England. Returning from Europe in late 1966, CSX3015 remained a formidable 427 Cobra Competition.

In the early to mid-1967, CSX3015 underwent a monumental transformation, emerging as the iconic “Super Snake” and obtaining reclassification as a 427 Cobra Semi-Competition (S/C). This shift was driven by a crucial reason – a 427 Cobra Competition lacked essential components such as mufflers, windshield, and bumpers, making it a dedicated race car and not street legal. The Super Snake modifications ensured CSX3015 complied with road regulations, allowing it to be driven legally. Notably, the distinct features of 427 competition roadsters, including their hips and noses, were clearly evident in the revered February 1968 Road & Track pictures.

CSX3015 holds a place of honor as one of only two Super Snake Cobras ever produced. The other, CSX3303, was a 1967 427 street car retained by Shelby American as a promotional vehicle before being transformed into a Super Snake for the renowned entertainer Bill Cosby. Cosby’s record album titled “200 MPH” serves as a testament to the incredible power that made him drive the Super Snake only once before returning it to Shelby American.

Following its association with Shelby American, CSX3015 was sold to S&C Motors in San Francisco. It later found its way into the hands of Tony Maxey, who tragically met his demise when he drove CSX3303 off a cliff, forever altering the fate of that Cobra.

CSX3015 proudly retains its original body, adorned with the iconic 1967 aluminum ‘Super Snake’ hood, serving as a reminder of its racing heritage. Astonishingly, it still features the original 1965 date-coded engine block, marked “5M17, December 17, 1965,” a testament to its authentic origins. Furthermore, CSX3015 showcases its original 427 Competition 377 rear end, complete with the original rear end oil cooler and pumps. These remarkable features highlight the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail exhibited by the AC team.

CSX3015 stands as a testament to the visionary spirit of Carroll Shelby and his unwavering pursuit of automotive excellence. Built during a time when American pride was at its peak, Shelby crafted this remarkable machine solely to test its speed. As described by Shelby himself, it was a monster that occasionally threw off its belts due to its immense power.

The CSX3015 transformation into the iconic Super Snake solidifies its place in the annals of automotive history. With its original body, engine block, and remarkable features, CSX3015 stands as a living testament to the ingenuity of American engineering. The extraordinary journey and historical significance of CSX3015 make it an irreplaceable symbol of Carroll Shelby’s everlasting legacy and the iconic AC

This vehicle was sold at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale 2007 auction for $5,500,000 as Lot #1301.