CSX3279 Vehicle Information and History:
- Full body-off concours restoration by Canepa ensures exceptional quality and authenticity.
- Restored to its period-correct condition green acrylic paint and original black interior.
- SAAC Registry documented Cobra, providing provenance and historical significance.
- Retains original Sunburst wheels, an iconic design element of the Shelby Cobra.
- Powered by a meticulously rebuilt 427-cubic inch side-oiler V8 engine by Roush Performance.
- Equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission for an engaging driving experience.
- Exceptionally low mileage of only 11,360 original miles, preserving the car’s originality.
- Impeccable attention to detail in every aspect of the restoration, ensuring period-correct authenticity.
- Represents the pinnacle of Shelby Cobra craftsmanship and performance.
- CSX 3279 is a highly sought-after collector’s dream.
According to the Shelby American World Registry, CSX 3279 is a truly exceptional 1966 Shelby Cobra. Its captivating history and meticulous restoration make it one of the finest examples of this iconic sports car.
CSX 3279 was originally billed to Shelby American on June 10th, 1966, featuring a stunning green acrylic paint finish with a black interior. The invoice noted it was destined for Ron’s Ford Sales in Bristol, Tennessee, with a total cost of $6,386.50.
Geoff Howard of Danbury, Connecticut, became the first documented owner after acquiring the Cobra in 1975. He embarked on a restoration project from 1975 to 1976, during which he made significant modifications. Notably, the original 428-cubic inch power plant was replaced with a more powerful 427-cubic inch, side-oiler V8 engine with medium-rise heads and dual quad carburetors. The car underwent a transformation, receiving a dark green acrylic paint finish while retaining its original interior and Sunburst wheels.
After the restoration, CSX 3279 was offered for sale in early 1977. Ken Brenneman of Clarendon Hills, Illinois, recognized its appeal and became the next proud owner. Brenneman enjoyed the Cobra with limited street usage and meticulously preserved its condition. In 2000, he decided to enhance the car with a cosmetic and mechanical refresh, investing $30,000 to elevate it further. The Cobra received a striking blue paint finish with a single silver stripe, chrome side pipes, and a competition fuel filler.
Donald C. Fort of Jacksonville, Florida, acquired CSX 3279 in early 2002, opting for a repaint in a captivating green color with a single white stripe. The Cobra’s journey continued when it was purchased by Sam Pack in 2008, joining the ranks of passionate owners who recognized its extraordinary heritage.
In November of 2014, Canepa, a renowned name in automotive restoration, acquired CSX 3279. Under their expert care, the Cobra underwent an extensive two-year, body-off concours restoration. Every aspect of the car was meticulously disassembled, cataloged, and restored to its original splendor. The hand-formed aluminum body was stripped, cleaned, and restored to perfection, while the tube-frame chassis received meticulous attention to detail.
The heart of the Cobra, including the 427-cubic inch V8 engine, 4-speed manual transmission, and rear end, underwent a comprehensive restoration, leaving no detail overlooked. Roush Performance rebuilt the engine to ensure it delivered the exhilarating performance the Cobra was renowned for. Suspension components were carefully restored and refinished, while the original hardware was replated to maintain authenticity. The iconic “Sunburst” cast aluminum wheels, designed by Pete Brock, were faithfully retained.
Inside the cabin, meticulous craftsmanship shone through. All-new upholstery material adorned the seats, dash, doors, and side panels, meticulously restoring the interior to its original glory. The original seat frames were restored, and every instrument and switch was brought back to factory-new condition. To complete the authentic Cobra experience, a brand new period-correct soft top and side windows were installed.
Canepa’s expertise in 427 Cobras ensured that CSX 3279 not only met the highest concours standards but also featured enhancements for optimal drivability. The Ford engine was carefully rebuilt to run efficiently on modern 91-octane fuel. Additional upgrades, including an electric engine fan and electric air blowers, were integrated to improve cooling and airflow. Heat management inside the cabin was addressed with state-of-the-art insulation and titanium heat shielding.
CSX 3279 stands as a testament to the legacy of the Shelby Cobra. With its remarkable restoration, it represents the pinnacle of automotive craftsmanship and preservation. This extraordinary 427 Cobra is a shining example of the dedication and passion invested by its owners and the expertise of Canepa in restoring and maintaining automotive icons.
CSX 3279 now stands as a meticulously restored masterpiece, ready to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike. Its flawless green acrylic paint finish, paired with the original black interior, showcases the timeless beauty of the Cobra design. The renowned 427-cubic inch V8 engine, meticulously rebuilt to its original specifications by Roush Performance, delivers the exhilarating performance that defined the Cobra legend.
Every detail of CSX 3279 has been carefully brought back to its period-correct condition. From the iconic wheels to the authentic instruments and switches, every component reflects the unwavering commitment to authenticity. The dedication to preserving its heritage extends to the smallest details, with original trim and hardware bearing the unmistakable 3279 serial number.
The comprehensive restoration undertaken by Canepa ensures that CSX 3279 is not only a stunning showpiece but also a joy to drive. The enhancements made to improve drivability, such as the electric engine fan and air blowers, provide optimal performance even in challenging conditions. The cabin, insulated with cutting-edge materials and titanium heat shielding, offers a comfortable and controlled driving experience.
With its impeccable restoration and remarkable history, CSX 3279 is a highly sought-after collector’s dream. This Cobra has been carefully brought back to its period-correct condition, preserving its authenticity and heritage for generations to come. Whether admired on the show field or experienced on the open road, CSX 3279 stands as a testament to the timeless allure and unparalleled performance of the Shelby Cobra lineage.
All images courtesy of Canepa.
Updated.
MALCOLM JOHNSTON says
An engineer I worked with at Northrop Electronics [+Grumman now] back in the 80s was our chief engineer, Don Peckham. He had gotten his masters in Engineering from California Institute of Technology (CAL TECH) but had taken some time during that to race his ’66 Ford Cobra and he had a wall poster with all the different Ford racecars at that time shown together with their drivers (Don stood next to his 427 Cobra). OMG… I asked if he still had the Cobra because they were then selling for $100,000+! NO… he’d had to sell it so he could buy a house… in the Palos Verdes oceanfront cliffs (then worth $300,000+, now in the millions! Being a winning car and so rare it’d probably today be worth more than the likely $3-4 million home prices, but as he said then, living in the Cobra would not have been nearly as comfortable!
MALCOLM JOHNSTON says
This is the poster with Don next to his winning 427 Cobra.
admin says
Thanks Malcolm!
Great story…Yes, I bet he wished he had held on to it!
~Cobra Authority