Extremely Unique 1965 Shelby Cobra Heading To Auction

The Shelby Cobra is an iconic machine created by Carroll Shelby that quickly earned plenty of respect on the race track – as well as the streets. Offered with a couple of Ford powerplants, the Shelby Cobra 427 is by far the most powerful of the bunch, as well as the most coveted and valuable to this day. Thus, every time we see a Shelby Cobra 427 pop up for sale, it’s a notable occasion, but this rather unique and special 1965 model figures to attract even more attention than most.

This 1965 Shelby Cobra – set to be auctioned off at Mecum’s upcoming Indy sale next month – is a CSX4000 Series Roadster, but there’s no missing it driving down the road, thanks to the fact that it’s one of just two that are finished in a hand-formed polished copper body. The purpose of that unique feature was to show off the supreme craftsmanship of the CSX4000’s alloy body, and it certainly does a fine job of that. On top of the shiny copper, one will also find contrasting brushed stripes, to boot.

Rolling on a stainless steel chassis that’s quite rare itself, this Shelby Cobra is also fitted with a chrome roll bar, Halibrand-style knock-off wheels, and Goodyear billboard tires. Power comes from a Shelby-built 427 cubic-inch FE side-oiler crate engine making 550 horsepower, which breathes through stainless steel headers and sends power to the wheels via a Tremec five-speed transmission. The shiny copper Cobra comes with its original Shelby MSO, and it has only traveled 218 miles since it was sold new.

We’ve certainly seen some notable Shelby Cobra models hit the auction block as of late, and this one definitely deserves a spot among the finest. It joins examples including a 1963 Cobra once owned by legendary actor Steve McQueen, as well as a 1965 Competition Coupe, too.