Sam Krahn 
The Shelby 427 Cobra is one of the most iconic shapes ever to grace an automobile. Equal parts muscle and beauty, the sports car is instantly recognizable as nothing but a Shelby Cobra, and it stands out among any company. But if a regular Shelby Cobra isn’t quite special enough for you, then this 1965 example listed for sale at RM Sotheby should fit the bill. Assuming you like bronze, that is, because the entire body of this 1965 Shelby 427 S/C Cobra is made from the stuff.
This truly unique Cobra is being offered by RM Sotheby’s in New York City. And unsurprisingly, it is a replica, but it’s a CSX 4600 continuation car, which is the highest rating a replica can get in the world of Cobras. The bodywork for these CSX chassis numbered cars is usually aluminum or fiberglass, but Utah-based Kirkham Motorsports kicked things up a notch with this bronze body.
All of the panels are hand polished to the brilliant shine you see here, and left unpainted as a testament to the craftsmanship. And yes, that includes the racing stripes down the middle, which are brushed bronze rather than paint or stickers. This isn’t the first bare metal bodied Shelby Cobra Kirkham Motorsports have done, either, as their back catalog includes brushed and polished aluminum and copper.
Not everyone will like this unique bronze bodywork, but there’s no denying it’s one of the most special Shelby 427 Cobra replicas out there. And the price reflects it, with RM Sotheby’s listing it for a hearty $475,000.
Luckily, everything under the bare metal skin backs up that price. The powertrain is led by a Carroll Shelby Engine Company built 8.4-liter 427 FE V8 with Borla Induction throttle bodies. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a five speed manual. Power is quoted at 650 hp, which will surely get the Cobra up and moving in a hurry.
The vehicle is complimented by chrome touches on the headlight surrounds, roll bar and side exit exhausts, plus the black leather interior and wood rimmed steering wheel. As mentioned, the bronze body won’t be for everyone, but this Shelby 427 S/C Cobra is one of the most unique and special replicas out there, and it’s obviously made with the utmost attention to detail and quality.
