Lucas Bell 
In all of American automotive history, there are few people who are more important than Carroll Shelby. The mad-man from Texas was an icon of the racing world, both for his own time behind the wheel and the work he did as a manufacturer and team manager. His company, Shelby American, built some of the most sought after and legendary vehicles ever to come out of the United States. Chief among these vehicles is the Shelby Cobra, a machine so beloved that entire companies have been created to build replicas of the thing. Now though, one well-heeled buyer will have the chance to take home the ultimate version of this iconic roadster: Carroll’s personal Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake. That’s right folks, the “Cobra to end all Cobras” is heading to Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale Auction.
This 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake, Chassis CSX 3015, was one of just two original 427 Super Snake models built by Carroll in the 1960s. Not only was this particular car owned by Carroll Shelby, but it is now the only remaining Super Snake in existence after its twin met its demise after driving off a cliff into the Pacific ocean. Like that ill-fated car, Chassis CSX 3015 was built from one of just 23 competition-spec 427 Cobras ever built. From there, Carroll had the car upgraded to his liking and used it as his personal street car. Most notable among the upgrades is a pair of Paxton superchargers, transforming the already wicked 427 V8 into an outright weapon. Because of the power output, Shelby American also fit the car with a three-speed automatic transmission.
“CSX 3015 is arguably one of the most iconic, and important, American sports cars ever built,” Barrett-Jackson CEO Craig Jackson said a statement “In 1968, Road & Track called it ‘The Cobra To End All Cobras,’ and it has more than lived up to that standard.”
Despite the fact that the 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake looks brand new, the car remains incredibly original. Everything from the bodywork, the engine, down to the brake calipers are exactly as they were in 1966. Combine the rarity with the car’s history, and its value is certainly undeniable. In fact, when this car first sold at Barrett-Jackson in 2007, it brought a ridiculous $5.5 million. That was enough to make it the most expensive vehicle ever sold by the auction company at the time. It is safe to assume that the next buyer is going to have to pony up quite a bit more cash than that.
Carroll Shelby’s 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake will be auctioned off at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale Auction held between March 20-27. It will carry lot #1396, for those who are interested in following the action online. Should you have several million dollars laying around, this isn’t one to let go.
