The Shelby Cobra is one of the most famous sports cars in American history. Initially a British design that became an American Icon. The Cobra had many iterations over the years, including the 427 big block Cobra that first appeared back in 1965. This version of the Cobra clearly resonated with Shelby. As back in 2014, the company announced they would release a special edition CSX4000 Series “Component Cobra”. This to help celebrate 50 years since the first 427 big block Cobra. In true limited-edition fashion, only 50 were actually built.

These cars were all based on the 1965 model. But were also counted as continuation cars and not restomods or replicas. With so few created, it is no surprise that these remarkable recreated classic cars can go for big money. More money than you may have expected.

What Makes The 1965 Cobra 50th Anniversary So Special

It is important to understand why the Cobra continuation model is so special. Only 50 were ever produced of the 427 big block version. Shelby did build an even smaller number of Super Snakes, however. Mecum Auctions currently has one CSX4000 listed, and is the second of the 50 produced. What helps make this one even more special is that it is one of the few, alloy-bodied examples of the Cobra. Under the hood is a Shelby-built FE 427 V8 engine. The same block size as the original car from 1965. Thanks to Weber carburetors, the engine produces 550 hp in this continuation model.

Gearheads will love the 1965 Shelby continuation. This classic sports car has a TKO600 five-speed manual transmission, easily making it one of the best sports cars to drive. There is something quite special about handling so much power through a manual. The continuation is as agile as you would hope for as well. Given that it uses rack-and-pinion steering and four-wheel Wilwood disc brakes provide plenty of stopping power. Shelby new exactly what they were doing when they created this rather special model. And they can go for some rather eye-watering figures.

How Much Shelby Cobra CSX4000’s Sell For

Classic.com have plenty of data on how much these Cobra continuation models sell for. There have been other models produced over the years. The lowest a continuation has gone for is an earlier 2006 model, which sold for $77,000 at RM Sotheby’s. One of the 1965 427 big block recreations sold for a staggering $409,750 at Mecum Auctions last year. This example had just over 16,100 miles on the clock and was highly original. This being one of just five handcrafted examples, and the engine is also engraved with Carroll Shelby’s actually signature.

The most a 427 recreation has gone for though is astronomical. Selling at Barrett-Jackson in 2022 was a 1965 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake. One of just three Super Snake recreations known to exist. This particular car saw delivery in May 2012, by Caroll Shelby, around the time of his passing. With just 25 miles on the clock this amazing car sold for $935,000. Nearly $1 million. Such was the desirability of this special edition. This again has a 427 ci engine under the hood, but with the added bonus of twin Paxton superchargers. Making it even more potent than the regular editions.

The Cobra CSX4000’s Will Only Become More Desirable

The average price according to Classic.com for the Cobras is $204,496. Even if it isn’t the dizzying heights of the Super Snake, that is still a lot of money. The growing number of replicas was what led to Shelby creating their own continuation models. These of course to a higher standard than the many replicas that kept cropping up. The various build options such as aluminum or fiberglass mean that the continuation models ordered are each unique. With various other components able to get chosen individually by the buyer.

Modern features like a stronger frame mean that they are up-to-date for the modern automotive world. Improved cooling and heat shielding are other ways they are more modern. As are the higher quality alloys in various components. The continuation Cobras are some of the most desirable sports cars on the market.

Shelby Continue To Build Cobra Continuations

Remarkably, Shelby is still producing some examples of the Cobra. More recent examples of the Cobra are now produced under the CSX6000 VIN. There is clearly still a demand for new Cobras. With many wanting the soul and character of the original but with those extra modern features. Original, well-preserved Cobras can command equally high price tags at auctions. So why not get a Cobra with a few modern refinements. These new Cobras drive and feel just like the original, making them time machines for those that own them. If you want a CSX4000 though it looks like you will have to have deep pockets to be able to get your hands on one.