autoevolution 16 Jan 2021, 7:11 UTC ·
by 46 photos
“truly a once-in-a-lifetime chance” to own a Carroll Shelby collectible and the Cobra to occupy
“a hallowed place in Cobra history as perhaps the most significant of all,” CSX3178, Shelby’s lifelong Cobra, is now with its third owner. The final price tag was $5.94 million, including auction taxes and, if you’re into automotive-related drama, you can find the entire tense auction in the video at the bottom of the page.
Bought new, CSX3178 is one of only five 427 Cobras originally finished in Charcoal Gray. It was assembled in March 1966 and remained in Shelby’s possession until his death in 2012. During this time, it was driven and loved accordingly by the automotive legend, but also went through a series of changes, including an engine swap when he wanted a bit more power out of it, and two color changes (Guardsman Blue with a gold nose, and red).