CSX 3127

1965 Shelby 427 Cobra CSX3127: This 427 Cobra was the fourth of just 260 original 427 Street Cobra produced by Shelby. It is not a reproduction or continuation car, it is an original Cobra built at Shelby American in 1965. 3127 served as Shelby's test vehicle and to gauge customer response to the 427 Street cars. Factory records obtained from AC Cars Limited show that chassis number 3127, listed on their invoice as "Prototype Mk.II Road Car, Unpainted, Black Leather", was completed and shipped to Shelby American in Los Angeles by air on April 30th, 1965. While most Cobras were shipped by boat to the States, the importance of 3127 is demonstrated by the fact that not only was it shipped by air, but also delivered to Shelby in bare aluminum, rather than painted. Shelby American records indicate 3127 was completed by them September 9th,1965, after which it was also used as Shelby's demonstrator and public relations car. Carroll Shelby made sure his PR cars were seen with the right people at the wheel. As such, 3127 was loaned to celebrities and movie studios, such as Universal Studios and Paramount. Astronaut Scott Carpenter was loaned 3127 in May, 1966, when his personal 427 Cobra (3230) was being painted by Shelby. Robert Cophier, a high level Ford executive, was loaned 3127 after Carpenter returned it. Shelby American continued using 3127 for similar duties until 5/26/1967 , when it was sold to its first owner, Gregory Peabody. Mr. Peabody kept the car until 5/1980, when he sold it with just 19,000 miles to Sloan Krister. Krister sold the car in 3/1986 to United Artists who gave the car as a gift to Sylvester Stallone upon completion of the movie "Cobra". Stallone later sold 3127 to producer Jeff Mohr. In 1996 John Zinsmeyer purchased 3127 from Mohr , and had noted Cobra restorer Mike McCluskey perform a concours level restoration. Present owner Colin Comer purchased 3127 in 2005. Current mileage is just under 28,000 from new. 3127 is powered by its original 427 Ford Side Oiler engine and retains all of its original aluminum body panels and components. 3127 is a very unique and important piece of Shelby history. The positive public reaction to 3127, as well as the high profile exposure gained by having 3127 in the hands of influential people greatly helped create a market for the 427 Street Cobra. If it were not for this car and the hype surrounding it, we may not have had 427 Street Cobras , unquestionably one of the most iconic vehicles of our time. As a reward for all of its hard work, 3127 is maintained in top condition and driven frequently - exactly as all Cobras should be! Recently, CSX3127 was entered in the World Of Wheels show sponsored by the I.S.C.A, on behalf of the Northwoods Region of the SAAC for their display. When the dust settled, CSX3127 won three awards - Outstanding Engine, Outstanding Restored, and Best of Show. Additionally, Spike TV featured CSX3127 on their show "MuscleCar" with yours truly driving. 3127 strutted its stuff on both the drag strip, banked oval, and road course at the Nashville Super Speedway. After being used for "MuscleCar", CSX3127 ventured to Arizona to participate in the 2006 Copperstate 1000 Road Rally. I am happy to say that for four solid days and 1200+ miles, CSX3127 performed flawlessly at sustained high speeds all the way from Phoenix, through Utah and the stunning scenery of Moab, and back to Phoenix. If you own a vintage car, I highly recommed exercising it as I do all of my cars. There is nothing like really using a car to create a special bond with its owner and truly appreciate just why we lusted after these cars in the first place! Don't dust them, drive them! Colin Comer To view the Spike TV video, copy & paste this link. http://uncutvideo.aol.com/videos/259f7310631968b5e5eb843f69bd2f79