ORIGINAL 427 COBRA

CHASSIS NUMBER CSX3193

The real start of it all for me. Although looking a little sad in this photo taken shortly before its purchase, CSX3193 was quickly authenticated as an original 427 Shelby Cobra. A price was established and the owner said that it would take a few days to locate all of the "pieces". The following weekend the car showed up at our place and its been a part of the family ever since.

With very few exceptions, CSX3193 has been kept as I purchased it in 1975. The few changes were to the headers (the sidepipes were replaced with original Shelby style pipes), the original nonfunctional hood scoop has been removed, the original sunburst wheels have been replaced with the FIA cobra style wheels and the original 2 - 4 barrel carb setup has been replaced with a single 750 CFM Holley. Although CSX isn't a show car (it is driven weekly because I'm not a polish and shine kind of guy) it still looks good in the correct light.

A few quick shots of the engine compartment.

CSX3193 was a participant in three tours through northern California with several other Cobras. Four days of spirited driving, small general aviation airport stops for fuel, some of the most gorgeous scenery in the world, and 9 original cobras. What more could a long time Cobra nut want. The group photo below was taken in Yosemite Valley.  CSX3193 is at the far right of the photo and for some of you eagle eyed Cobra history types, Dick Smith's original 427 is third from the left.  Dick's car carries the number 198 in the track event "meatballs" signifying the top speed record that he set at Daytona of 198 MPH in this car.

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