The Blue Oval's big boss previously owned and raced CSX3195 from 2012-2015.
Autohunter
The Shelby Cobra is one of the quintessential performance cars. It’s a machine with few equals in terms of presence or engagement, and one whose historical significance is bolstered by seven-figure price tags. While these race-bred sports cars trade hands with relative regularity, this particular 1966 Shelby Cobra offered for sale by AutoHunter is rather special. Not only is it a genuine 427 Cobra, but it was previously owned and raced by none other than Ford CEO Jim Farley.
Jim Farley hasn’t shied away from his love of racing since taking the helm at Ford in October 2020. The executive routinely finds his way onto the starting line in historic races across the country, wheeling everything from Cobras to GT40s. In fact, Farley recently made his debut as a professional driver, taking control of a Mustang GT4 during the Roar Before the Rolex 24 at Daytona. The CEO finished 14th overall and 7th in class during Race 2, while turning a best lap less than a second slower than the class victor. Not too bad for a 60-year-old “rookie.” Farley previously owned and raced this particular Cobra from 2012-2015.
Autohunter
The story of this car, chassis number CSX3195, begins at Johnny Bolton Ford of Maitland, Florida. It was billed to the dealer for $6383 back in January of 1966, equipped with a 427 V-8 engine and a four-speed Ford Toploader manual gearbox. It is one of the original 998 Cobras produced and is one of only 343 coil-spring 427s. The car was not originally constructed as a racing model, but would later undergo an S/C conversion. The car would suffer some damage under its original ownership, which required work to the body and the frame. It was after this point that the taillights were switched to the incorrect round units you see today. The car would later be sold in 1985, at which point it would undergo race-prep by Entropy Racing in Monterey, California.
This prep process included a set of Halibrand wheels, a hood scoop, a racing windshield, side pipes, and a race-tuned 427 V-8 engine. The bodywork would also be repaired by hand in 2003, when the color was changed from black to red. The car changed hands twice in 2012, with Farley ultimately taking possession by November of that year. He campaigned the car at Laguna Seca, and also took it along to a number of Ford events. The color was changed under Farley’s ownership to match his 289 Cobra, which he had ultimately sold to Axl Rose. The current owner purchased the car from Farley in 2015, with the only modification coming by way of a standard windshield.
CSX3195 currently utilizes a race-prepped 427ci “side-oiler” V-8 engine, which was rebuilt by the team at Roush under Farley’s ownership. The car even wears Jack Roush’s signature as a reminder of its time with the CEO. Other notable signatures throughout include Farley, Peter Brock, Aaron Shelby, and Lynn “Mr. Cobra” Park. The engine is currently said to be tuned for street driving and is good for around 550 rear-wheel horsepower.
Well-heeled collectors still have a week to toss a bid in on this Cobra, with bidding currently sitting at just over $617,000. That’s a lot of cash, but it surely isn’t enough to take home this genuine 427 Cobra. Whether or not Mr. Farley is able to help the seller get a little extra bump, we’re sure he’s keeping an eye on this auction.
Autohunter Lucas Bell Born and raised in Metro Detroit, associate editor Lucas Bell has spent his entire life surrounded by the automotive industry.
Keyword: Jim Farley's Old Shelby Cobra 427 Is Up for Grabs