Aluminum-Bodied Shelby Cobra 427 CSX4000 5-Speed

Description

Few cars personify American grit on the level of Carroll Shelby’s legendary Cobra. Defined by raw performance, lightweight construction, and an unmistakable silhouette, the 427-powered Cobra stands as one of the most iconic sports cars ever conceived. The Cobra was born from from Shelby’s philosophy of pairing immense V8 power with a compact, competition‑bred chassis, and it remains a benchmark for visceral driving experiences and motorsport‑inspired design, capturing the essence of 1960s racing while delivering breathtaking performance even by modern standards.

Within the Shelby universe, the CSX4000‑series Continuation Cobras occupy a unique place. Authorized and documented by Shelby American, these limited production reruns began production in the late ‘90s using correct components, original CSX chassis numbering, and modernized manufacturing techniques. They retained the visual drama and mechanical ferocity of the original 427 Super Competition (S/C) models while benefiting from a stronger chassis, improved cooling, upgraded brakes, and enhanced overall durability. Significantly, these cars are recognized as authentic Shelby Cobras and are listed in the Shelby American Automobile Club (SAAC) Registry.

This Continuation Cobra is an early CSX4000‑series example with the factory-optional lightweight aluminum body option, and its engine, transmission, and mechanical components were sourced directly from Shelby. Completed to S/C specification, it is powered by an all-aluminum 427ci Ford side‑oiler V8 producing approximately 500 horsepower when new. Power is delivered through a Borg‑Warner 5‑speed manual transmission with the Cobra's signature forward-angled shifter.

CSX4170 was extensively optioned when it was originally ordered through authorized Shelby dealer and builder Shelby Cobras by Midwest Motorsports in February 2000. Notable factory selections include the aluminum body panels, a full leather interior, competition‑grade Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes, side‑oiler engine configuration, ceramic‑coated side pipes, enhanced heat insulation, rev limiter, heater/defroster, and a 40-gallon fuel cell. The car also features knock‑off Halibrand‑style wheels, stainless fuel and brake lines, an aluminum radiator, correct Toploader‑style shifter, and numerous Shelby‑specified performance and detail upgrades.

Finished in black over black leather, this Shelby is fitted with Smiths instrumentation, a wood‑rim steering wheel with aluminum spokes, Simpson competition harnesses, and a roll hoop. The aluminum body is hand‑formed and exhibits excellent panel fit and finish, underscoring the quality of the original build.

With just over 16,000 original miles, CSX4170 benefits from a binder of documentation including service records, invoices, inspection reports, factory paperwork, and original Shelby documentation accompany the car, providing a clear and well‑documented history from initial order through subsequent ownership. The Cobra is listed in the SAAC Registry and is properly documented as an authentic Shelby Continuation vehicle.

Presented with its original Shelby paperwork and a documentation binder, this aluminum‑bodied Shelby Cobra 427 CSX4000 combines Shelby provenance, 427ci V8 performance, and the lightweight purity of an aluminum body.

This Shelby Cobra 427 CSX4000 is now offered by the selling dealer in California with a binder of historical documentation, service records, and a clean Montana title in the name of the current owner's LLC describing the car as a 1965 Shelby Cobra CSX.

Highlights

• Early CSX4000‑series Shelby Cobra 427 S/C with factory optioned aluminum body

• Authentic Shelby Continuation Cobra listed in the SAAC Registry

• Extensive factory, service, and ownership documentation

• Powered by an all-aluminum 427ci Ford side‑oiler V8

• Borg‑Warner 5‑speed manual transmission

• Finished in black over black leather

• Just over 16,000 miles

Factory Equipment

• Factory aluminum body specification hand‑formed by Kirkham

• Halibrand‑style knockoff wheels

• Solid black paint

• Roll bar

• Shelby‑ordered and‑built 427ci V8 featuring race side‑oiler specification

• High‑capacity cooling system with aluminum radiator

• Borg‑Warner 5‑speed manual transmission

• Ceramic‑coated side-exit exhaust pipes

• Wilwood 4‑piston disc brakes with ventilated rotors

• Stainless steel brake and fuel lines

• 40-gallon fuel cell

• Aluminum wood‑rim steering wheel

• Simpson competition harnesses

• Smiths instrumentation

• Black leather trim

Servicing & Documentation

Please see the attached historical file found under "Additional documents," which includes the following:

• Original Shelby and Midwest Motorsports build invoices and option lists

• Shelby American Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO)

• Shelby American billing and component documentation

• Service invoices and maintenance records

• Mileage‑supporting documentation

• Inspection reports

The documentation details the original February 2000 order, factory specifications, option breakdowns, delivery records, and subsequent servicing performed by marque specialists.

Modifications

• Avon tires with shaved sidewalls and vintage Goodyear script

Ownership History

The Shelby Cobra 427 CSX4170 was ordered new in February 2000 through authorized Shelby dealer and builder Shelby Cobras by Midwest Motorsports of Holland, Michigan. Following completion, the car was imported into Canada later that year,

Extensive service invoices, inspection reports, and mileage‑supporting records document the car’s care over time, including periodic mechanical checks, fluid services, and component replacements as needed. CSX4170 has reportedly been used on-road rather than on-track.

Included Items

• A binder including:

  • A copy of the original Manufacturer's Statement of Origin

  • Original build documentation

  • Historical records

  • Service records

  • Historic photos

• Tool kit