Barn Find: Original Shelby Cobra Unearthed In North Carolina

At some point every car enthusiast has dreamed of  finding that one illustrious barn find. To open the door on some garage in the middle of nowhere and find something with the Boss, Cobra Jet, or Shelby nameplate is tantalizing prospect. For most, this remains a dream that never comes true, but for Tom Cotter, a barn-find hunter, these dreams often become a reality.

Once again, Tom struck gold. This time in a North Carolina garage full of approximately $4 million in rare automobiles. While the Ferrari is cool, we are more interested in that Shelby nameplate we mentioned early. It is on one of the rarest Shelbys of all — the 427 Cobra.

Finding a Cobra in a barn is the ultimate dream. However, we also cannot wait to see this beautiful Shelby Cobra out in the daylight and with the dust washed off. Whether it is in a museum or someone’s collection. This Shelby deserves to be seen and enjoyed by everyone and appreciated for the piece of automotive art that it is. (Photos Credit: Ben Woodworth)

Opening the garage door revealed a 1966 Shelby Cobra 427. Oddly enough, one of around 100 that actually came with the milder 428 Ford engine instead of the 427. Regardless, it’s still an original big-block Cobra. The car is in remarkably original condition with only 19,000 miles. Missing from this roadster are the side pipes and roll bar found commonly on the “kit cars,” which gives the car a clean, classic look.

According the video, the car, along with its Ferrari stablemate, was pulled into the newly built garage in 1991 where it has sat ever since. Facing condemnation from the city, the garage will soon release the rare Shelby Cobra into the light of day again as the owner is forced to hunt new storage for the car. Only time will tell if we see this Cobra roll across the likes of a Barrett-Jackson or Mecum auction blocks. If it does, it is sure to command several million dollars.

About the author

Jeff Southard

Growing up with a dad who loved Corvettes, I was destined to be a gearhead from day one. Beyond that, my dad owned an auto parts business for over 25 years. There, I learned the automotive basics as a child, then began my professional career working there after high school. From Corvettes and Superbirds to Hemis and Cobra Jets, my dad has owned a little of everything over the years, so I've had my chance to get some quality seat time behind the wheel of some rare, unique, and sometimes, just odd automobiles. I have owned my share of toys, including over 20 Mustangs. I guess to make a long story short, if you look up "car crazy" you will probably find my photo listed pretty close to it!
Read My Articles

Blue Oval Muscle in your inbox.

Build your own custom newsletter with the content you love from FordMuscle, directly to your inbox, absolutely FREE!

Free WordPress Themes
FordMuscle NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Ford Muscle - The Ultimate Ford Mustang Magazine

FordMuscle

We'll send you the most interesting FordMuscle articles, news, car features, and videos every week.

Ford Muscle - The Ultimate Ford Mustang Magazine

FordMuscle NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Ford Muscle - The Ultimate Ford Mustang Magazine

Ford Muscle

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...


Muscle Car & Hot Rods
Muscle Car & Hot Rods
Drag Racing
Drag Racing

Ford Muscle - The Ultimate Ford Mustang Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...

  • Muscle Car & Hot Rods Muscle Car & Hot Rods
  • Drag Racing Drag Racing

Ford Muscle - The Ultimate Ford Mustang Magazine

Ford Muscle

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Ford Muscle - The Ultimate Ford Mustang Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Loading