The world-famous Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, held in California, US, will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Shelby Cobra 427 ‘Big Block’ on August 17, 2025.
Designed by the great Carroll Shelby, the now-iconic Cobra 427 dominated SCCA racing during the 1960s. It is now regarded as one of the most influential American sports cars ever created.
Today, the car’s legacy is reflected in its market value; according to Hagerty, concours-condition models regularly command over $1.8m at auction, while examples with special provenance fetch even more.
The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance 2025 will mark the Cobra 427’s 60th anniversary with a special class honouring the model’s motor sport and design legacies.
“Carroll had a strong personal connection to Pebble Beach, racing and winning here in the 1950s and later sharing his cars at the concours,” said concours chairman Sandra Button. “The design, performance and historic wins of these iconic race cars highlight the legendary pairing of Carroll and Shelby American with AC Cars and the Ford Motor Company.”
Before funding his eponymous marque, Carroll Shelby forged a successful career as a racing driver, famously winning the Le Mans 24 Hours with Aston Martin in 1959 before being forced to retire from competitive driving on medical grounds.
In 1962, Carroll had the inspired idea of pairing an AC Ace chassis with a Ford 260ci V8. This was superseded by the larger 289ci engine, before the ultimate evolution, the 427, arrived in 1965.
Four versions of the 427 were created: Comp (competition), S/C (semi-competition), Street and Narrow-Hip. Each of these variants will be displayed on the prestigious Pebble Beach fairways alongside the first and last production Cobras.
“The Shelby Cobra remains an automotive icon even 60 years after its introduction,” said Aaron Shelby, Carroll’s grandson and board member of Carroll Shelby International. “Few cars have achieved the fame and staying power of the Shelby Cobra… Simple but effective, it was created with grit and determination.”
The Cobras confirmed to be on display at the 2025 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance are listed below:
1962 Shelby Cobra 289 First Production Roadster
The first production-spec Shelby Cobra Roadster to be sold to a customer. It is also the only example to have competed in the Tour de France Automobile. Originally powered by the smaller 260ci V8 before being upgraded to 289ci specification.
1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Narrow-Hip Roadster
This rare Cobra variant features a narrowed track. It is one of just 32 Narrow-Hip models built and one of a mere ten that remain in original specification.
1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Competition Roadster
This car raced in SCCA events in period at iconic tracks such as Meadowdale, Wilmot Hills and Road America. It still boasts its original drivetrain, body and chassis, despite its competition pedigree.
1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Roadster
Entirely original, this road-going Cobra is regarded as one of the most authentic 427s extant.
1967 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C Roadster
1967 Shelby Cobra 427 Roadster
The last Shelby Cobra ever built, it has been fully restored with its original components.
For more information on the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance 2025’s celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Shelby Cobra 427 ‘Big Block’, click here.
