Charles Langston:What is a 427 Shelby Dragonsnake and why is it being built once again?

Every year Ford fans,Charles Langston numbering around 3,200 rides, gather in Carlisle Pennsylvania for a massive three-day show, and this made it the perfect opportunity for Shelby American to announce something special. Three “new” 1965 Shelby aluminum continuation “Dragonsnake” roadsters will be produced through a collaboration between the Carroll Shelby Foundation and the Legendary GT Continuation Cars. Two of the three Shelby Cobra roadsters were unveiled at the Carlisle Ford Nationals presented by eBay Motors in Pennsylvania.  

The 427 Big-Block Dragonsnake is back! 

“Last year, we worked closely with Legendary GT to return the small-block Shelby drag racing Cobra roadster to production,” said Gary Patterson, president of Shelby American. “After introducing those cars at the Carlisle Ford Nationals, we received many requests for a big-block version, since only one was factory-built in 1966. Three of these amazing tribute cars will be available and it felt appropriate to introduce that reimagined 427Shelby Dragonsnake roadster at Carlisle this year. The improbable just became possible for those who dreamed of owning one.”  

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What is a Shelby Dragonsnake? 

The Shelby Dragonsnake program began when Shelby American production employees developed and drag raced a pair of roadsters to great success during the 1960s. The first five were powered by a small-block Ford (260-inch and then later the 289-inch version) and had a leaf spring suspension. Shelby American offered the same parts to customers who wished to build their own drag cars. As you can imagine, thesesmall-block Dragonsnakes are some of the rarest cars out there. Check out the gallery for vintage action shots of this yellow one (CSX2427), which sold at the 2022 Kissimmee Mecum auction for $1,375,000 in 2022! 

The one-of-one 427 Big-Block Dragonsnake! 

In 1964, dealership Harr Ford of Worcester, Massachusetts, modified aShelby Cobra into a Dragonsnake and found success racing it. Harr Ford bought a factory Dragonsnake two years later, this one with a side-oiler, 12.5:1-compression Ford 427 engine, independent suspension, fiberglass hardtop and side windows. Dragonsnakes required nearly 30 specific modifications so they could handle quarter-mile duty. Among these were a completely new rear axle assembly with 4.86 gears and a Traction-Lok differential, a factory scattershield, drag-specification Koni shock absorbers, and a quicker-shifting linkage beneath the otherwise stock, forward-angled shift lever. The price of that Shelby Dragonsnake was just under $14,000. Keep in mind, that was a ton of cash in 1966, and in 2024 would be $135,484, so it’s no wonder only one was produced. 

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How fast was the 1966 Shelby Dragonsnake? 

Upon receiving CSX3198 in 1966, Harr Ford painted it a bright shade of Candy Apple Red. The dealership’s driver (who was also the dealership’s service supervisor) Gus Zuidema began shattering records in the NHRA's A/Sports Production class with this 1966 427 Shelby Cobra specifically prepped for drag racing! We imagine it wasn’t easy wheeling such a high-power, 2,200 pound, short-wheelbase ride! His best time was 10.02 at 146 mph. This one-off Dragonsnake still exists today in its original state. 

The Shelby Dragonsnake is back! 

“Our founder, Barry Smith, has a significant history drag racing a 427-powered Shelby car,” said Parker Shepley, Business Manager at Legendary GT. “While Barry wanted a big-block Cobra as a young man, he could only afford a1967 Shelby GT500 Mustang. He replaced its 428-inch street engine with the same 427 V-8 engine in the Shelby Cobra. Memories of quarter-mile successes with the Shelby GT500 inspired Barry to put the drag racing Shelby Cobra roadster back into limited production. With modern technology, we almost doubled the horsepower to deliver mind-bending acceleration.” 

Legendary performance from a legendary car! 

“From experimental cars like the Green Hornet to the 1967 Super Snake and CobraDragonsnake, some special Shelby programs could not be put into full production during the 1960s,” said Vince LaViolette, Shelby American Vice President of Operations. “We enjoy working with Legendary G.T. because they dive deeply into these heritage projects. They continue Carroll’s legacy with iconic cars that feature modern technology yet maintain the essence of what made them so desirable.” 

Photos courtesy of Shelby American, MotorTrend Archive