The Shelby Cobra 427 appeared in 1965 as a substantially reworked evolution of the original Cobra. Fitting Ford’s near seven-litre 427 V8 required a strengthened chassis, wider track and a new independent coil-spring suspension. Its bodywork gained dramatically flared wheel arches, a large front opening and more muscular proportions to accommodate wider wheels and tyres. The design retained the simplicity of the original British roadster while giving it the far more radical presence that became inseparable from the Cobra 427.