427 Corvette vs 427 Cobra November 1965 Road Test E-Booklett
427 Corvette vs 427 Cobra, Chevy vs Ford, the Ultimate ’60s Rivalry! PDF Article Download
To read the two road tests from the November 1965 issue of Car and Driver, CLICK HERE.
The whole “Chevy vs Ford” thing was seriously hot in the ’60s. The amazing small-block Chevy engine turned once stodgy Chevrolet into some fierce street machines and race cars. But things went white hot in 1965. Chevrolet introduced the replacement for their old W-Series 348/409/427 truck engine with the Mark IV 396 and then 427 big-block.
The overall engine was heavy-duty; after all, it was a truck engine. It just so happened to be a strong platform for high-performance applications, such as a new track weapon to use on Carroll Shelby’s 427 Cobras.
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Carroll Shelby originally wanted to use Corvette engines for his Cobra, but Chevy said, NO!
Shelby had originally approached Chevrolet for a deal on engines for his original small-block Cobra. But Chevrolet said, “Ahh, no thanks, we have our own sports car.” Shelby took the snub personally and later delighted in thrashing Zora’s Z06 Sting Rays.
In truth, the two cars should not have been racing in the same class, as the racing Cobras were nearly 1,000 pounds lighter than the Sting Rays. Regardless, it was tons of fun to watch and read about. So, enjoy the road tests of two of the most beastly of all cars, the 427 Sting Ray and 427 Shelby Cobra. – Scott
PS – To read the two road tests from the November 1965 issue of Car and Driver, CLICK HERE.
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