Among the most significant and extraordinary Shelby Cobras ever built, the 1964 Shelby 427 Prototype Factory Team Cobra, famously known as the “Flip Top,” is set to take center stage at Mecum Kissimmee 2027, Jan. 5-17, at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida. With a value exceeding $25 million, this one-of-a-kind prototype represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire a landmark piece of American motorsports history. Conceived and developed by legendary Shelby American driver and engineer Ken Miles, the Flip Top stands as a testament to an uncompromising vision for Cobra performance.
One of only two Cobras ever built in the United States at Shelby American, the Prototype Daytona Coupe and this car. The “Flip Top” was engineered with an uncompromising focus on speed, handling, and aerodynamics. Originally constructed as a 289-style 427-powered roadster and campaigned as a Shelby American Factory Team car at the 1964 12 Hours of Sebring, the car underwent an extensive transformation following the race. Miles and the Shelby team redesigned the chassis into a Daytona Coupe-style platform, incorporating advanced suspension geometry, structural reinforcements, and a highly specialized lightweight aluminum body. Its distinctive flip-up front and rear bodywork earned it the nickname “Flip Top Cobra.”
Built specifically to take on the dominant competition at the Nassau Speed Weeks in the Bahamas, the prototype made an unforgettable impression, establishing an eight-second lead on the opening lap against an accomplished field that included Corvette Grand Sports, Ford GT40s and Ferrari competition cars. Its remarkable engineering included a Ford experimental all-aluminum 427/390 side-oiler V-8 engine, paired with massive 58mm Weber carburetors. Producing more than 500 HP in a car weighing approximately 1,800 pounds, the “Flip Top” was among the most remarkable performance vehicles of its time.
The car remains extraordinarily original, including its chassis, body, engine, suspension, brakes, radiator, and gauges. Following a four-year, ground-up restoration by Legendary Motorcar using its original or new-old-stock components, the Flip Top earned a Premiere Award at the Shelby American Automobile Club National Convention. It has also been showcased on the lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and earned a First in Class Award at The Amelia Island Concours, further underscoring its significance among the world’s most distinguished collector automobiles. This remarkable example of Shelby American history is just one of the many standout consignments that will make up the Apex Collection crossing the block in Kissimmee, Florida, this coming January.
For more information on Mecum Kissimmee 2027 and all other scheduled Mecum events, visit Mecum.com or call (262) 275-5050. Mecum’s website is updated daily with the latest consignments and includes detailed descriptions and photographs of the vehicles offered, as well as a detailed auction and event schedule.