First offered by Ford in 1963, the 427 Wedge was the racing engine that was used in NASCAR and drag race competitions, available from the factory with either a single Holley four-barrel (410 hp) or dual Holley four-barrels (425 hp), a solid lifter camshaft and 11.6:1 compression ratio, and with a dual-point centrifugal advance ignition system providing spark.

These engines delivered some 575 horsepower in NASCAR tune. In 1965 when Carroll Shelby offered the 427 in the Cobra, it was truly a lethal machine that required an experienced and talented driver. The pictured Cobra 427 engine is equipped with a set of four 48 IDA Weber carburetors, which were available through Shelby American.