An automatic transmission was chosen over a manual because it was better capable of handling the estimated 800 horsepower. However, the car began life as a 427 Cobra Competition used for a 1966 European promotional tour. Its transformation started the following year and was renamed Cobra Semi-Competition upon completion.
It lacked mufflers, a windshield, and bumpers at the time and was not street-legal. A one-example street version (CSX 3303) was built but got destroyed when its owner accidentally drove it off a cliff. The guy went into the Pacific Ocean with the car and sadly died.
After its overseas tour, CSX 3015 underwent a full inspection and when compared to other Cobras it was determined to be a full Competition Roadster. It still has the original date coded 1965 Competition Girling CR and BR brake calipers.
