USA vs Italy — 1962 vs 1966
| Cobra 427 S/C | GT America 5300 Corsa | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 485 hp | 365 hp |
| Torque | 480 lb-ft | 380 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,997 cc | 5,359 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 4.2 sec | 5.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 165 mph | 168 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 12.2 sec | 13.8 sec |
| Weight | 2,500 lbs | 2,601 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,286 mm | 2,450 mm |
| Length | 3,962 mm | 4,267 mm |
| Units Produced | 348 | 18 |
| Original MSRP | $7,495 | $12,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $5,000,000 | $850,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 9/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1962 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C brings more power, quicker acceleration, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1966 Bizzarrini GT America 5300 Corsa answers with higher top speed, greater rarity, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between USA and Italy automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1962 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C versus 1966 Bizzarrini GT America 5300 Corsa is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1962 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C holds a clear advantage in raw power with 485 hp compared to 365 hp, a 120-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Shelby Cobra uses a V8 OHV (Ford 427 FE) displacing 6,997 cc, while the Bizzarrini GT America relies on a V8 OHV with 5,359 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1962 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C edges ahead at 4.2 seconds versus 5.5 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 18 units built, the 1966 Bizzarrini GT America 5300 Corsa is considerably scarcer than the Shelby Cobra's 348 examples. On the collector market, the 1962 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C commands a significant premium over the 1966 Bizzarrini GT America 5300 Corsa, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.