Carroll Shelby pushed American racing to the limits, and created what many consider the greatest contribution to the world of speedThe Cobra, a trail-blazing combination of an ultra-lightweight aluminum frame; a sexy European body; and a brawny American V-8 engine. Generally, you have to choose between joy and power. But when the world was introduced to the Cobra 427 Semi/Competition (or S/C) roadster, power and joy turned out to be two sides of the same coin. Of all the Cobra variants the 427 is the most desirable, and due to very limited production, original S/Cs are a rare sight. So it would have been a sin not to pose naked with one, wouldnt it? With Brooklyn behind the camera, in front of the owners cathedral-like home, I got that chanceand pressed my body up against a genuine Shelby. The car demanded my full attention. It looks great; it sounds mean; and it drives like the Devil. In fact, it may well be the most powerful, the most attractive, and the most thrilling front-engine roadster ever unleashed. Join me in this fantasy. You can go to confession tomorrow.