An amazing collection of original Shelby Cobras recently went under the hammer at Mecum's auction this month, selling for a combined $6.4 million. Each of the four classic Corbas, which are believed to be the "most authentic and correct Cobras in the world", was from the estate of renowned collector Steven Juliano, who died from pancreatic cancer last year.

The collection of classic Cobras included a 1967 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C Roadster, 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Roadster, 1965 Shelby Cobra 289 Dragonsnake, and 1964 Shelby Cobra 289 Roadster, and every model sold apart from the Dragonsnake.

Unsurprisingly, the 1967 427 S/C Roadster was the star car of the collection, which was reflected in its selling price - it sold for an eye-watering $2,860,000, which was the highest bid for any car at the auction. What makes it so special, you may ask? It's an extremely rare "Semi-Competition" cars, meaning that it started out as a track special built for racing. However, Shelby America didn't manage to build the required 100 cars for homologation purposes, so some of the 31 that were built were converted for the road. This particular example had just five owners and had only been driven a total of 10,760 miles.

Falling close behind was the 1966 427 Roadster, fetching for $2,420,000. Originally ordered by Dodge Olmsted of Arlington, Virginia, it swapped owners a few times before a buyer in Japan acquired it in 1987. It remained in Japan until 2010 when Juliano acquired it. It's quite possibly the most well-maintained original Cobras in the world.

The 1964 289 Roadster was the oldest car in the collection and sold for $1,760,000. What makes it unique is that it's the only 1964 Shelby Cobra Roadster to be built with a Stage III 289-cubic inch V8 engine. It was also loaded with optional extras, including polished American Racing magnesium wheels and a hood scoop, making it one of the most expensive 289 Cobras made. Originally, the car was ordered in Princess Blue with a black interior by Frye's Ford of Belleville, Kansas. After taking delivery, its first owner sent the car back to the factory to have it repainted in Ford Rangoon Red.

The 1965 Dragonsnake, on the other hand, is one of just six original Dragonsnakes built by Shelby for drag racing. The Factory Stage III car that went under the hammer was ordered by brothers Don and Mike Reimer of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania with a special yellow exterior chosen to match their Thunderbird tow vehicle. Unfortunately, it didn't sell as bidding failed to reach the reserve price.