Never saw an article about the auto Cobra that I recall. I lived as a teenager on a street call Pershing Dr. Main street to get into Playa Del Rey from Jefferson Blvd. Stop sign before the street, and many a muscle car launch as the street was straight and 4 lanes. You could easily hear the Cobras, and this one shifting auto.
Remember the early 260/289 Cobra went for $3500. The later 427 was $7000 IIRC. Of course, what 15 yr old kid could dream of that.