The following photos are of CSX2196, The 427 Cobra prototype. This car is also commonly referred to as "The Fliptop" and "The Turd". The body was attached to the chassis so the front and back sections would flip up, thus the name "flip top". The Fliptop was built to determine the feasibility of installing the FE series engine into the Cobra. The engine initially installed was an aluminum 390 engine with 58mm Webers. This was the engine used when CSX2196 was raced at Nassau. Later on, she was fitted with a NASCAR spec 427 sideoiler.The basic chassis was a 289 chassis complete with 3" main rails and transverse leaf springs. Of course the chassis was strengthened and modified to accept the big block FE engine. The entire body on the Fliptop was replaced with a lighter skin and is said to have a total weight of 1800lbs.
