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Old 02-14-2012, 05:24 AM
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DougD DougD is offline
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Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Des Moines, IA
Cobra Make, Engine: Sold my beloved Shelby CSX 4068, Gessford 427 Ford
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dangerous Doug View Post
I remember these Cobras. Shelby built some cars for a spec-racing series dubbed "The Shelby Challenge". If I remember correctly there were two types of racing Cobras. The one shown here was the 427 Cobra, but it has a stroked 351W from the factory. The 427 SO FE was considered a bit much for a spec-racer, so they opted for the stroker. I probably still have the brochure laying around. I think there was also a 289 FIA in the series as well.

So, for that Cobra and it's "racing history", the stroked 351W is correct. Also, to comply with track requirements for a racing series they had to have the full, bulky-looking roll cage.

I actually think they are pretty cool, and must be a blast to drive. $180k? I'm not sure about THAT.

Anyone else remember this series? I don't think it ever took off, at least, I never heard much about it. Hmmm, I wonder where that brochure went....

DD

I remember the series. I also seem to remember that the original plan was to have celebrity drivers. Something about a support series for Indy cars or something similar. Not sure why it never took off.

The cars are interesting, at least to me. They are actual race cars built by or for Shelby American. Despite the usual CSX bashing, I think all the stuff Shelby is now building will find an audience in 25 or 30 years. These will be something that the factory did that was unique. I'd like to own one. I saw a couple of them blow by me on track at the SAAC convention in Nashville a few years ago. That one looks exactly like the ones I remember.
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