Quote:
Originally Posted by Dangerous Doug
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
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Actually, Shelby never built the Challenge Racers. They were built by Finishline in Las Vegas. And yes, they were all, at one time, spec 351 motors. The series never expanded into a viable racing series due to the obvious, funding. The concept could not generate money to kick start the series. Only a handful of these cars were ever built, but there are a few under construction today. Because the series never took off, each individual owner poured more horsepower in to these cars. YES, there are some 850 hp Challenge Racers on the planet. There will be at least 3 Challenge Racers at SAAC 37 in NY running with SVRA. SAAC will not allow them to run with the original 2/3000 series because they are so much more advanced and clearly faster. You may also see a couple of them at the 50th Anniversary of Ford Cobra Shelby Reunion at the NHRA Museum at the Pomona Fairplex in Pomona, CA in April. These cars will get to run on the old 50's/60's original road course at the fairgrounds. Don't miss it!!!