So here is a short historical background per Quick 289 request:
February 19, 2012. This history of CSX2129 and its first driver are noteworthy. It was the third of three cars to receive the “Sebring” treatment, following CSX2127 and CSX2128. The earlier two were completed a couple of weeks before Sebring in early 1963. CSX2129 was not completed until after Sebring, but still got the “Sebring” treatment. It first raced in May, 1963: the start of a remarkable season.
The three “Sebring” cars had several variations, but shared significant common characteristics. They were ordered from AC in England as stock, slab sided Cobras. The rear wheel openings were opened up to accommodate the “bean” race wheels and tires. They were the first Cobras to use the new rack and pinion steering. All were fitted with Weber carburetors and a hood scoop held in place with rivets. The leading edge of the hood was held down with rivets, similar to the later 427 SC.
The instrumentation on these three cars was a mixture including a Sunpro tachometer, Smith speedometer,
oil pressure,
oil temp and water temp, and Stewart Warner amperes gauge. It also had a larger Stewart Warner fuel pressure gauge.
Ken Miles was the predominant driver of CSX2129 in 1963. He scored a noteworthy victory at Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, placing 1st in the over 2 liter class and 2nd place overall. This was the era of stiff competition from the Jaguars and Ferraris, so this was no small achievement. Later at Mid Ohio Miles scored an outright victory. He scored another victory in the GT class at the Canadian Grand Prix. It was a very good year for Cobra Number 98 and Ken Miles.
Driving the Cobra was only a part of Ken Miles race care life. Not only was he an excellent driver, but also a talented engineer. He was intimately involved in Carroll Shelby’s development of the GT40.
In 1966 Miles drove the first of the three victorious GT40’s across the finish line at Lemans, but was refused the first place trophy because under the French race rules he had started closer to the pole position and thus had driven twenty meters less distance than the second GT40. Before crossing the finish line Miles was enjoying a substantial lead over his two team mates. Because Henry Ford II wanted a photo finish with three GT40s crossing the finish line together, Miles was directed to slow down at the last pit stop so his two teammates could catch up. A team player, he agreed. Henry Ford II got his photo finish.
Earlier that year Miles had won the races at Sebring and Daytona driving GT40s. Had he won Lemans it would have been the triple crown of motor racing. Henry Ford got his picture but Miles missed the chance at the ultimate race victory.
Ken Miles was killed in August, 1966 just a few weeks after the Lemans race while testing the new J car – intended to be the successor to the GT40. An amazing career was brought to an abrupt and untimely end.
CSX2129 was sold at auction in August 2011 by Gooding and Company, Pebble Beach, California for the sum of $2,585,000.