[Dominik]

In Feb 2000 I saw a red Cobra with a strange 198 on the side featuring a (I estimate) a 3" tall, but small diameter airfilter. A silly plague on the dash said something along the lines of 198 mph. The late man's name was Joe Smith, or so ;-)

I figure this car had 530 - 550 Hp. Else, by my coast down test results in 1995 when we defined the resistance of a Cobra at 198 mph, that car would never have achieved this speed. Depending on windshield size and rake.

Would have been a 427 SO. Possibly stroked? However, perhaps back in 1968 he used another airfilter than in 2000.

For all I know, I rather have some clean lines on the hood and sacrifice 20 hp for looks.
Check Morris' evaluation of airflow over his hood. Smith's car was far less sophisticated.
Seems he didn't even have racing seats.