Bandit 1: Your history of the car is all mixed up. Ernie, Brent and SSS stated it correctly. Its all in the history books. Just read.
AC never ever heard of the "Cobra" before CS came along. They were on life support.
Brent is correct. There was substantial developement to the 289 that made it the legend it is. That developement was by the crew at SAI. AC built the chasis and body. SAI did the rest. Without developement by SAI do you really think the AC Ace was capable of the accomplishments achieved by the Cobra? Get REAL. As I understand SAI did consider building the chasis themselves but for cost efficiency reasons continued with AC especially as to the 427 WHICH WAS NOT AN AC DESIGN BUT A SAI DESIGN THROUGH MILES AND ARNING AT FORD! AC just built to specs.
SAI could have easily built either 289 or 427 from the ground up but based on the available tooling ready at AC and the labor rates allowing AC to supply the chasis and build the 427 chasis and body TO SPECS was the better choice from a cost and time stand point. You don't think with the talent they had such as Brock, Remmington etc., etc. they couldn't fabricate the chasis and body? In their sleep they could have.
SAI is building today and offering to the public what they created, not AC. Anyone skilled in tooling can build the Cobra physical chasis and body. The "essence" of the Cobra and what it was and is has always been generated and created by SAI/CS and always will. The legendary name is Shelby Cobra, not AC (Just compare the prices of an original Shelby CSX to an original AC COB).
The Cobra was and always will be Shelby's baby. Period.
There can be only one Cobra. Its was and always will be from Shelby and SAI. Rightfully so.
In the end I think if given the choice most guys would rather have a Cobra from Shelby than any other.
Dan: Why does it seem that all SPF guys are becoming so beligerant and confrontational these days. Maybe I just bring out the best in them.
