Ok. Its late.
1. AC was in financial trouble. Whether they would have found another engine is speculation.
2. I used the term "stole" loosely. Should have said taken from.
3. Ok. Wasn't thinking. 260 was the first.
4. Shelby developed the car through his racing program. My understanding is that resulted in strengthend hubs, better suspension and steering ie. rack and pinion vs. worm and sector.
5. Oh, come on. That SOB Ferrari stole the first one and you know it. It should've been two.
6. See above. Really should have been two world championships.
7. When I say Shelby I am referring to all his talented staff, Miles, Remington et. als. Also Arning from Ford who designed the 427 Chasis.
8. Lets be fair now. The 427 never had the chance. It had a better chasis and better suspension. Better looking too.
9. While less 427s were made there is no question they are the more popular of the two. Witness the replica market. No doubt about it that when people think Shelby Cobra most think 427. Its better looking too. Oh. Already said that. Sorry.
10. Oh. Production Proschmucktion. Who cares about this one anyway.
In the end the most important point that we both agree on is that if not for Shelby there would be no Cobra and it wouldn't be the automotive icon it is today.