Dick Smith Cobra

Rick Parker · #1 (**permalink**) 10-09-2013, 01:23 AM

Anyone catch Chasing Classic Cars today. Not sure when it was taped but Wayne was helping sell the 427 Cobra previously owned by Dick Smith. The show centered around an event at Amelia Island. It won 1st in class for 65-75 Race cars, and sold to an individual shortly thereafter.
Anyone know who purchased the car? It was mentioned he had a Muscle Car collection and wanted to start a Cobra collection, this being the first.

mickmate · #2 (**permalink**) 10-09-2013, 06:00 AM

I heard it was also shown in a previous episode about a Stutz? I'll have to keep an eye out for that one.

A-Snake · #3 (**permalink**) 10-09-2013, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mickmate

I heard it was also shown in a previous episode about a Stutz? I'll have to keep an eye out for that one.

It was sitting in the background in the F40 garage area.

LMH · #4 (**permalink**) 10-09-2013, 07:59 AM

I saw it last night. Car looked awesome!
There was some discussion of the sale on the SAAC forum a few months ago.
Larry

rpatton3 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-09-2013, 09:18 AM

Did it have full windshield when he drove 198 MPH? I know he did not have little windscreen. What kind of HP does this feat require?

Nantucket427 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-09-2013, 10:02 AM

The car is being restored at Nick Acton's shop Acton Custom Enterprises, Custom Metal for Cobras there are pictures on his site.

bwcobra15 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-09-2013, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Parker

...
Anyone know who purchased the car? It was mentioned he had a Muscle Car collection and wanted to start a Cobra collection, this being the first.

The new owners are Wade and Ester Ogle.

jr289 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-09-2013, 11:35 AM

It was interesting especially hearing how they banked the car to get up to that speed. Strange that they left those decals on the car during the Ameila Island show since they were not period correct. Still got a Blue Ribbon, so what do I know?

Like the JB'Weld on the fly repair

. I guess no one had any chewing gum handy. LOL

Great car, second 427 Cobra on CCC this season. I personally like the green 427 with the "starbursts" wheels better

.

Rick Parker · #9 (**permalink**) 10-22-2013, 07:12 PM

And to think this car was almost orphened when the original owner George Harm decided to go Can Am racing. It sat in pieces in a garage. Story has it that Dick got the car as payment for some legal wrangling done to help Harm out of a jamb.I believe there are pictures of the disassembled car in one of the Nor Cal Shelby Club publications from the 70's.
The windshield used at Daytona was short and curved.

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decooney · #10 (**permalink**) 10-22-2013, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nantucket427

The car is being restored at Nick Acton's shop Acton Custom Enterprises, Custom Metal for Cobras there are pictures on his site.

Restore it? That's too bad. What makes it unique, quirky, and interesting is how it looks now. Dick redid the crazy dash himself and they went through the motor not too long ago before he passed. Why anyone would restore or change the car is beyond me. Red 198 lives no matter where it is, stickers and all.

mickmate · #11 (**permalink**) 10-22-2013, 09:28 PM

We are not restoring 3035, it's getting some very necessary safety and mechanical items tended to and a couple of other period touches. The new owner is a real car guy and he is proudly continuing the red 198 legacy, yes even with the unique dash and bumpers. I just watched and recorded the CCC episode. It was fun to see it on TV but having watched that it makes you realize it's all purely for entertainment.

decooney · #12 (**permalink**) 10-22-2013, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mickmate

We are not restoring 3035, it's getting some very necessary safety and mechanical items tended to and a couple of other period touches. The new owner is a real car guy and he is proudly continuing the red 198 legacy, yes even with the unique dash and bumpers. I just watched and recorded the CCC episode. It was fun to see it on TV but having watched that it makes you realize it's all purely for entertainment.

This is really great news, thanks for the update and clarification. Its good to know the new owner sees it for what it is and interested in keeping it this way.

mdross1 · #13 (**permalink**) 10-23-2013, 04:46 AM

One thing I picked up on right away was the mounts for the side rearview mirrors really liked that design. First thing this morning I'm taking measurements to make my own. Nothing like looking at the real deal.

rodneym · #14 (**permalink**) 10-23-2013, 11:02 AM

It was interesting to see the undercarriage on that car in contrast to the body.

I hoped it pissed off the Ferrari owners to hear 198 fired up.

The Ferrari crowd is getting suffier and stuffier.

1985 CCX · #15 (**permalink**) 10-23-2013, 11:45 AM

Last I saw it was outside my house in the driveway.....

Think there may be a few of the same car as it appears to be everywhere....

bwcobra15 · #16 (**permalink**) 10-23-2013, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mickmate

... I just watched and recorded the CCC episode. It was fun to see it on TV but having watched that it makes you realize it's all purely for entertainment.

Look at when "Roger" is answering a question from Wayne. When he is under the car there is a big gray blanket on the driver side fender. A split second later when he stands up from being under the car the blanket is gone. His response as he is standing there was obviously staged and scripted. I know we have to have some "suspension of disbelief" but come on ... this is supposed to be Reality TV. Or maybe there is something haunted about the F40 Motorsports shop... like plug wires mysteriously changing from red to yellow and back to red again...

Cobra #3170 · #17 (**permalink**) 10-23-2013, 06:07 PM

I am glad that Nic is working on it and not F40, they seem to do what ever works to get the car "out the door" without much attention to quality. This observation may be incorrect since it is based on watching the TV show. I just saw too much dirt and grime in their shop with parts strewn everywhere.

rpatton3 · #18 (**permalink**) 10-23-2013, 07:42 PM

This car is really history.

Slick61 · #19 (**permalink**) 10-24-2013, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwcobra15

Look at when "Roger" is answering a question from Wayne. When he is under the car there is a big gray blanket on the driver side fender. A split second later when he stands up from being under the car the blanket is gone. His response as he is standing there was obviously staged and scripted. I know we have to have some "suspension of disbelief" but come on ... this is supposed to be Reality TV. Or maybe there is something haunted about the F40 Motorsports shop... like plug wires mysteriously changing from red to yellow and back to red again...

it seems reality isn't entertaining enough... EVERYTHING'S staged & scripted any more. There are precious few shows I bother to watch any more because of it... tho I'll admit that I enjoy watching Edd China work the "spanners", replace "manky" and "perished" parts, & put everything in good "nick" so that Mike will be fairly "chuffed" on Wheeler Dealers.

mdross1 · #20 (**permalink**) 10-25-2013, 04:40 AM

The condition of a mans shop is no indication of the work quality. We also really enjoy the Wheeler Dealer team. Always enjoyed hearing those Brit's talk.