Another NEW CSX 427

[pk]

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pk

[london]

As far as I'm aware, AC didn't make a 427 engined MKIII for the UK market in the 60s. They did however make the AC 289 Sports, a 427 body with the 289 engine, probably the best body-chassis combination.

That would be my choice (with a COB designation!)

[marcocsx3121]

I really don't want to jump into the middle of this "my car is more authentic/worth more than your car" stuff, but I do have a question of a practical nature. One of the major aggravations of original Cobra ownership was (is) the very fragile aluminum alloy used, ostensibly required by the 19th century forming methods available to AC. During my time of ownership of 3121, I managed to dent the top of both front fenders with my elbows while tuning the engine, as well as the rear fender with a knee.

A friend who should know told me that the Kirkham alloy is much more dent resistant. Since these guys used to build jet fighters, they have big, powerful machines to form the bodies rather than wooden bucks and leather mallets (or whatever the Brits use). I would think that this might be a significant plus.

Comments?

[RaceDeck]

Mine is driven hard and put in a lot of our dealers shows, where people tend to touch and lean on the body.....Mine is Dent Free...The craftsmanship is outstanding

[REAL 1]

This is not a "mine is more authentic" then yours discussion. Don't characterize it as one please. Thank you.

We were merely discussing the value or lack thereof of have a modern "AC" fabricated chasis and body vs. the Kirkham bros. fabricated chasis and body.

[london]

'Better built' and 'desirable' aren't necessarily the same thing. The MKIV's build quality was much better than the 60's cars but the latter are streets ahead in desirability.

[Anthony]

For those who own aluminum Shelby Replica's, don't get too excited. The FIA will not allow the following;

Aluminum Block
Baer Brakes
5-speed or Jerico Trans
17" wheels
Billet suspension
Adjustable heim jointed suspension
Big cube strokers
Roller Rockers
Roller Cam
Electronic Ignition
...and anything else that would be considered a modern performance enhanced upgrade from 1965.

They will however allow the following;
Scattershield
Fire System
6 point harness


__________________
Steve Sunshine



I think it's pretty cool, a continuation English body authorized Shelby Cobra. Yeah, THAT car would at the top of my "most desirable" of the continuation cars list. If I was buying such a car I would NOT want anything on it or in it that wasn't original specs. The OLD suspension, brakes, engine, etc.

I would love to see a 100% true to the original car, which is pretty darn rare as far as continuation cars go. Computerworks is building such a car, original specs write down the wiring connections! Thats gonna be a fine example of the marque!


__________________
"Slick"


regarding aluminum continuation cars, I don't think there is a large market for the "exact replica" car, with every piece of suspension, interior, brakes, etc , the same as the 60's cars. Ask Kirkham if most customers prefer original brakes, suspension, or newer vented discs, billet suspension. They will build you a car anyway you want it, and I'm sure Shelby will as well, with either the CSX1000 or CSX4000 cars, but I think most owners opt for some improvements in design/parts. I don't think many owners of CSX1000/4000 cars want to go historic/FIA racing, so it is not important that the cars are true to the original. It doesn't matter to me. I took my car the way it was delivered, it's close enough to the original in design for me.

[Excaliber]

While appreciating an "exact" reproduction I am very happy with my "pretty close" ERA. I like my Excalibur, but after while it startedt to bother ME that it was not "that close" to original. My quest for greater authenticity is what led me to my ERA. I'm glad it has iron heads, rather than alloy Edelbrock's for instance.

I got as close to "authentic" as I could afford, not as close as I'd like to be! It matters more to some, less to others, I leave room for all.

I became good friends with the guy that bought my Excalibur and we often cruise together. What really bothers me is how NICE that Excal looks, great chrome, white stripe, waxed to a brilliant shine. It often draws more attention than my ERA, now THAT bugs me!

...of course all I have to do is open the hood on mine. Those dual fours sitting on a 427 do all the talking after that, eh eh.

[BROOKLANDSSPEED]

ok im back , that snakes piss "real one "youve bin talking has bitten my arse ......... its not to do with where the cars are now being built[size of factory or location , ] or whether there are any thames ditton geezers hammering the bodys ......... if they were thed have only been apprentices at thamesditton =unreal !.....get a grip ........ its the brand AC........ there are a few guys [bashers ,working their arses off in the motherland .....supporting the AC marque ]...your car wouldnt exist without AC in the first place so before you beat your drum pal about wats real ...think whats the most important part of your car ......... the wax ? no the brake pedal .....and on the brake pedal ,wat does it say ...AC... dont bite the hand that feeds you bro..... otherwise youll have the uk gasholes after yow ......... ...... and this isnt a kirkaham assanation either .... they be good ...adolph liked poland so much ... he invaded the country .... !

[BROOKLANDSSPEED]

sorry mispelt kirkham ,on the last thred my misnake must ave been the snake bites in the pub ....... told you they fire you up !

[london]

Brooklandsspeed - there's something a bit manic about your posts. Agree with you,mind you.

On another note, you're not going to be making AC's new Ace Classic are you?

[BROOKLANDSSPEED]

tounge in cheek posting ....... [havnt worked out the smileys yet ] We like a grin though ............ . The ACE classic is being produced at" The factory " from the original jigs and bucks .We obtained a kit magazine today which had the picture of AC frimley .......skips [dumpsters full of SH-T] etc etc , and the person who took the photos didnt have the balls to say who they were ...... it was remarked to me by one of the fabricators at AC...the same person would take a photo of an old lady naked ... her dignity exposed for all ......... deep thats where we are , random , maybe , but manic ..i like that !

[Russ Dickey]

No offense Brookland speed, but before Carroll Shelby came along, wasn't AC making these????



I give credit where credit is due. God Bless AC for producing the fine platform which eventually became the Cobra, but they were simply a parts vendor. They were no more responsible for the final product than a saw mill is for the cabinetry that is produced using the lumber the mill provided.

[london]

AC were extensively involved in producing the final product - don't take my word for it, but read Trevor Legate's book 'Cobra- the Real Thing'

[Russ Dickey]

Yeah, I know. I was just having some fun with you Englishmen. You guys are so sensitive and defensive about the whole AC/Shelby Cobra thing.

The fact remains, Carroll Shelby was the guy that inked the deal and made it all happen. AC wasn't pursuing Ford with any thoughts of building a hybrid sports car. They would have been content to slip into oblivion making wheelchairs.

[london]

Brooklandsspeed

I've seen the pictures of Frimley. The problem in that no-one from AC has refuted the suggestion made that the company in reality no longer exists. They haven't even bothered to update their UK website

[BROOKLANDSSPEED]

Russ , that was funny ....the wheelchair was usually light blue , with a fiberglass tub , with three wheels , and later four... carroll liked the power to weight but considered it to be a little lively for the new v8 ...and there was a properly tested proven race car called the ACE availible .probably a wiser option ... and yes AC was only a subcontracter but still was AC ....

[london]

...and the manufacturer of Cobras sold in the UK and Europe

[BROOKLANDSSPEED]

london , thanks for that .... the cob cox cars have an entirley different meaning to the csx chassis to americans ..there is some rivalry ..but the anglo american banter is good value ... Ken Rudd did it for the ACE , he fitted a v8 in an ace too . seeing Ken two weeks time .hes got some good stories to tell ,at the moment trying to get him to do a book ..........Trev.......

[london]

Sorry, not entering into the spirit of the thread