289 body question

[azfordman]

I have been doing alot of research on the original cobra body styles and have a question I hope someone can answer for me. In the pictures I have seen of the 289/USRRC cars, the body seems quite different than other cobra. The body seems longer, esp. the front end and the cockpit seems to be located further back towards the rear of the car. Did these cars have the same wheel base as the other cobras? Did they use a different body than the other cobras? I know that ERA makes a USRRC replica, but I have been unable to find any decent photos of their car. If anyone has one of the ERA replicas I would like to see pics of your car. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[mickmate]

Check the bottom of the page.
Compare car profiles

[strictlypersonl]

Our USRRC is identical to the FIA except for the lack of trunk dimples.

[azfordman]

I have seen the compare car profiles page, the car`at the bottom is a 289/fia. I was thinking more of csx2431 #98 Ken Miles car. From what I can tell it is considered a USRRC car, it definately seems to have a different body.

[Fox]

Might it be a bit of an illusion with the windshield being traded out for the lower profile windscreen?

-John

[cobrajeff]

Here's a shot of my ERA FIA:



Note that it has the windshield laid-back like most of the original FIA's did.

I think the windshield angle and racing windscreen are giving you an optical illusion that the body is different. The FIA and USRRC bodies are the same - there are detail differences like the trunk dimples and windscreen, and several iterations of lower oil cooler scoop, but, most of the metal is the same. They both look more agressive than a slab-side due to the flares, oil cooler scoop, and windshleld angle.

If you send me an e-mail, I'd be happy to send you more pictures of my car from different angles, if that will help. The ERA FIA body is quite accurate, and was detailed off of Mike Shoen's CSX2345 - the only FIA still running around in it's original sheet metal.

regards,

Jeff

[azfordman]

Here are some examples of the body style I am talking about. The hood jus seems much longer than an average cobra.



I honestly cannot recall where I found these photos, except for the conceptcarz photo, otherwise I would give credit to their owners. Hope these help with my question.

[KevinM]

I believe the top two pictures are just an illusion caused by the angle of the photo.

The bottom picture looks like the "Flip Top" (AKA "The Turd"). That was a special one off with a one piece tilting front end and a bigblock. Not a USRRC car at all.

Kevin

[Allan A]

I think it is just the race screen, I had the same type on a 427 and the nose looked longer. I have been thinking about adding one to my 289.

Allan

[azfordman]

I know it really hard to tell just from photos unless you have a perfect side profile shot. I understand that I really need to get to some shows and cobra meets to see some cars first hand. Until then, I am just trying to do as much research as I can. I may come off as sounding kinda stupid with some of my questions, especially to alot of the experts out there, but I am trying to learn and I appreciate the help I am getting here.

[KevinM]

azfordman,

I would also recommend getting some books with a lot of photos of the various 289 race Cobras. This one would be a good place to start:

Amazon.com: Cobra (Motorbooks Classics): Dave Friedman: Books

Kevin

[cobrajeff]

Your questions are not "stupid" - you have picked three very unique cars that might certainly give you the impression that's there's something different about them.

The first picture is, I believe, a very nicely done Hi-Tech replica of CSX3002. The second picture looks to me to be the real CSX3002. The first few early comp big block cobras had a few 289 Cobra attributes - like the nose and the dashboard. So the more pointed 289 snout, plus the racing windscreen, AND the angle of the photos, may make those cars look longer.

The third car is, like Kevin said, CSX2196 - the "Flip-Top". A one-off body that seemed to be sectioned down the sides, making a much lower profile shape than any standard Cobra body style.

Welcome to the forum.

Jeff

[Rickd]

AZ, the angle of the photo creates a somewhat disported impression of a longer nose, and this is somewhat enhanced by the wind screen. Check my Gallery for a couple of shots of the ERA FIA and I think you will see a difference. Rickd

[azfordman]

Thanks for the additional input. I had not thought of tracking down some books, so thanks for that. I have always liked the hot rodding approach of dare to be different, so I really want to build a replica/tribute car that is different from the crowd, yet true to an actual car. I really like the look of CSX3002 and Ken Miles CSX2431. I love the front shape and nose of the 289 cars with the wide fenders and attitude of the 427 in the rear. I know this is not going top be an easy project since it will be a build that is not mainstream. Lastly, does anyone know if ERA has an email address? They show a USRRC kit, but I could not find a way to contact them via email. Thanks again!

[gt350pilot]

Azford,
I am lucky enough to turn wrenches on one of the original USRRC Cobras. I have also seen it side by side with a street 289 Cobra. I agree with peoples assessment that it is just the lack of a windshield that makes the profile look longer. I think that is what causes the illusion that the cowl area is longer and therefore the hood. From what I can see looking at the car the only external differences in the actual body itself are the front fender flares, the wide hips and rear fenders and of course the cut back doors.
Hope that helps.

[Rickd]

AZ, please see the post by STRICTLYPERSONAL, that is in fact Bob Putnam, ERA's head engineer. You can email or pm him for some info. RD

[tcolley1]

Here's a shot of my new Unique FIA roadster that I'm finishing up now.



The windshield is more laid back than on my first FFR roadster.

Tcolley