ERA Skunk Works - the latest

[strictlypersonl]

The Cobra that you get for under $600 in 1966:

Pete's Original 289

[1985 CCX]

Thanks for the share! Pete fixed that then drove it to Colorado?

[Jim Holden]

Peter and Phil Gaudette straightened the chassis, repaired the body and ordered a new door from England. When it arrived, it consisted of a straight piece of round tube and a flat sheet of aluminum... you need to bend and make up the door. So, the decided to repair the original door instead. Peter painted the car black and then, with $60. in his pocket (so the story goes) set out for Colorado and his job as a door knob salesman. The car is still out there, someplace.

Several years ago Peter and I drove out to Elkhardt Lake for the Vintage Races. We stopped by the garage on Deerbrown Road where he had some repair work done. It was still owned by the same owner, who when he saw Peter, said: "F..... Peter, you still owe me $25. for repairing the front A arm on your Cobra."

Jim

[imagine2frolic]

This is the only that would fit....i2f

[strictlypersonl]

There actually were several street cars with FIA bodywork made by AC (not Shelby), so a "Street" FIA is based on the real thing.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by strictlypersonl

There actually were several street cars with FIA bodywork made by AC (not Shelby), so a "Street" FIA is based on the real thing.

May I ask how long it would take from order to delivery for a painted roller (turnkey minus)? Thank you.

[strictlypersonl]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

May I ask how long it would take from order to delivery for a painted roller (turnkey minus)? Thank you.

Probably about 6 months, but better to get that information from Peter. He's got a better handle on the current paint delay.

[1985 CCX]

What car was the body based off of?
Your 427 was CSX3252 (Peters street car)
Your FIA was CSX2345 (Unrestored FIA)
Your slab?

[strictlypersonl]

Good question. I'll ask Tony next time I talk to him.

[Jim Holden]

If Tony talks, he will be visited by the "Men in Black."

Jim

PS: He did have access to an original car for measurements, etc., but in the end it is always the "eye of the artist" that captures the shape... and Tony is an artist.

[Snakebit]

Another work of art from ERA! I think you will have quite a few people interested in the slab side. There are always posts of members asking who makes a slab side. Good luck with the build. I still like my FIA which I say is a slab side on steriods.

[RAO-3]

Hi Jim,

My car is with Tony right now - when I would talk to him about status, he would make references to "working on a special car" as well. He said he was hoping to get it ready for Carlisle...now I know who's car it is! And you're right, one cannot rush an artist.

My guess is that my car must be next to be completed, right behind yours.

Ray

Originally Posted by Jim Holden

If Tony talks, he will be visited by the "Men in Black."

Jim

PS: He did have access to an original car for measurements, etc., but in the end it is always the "eye of the artist" that captures the shape... and Tony is an artist.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Jim Holden

If Tony talks, he will be visited by the "Men in Black."

Jim

PS: He did have access to an original car for measurements, etc., but in the end it is always the "eye of the artist" that captures the shape... and Tony is an artist.

So, does Tony have some responsibility for the ERA slabside shape? Will he be the person preparing and painting all the ERA slabsides for consistency of the body style? Will your body be used for any slabside produced in the future?

[ilttlc]

YAY! Now I have a reason that my wife will accept to make the journey to Carlisle.

[Jim Holden]

RAO-3:

While Tony did the work on my car, the flares/fenders and chassis modification will be made at ERA for future cars. This project was most certainly done with the intention of offering them for sale in the future. Thus, anyone purchasing one in the future can purchase it at any stage, from kit to turn-key, etc.

Jim

PS: I hope to have some more pictures by the end of the day on the current progress. Splined hubs have finally been obtained and a little machine work is being completed.

[RodKnock]

Jim, I think you were responding to my question. So, for future ERA slabsides, will ERA use your car as the "original" and copy it in every detail? Do you have any idea how future slabsides will compare to yours? Thanks.

[Jim Holden]

Rod:
I was responding to your question.

Future "SS" will have the body shape and chassis modifications as on my car. As with the other ERA offerings, from that point on it's up to the customer to spec. it out the way he/she wants. All of the items on my car should be available, (should you want to go through the necessary pain and suffering.)

Jim

[RodKnock]

Jim, I can be a "pain and suffering" kinda guy, would you mind disclosing some, most or all of the items that you will spec your car with besides the wire wheels from AC in England? Whatever you feel comfortable disclosing to the public here.

[Jim Holden]

Rod:

Here is a partial listing of the items that are done in an effort to duplicate the original slabside look:

1. Exterior: undercar exhaust, bumper hoops fr/r, center small gas filler cap, relocation of emblems, front grill, AC knockoff wire wheels.

2. Interior: heater, black rugs and street dash, 16" steering wheel, red leather seats with piping, clock, switches, knobs, etc. as close to original in look and layout as we can now source.

3. Engine compartment: 289 sm w/"Cobra" aluminum valve covers and oil pan, original style brake/clutch fluid tanks, 61 Lincoln expansion tank re-plumbed, plain black steel pulleys, black painted radiator and hold-down brackets.

There are a number of other minor items that Doug and ROb have fabricated to try and duplicate the look of the original and that distinguish this car from the ERAFIA version .

Jim

[patrickt]