Factory Five Mark IV – Is the Body Shape based off a Real CSX?

[GVS]

I have admired the Factory Five Roadster since its introduction for its one-donor concept, CAD-designed chassis and high-quality components. However, I did not care for the “high-hip” shape of the Mark I-III body. Now that the Mark IV has lower hips, it has re-kindled my interest in these cars.

My question for this group: Is the body shape of the Mark IV based off a real CSX?

For instance, it is well documented that the following manufactures made their body molds from the following original Cobras:
Kirkham 427 = CSX3104
Hi-Tech Motorsports = CSX3190 (fiberglass bodies), CSX3002 (aluminum bodies)
E.R.A. 427 = CSX3252
E.R.A. 289 = CSX2345
Contemporary Classic Motor Car Company (aka CCX) = CSX3045.
Superformance originally based their molds off a Contemporary body, which were splashed off CSX3045.

I am curious as to the "accuracy" of the Mark IV body. I say "accuracy" because of the variation on the original Cobra body shape. Any information is greatly appreciated.

[Bill D]

Yes it was. They used Dick Smiths car but made some alterations

[mrmustang]

Direct from their web site:

"The body shape of the Factory Five Mk4 is extremely accurate benefitting from, and a direct descendent of two original cars, CSX 3042 and the late Dick Smith’s famous #198, CSX 3035".

Originally Posted by GVS

I have admired the Factory Five Roadster since its introduction for its one-donor concept, CAD-designed chassis and high-quality components. However, I did not care for the “high-hip” shape of the Mark I-III body. Now that the Mark IV has lower hips, it has re-kindled my interest in these cars.

My question for this group: Is the body shape of the Mark IV based off a real CSX?

For instance, it is well documented that the following manufactures made their body molds from the following original Cobras:
Kirkham 427 = CSX3104
Hi-Tech Motorsports = CSX3190 (fiberglass bodies), CSX3002 (aluminum bodies)
E.R.A. 427 = CSX3252
E.R.A. 289 = CSX2345
Contemporary Classic Motor Car Company (aka CCX) = CSX3045.
Superformance originally based their molds off a Contemporary body, which were splashed off CSX3045.

I am curious as to the "accuracy" of the Mark IV body. I say "accuracy" because of the variation on the original Cobra body shape. Any information is greatly appreciated.

[mikeinatlanta]

Along those lines. Do any of the original cars have the "pads" under the front markers? Any reason not to take them off?

[DanEC]

I have not seen any photos showing pads - but only seen a dozen or so real cars in person. I agree the MK IV looks really nice now. Still a couple issues with the wheel well openings (kind of wide) and I'm not sure if anyone has figured out exactly why the license plate and trunk handle interference occurred. But overall they have look pretty good IMO.

[GVS]

Thanks for the information! This is exactly what I was looking for!

[LMH]

It's much closer to the shape of an original S/C but it's not a dead-on replication. I think it's much improved over previous models though.
Larry

[RACERAL]

Were any of the real Cobras dead on matches to each other.

[Ron61]

No, none of the originals were exactly alike. I even saw a couple of the 289 ones with two different brands of gauges in them. If you want to copy an original, you need to pick out just one and copy it exactly.

Ron

[Bernica]

Originally Posted by RACERAL

Were any of the real Cobras dead on matches to each other.

You could line up 30 originals and every one will be different in some way or another. Mechanically, aesthetically or both...

[CBattaglia]

Originally Posted by Bernica

You could line up 30 originals and every one will be different in some way or another. Mechanically, aesthetically or both...

There is something cool about that...

[mcwho]

That bring a new meaning to "Period Correct"

[Steno]

If you think about it, the Original Shelby cars were component/ kit cars too! The Factory Five trunk lids are so original that they fit the British tags and not the "yankee" sized plates.

[Dwight]

One of the things I like about Cobras, they are hot rods.
Build by hot rodders in southern Ca.

[CHANMADD]

I solved the license plate issue by cutting the lip around the plate off. It fits perfectly .

[moore_rb]

Originally Posted by GVS

For instance, it is well documented that the following manufactures made their body molds from the following original Cobras:
Kirkham 427 = CSX3104
Hi-Tech Motorsports = CSX3190 (fiberglass bodies), CSX3002 (aluminum bodies)
E.R.A. 427 = CSX3252
E.R.A. 289 = CSX2345
Contemporary Classic Motor Car Company (aka CCX) = CSX3045.
Superformance originally based their molds off a Contemporary body, which were splashed off CSX3045.

Might as well add Hurricane to the list, splashed from CSX3235

[Johnc1]

Well it really is not a big deal too me I am not building Carroll Shelby's Cobra. Even though he's great, I built my Cobra the one I wanted when I was 15 and it is a blast.

[Karl Bebout]

Certainly seemed like CS used whatever parts he had laying around. Gauges, tail lights, engines, etc. I'd even heard of him dumping a 390 into one. (Not verified, but wouldn't be surprised).

Very true, the originals were certainly "kit cars" of the era. Now, if he'd just been able to get Zora to let go of the SBC....ha

[MKS427]

Originally Posted by RACERAL

Were any of the real Cobras dead on matches to each other.

They were all hand formed aluminium panels, so no two are exactly the same.