Hood vents in 289FIA

[G-Pete]

I came across that website of an Kirkham

2007 Kirkham Cobra 289 Replica

Now my question is, are these hood vents used on the originals? I never noticed them before. They did the forward braced roll bar, the fuel cap and the speedo but did not do the trunk dimples.

thx

[LightNFast]

Originally Posted by G-Pete

I came across that website of an Kirkham

2007 Kirkham Cobra 289 Replica

Now my question is, are these hood vents used on the originals? I never noticed them before. They did the forward braced roll bar, the fuel cap and the speedo but did not do the trunk dimples.

thx

The hood vents are not an original FIA feature. But this car’s a nice blend between the 427 and 289.

I think it would be perfect for someone that can’t make up their mind….

[1985 CCX]

I agree with Kurt!

This is one great car however do not use it as a template for what is correct on one of the 5 original FIA cars. (corrected)

There have been various vents on hoods for Cobras however I do not think any are original to the cars.

This truly is a neat blend of 289/427......... I know it would fit in my garage.
For originality I would say reference CSX2345 as it is the only remaining unrestoreed FIA.

[LightNFast]

Originally Posted by 1985 CCX

I agree with Kurt!

This is one great car however do not use it as a template for what is correct on one of the 6 original FIA cars.

There have been various vents on hoods for Cobras however I do not think any are original to the cars.

This truly is a neat blend of 289/427......... I know it would fit in my garage.
For originality I would say reference CSX2345 as it is the only remaining unrestoreed FIA.

Hey Jeff,

How did we get up to "6" FIA's

[PDUB]

This car more closely replicates the USRRC version of the 289 cars such as 2459, and I think 2458, that were the same shape as the FIA cars, but without the trunk dimples or the oil cooler vent up front. These two USRRC versions did have the cut-back doors and front-braced roll bar. The hood vents are not original. (Notice no oil cooler on this Kirkham, and they did the openings for the front quick-jacks more like Grants yellow 2128 racer.)

Jeff, Ron, Ned, Dan, or some of the the other gurus here, you probably know if other USRRC cars were of the same configuration as 2459 and 2458. Please comment...

[Quik289]

The promotional literature raises two questions:
1. Where is the oil cooler fitted which is mentioned?
2. Who is making aluminum bodies for Shelby American now? Or are Shelby's continuation cars out of production currently?
Anybody know?

[LightNFast]

Originally Posted by Quik289

The promotional literature raises two questions:
1. Where is the oil cooler fitted which is mentioned?
2. Who is making aluminum bodies for Shelby American now? Or are Shelby's continuation cars out of production currently?
Anybody know?

1. The photo indicates the oil cooler is directly below the radiator.
2. The continuation cars are manufactured by Hi Tech Automotive - Port Elizabeth. It’s my understanding that Hi Tech currently sources various alloy bodies from Kirkham.
Hope this helps.

[G-Pete]

Thanks guys, that is pretty much what I thought.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!