Mecum May 2019 - Wow

[CSX3183]

3183 came with Sunburst wheels from the factory, sold thru Larsen Ford, White Plains ,NY, killing your observation that they only came on 428 cars.

[Nedsel]

The rationale behind the sunburst wheels was just as described - they were intended as a cost-saving measure, allowing Shelby American to produce their own wheel instead of having to buy them from Halibrand. Peter Brock designed them, and Kelsey-Hayes was selected to build them. They didn't arrive until December of '65, and cars sold during that time period were the first to have them as standard equipment. The determining factor was not the chassis number of the car, but rather the shipping date to the dealer.

[Ron Scarboro]

Originally Posted by Cobra #3170

He said Kid, the only way I would get in that car with you at the wheel would be if the keys were in my pocket! I always thought that was very funny, but in retrospect he was on the money.

These experiences and posts are why I frequent this forum.

Thank you,

Ron

[DMXF]

Here's a publicity photo of a new early 31XX car fitted with sunbursts and wearing the dealer plate. I don't think many people think sunbursts are better, just some like the style and most just want them on their car if delivered that way. Halibrands are clearly the more exotic wheel, being lighter and having more of a sports car heritage as many of the top racing series ran similar wheels. While I think if a car has survived this many years in the configuration it left SA it should be preserved that way, many Cobras today are being converted to boring "day one" clones that do not represent the aura of the cars back in the day where most owners fitted them with optional original factory upgrade parts.

[Blue66]

CSX 3147 had sunbursts. When I sold it in 1980 it had a set of S/C rims on it (Bought originals S/C's in 72 before I even bought a car.) I gave him the original sunburst rims because I needed the room

[LMH]

In the publicity photo above, a little hard to tell but it looks like the 104 mirror post faces forward towards the windshield. Do you guys agree?
Larry