Stock 289 Cobra engine color question..

[BobCal]

Simple question: If one were to have purchased a stock, street 289 Cobra in 1964, what color would the engine block/heads/bellhousing/water pump, pulleys, etc. be painted? Also, was an aluminum intake part of the package, or a Shelby option? Any arcane bits of detail knowledge concerning a stock Cobra's underhood appearance most gratefully accepted, and appreciated!

[Rick Parker]

Black, cast Iron intake manifold was standard fare for 289 Highperformance from for in 271 HP trim. Shelby aluminum high rise and upgrade Holley and Tri Y headers boosted to advertised 306 hp which was carried over to the Mustang. I think the September 1963 Motor Trend Magazine has a real good under hood shot of very early 289 Cobra with a generator. It shows a lot of detail.

Rick