tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58467189582555601452024-03-21T08:31:27.353-07:00Cobra RanchCobras, GT40s, and everything in between.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846718958255560145.post-44108868777620270042023-11-13T20:08:00.000-08:002023-11-13T20:08:41.613-08:00DeTomaso Pantera Sees the Light After Being Buried in Dust for 45 Years<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="437" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0iP5341FeOo" width="526" youtube-src-id="0iP5341FeOo"></iframe></div><br /><p></p><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> De Tomaso might not be a brand that younger car enthusiasts recognize, but seasoned aficionados with a bit of experience will surely recognize this classic Italian car with both style and muscle. Take note as this 1972 De Tomaso Pantera is discovered under years of dust after being long-forgotten. Despite being neglected, this hidden treasure has bodywork and a chassis in great condition, minimal rust issues and is ready to be fully restored. Even more surprising, the Pantera's interior is also well-preserved, with original gauges, an intact headliner, soft seats, and the factory 8-track stereo. With the thumbs up from the expert, the next step is to move the car out of the barn and onto a flatbed truck for further restoration.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846718958255560145.post-43640078369824747102023-11-12T17:53:00.000-08:002023-11-12T17:56:57.543-08:00Shelby Wins 10-Year Legal Battle Over "Eleanor” Car Use In Gone In 60 Seconds Films<p><span style="background-color: white;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1jJHiv.img?w=768&h=432&m=6" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="768" height="225" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1jJHiv.img?w=768&h=432&m=6" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span> </span><span> </span>Although Carroll Shelby never got to see this win before his death in 2012, The Shelby American brand has finally seen victory after 10+ years over the rights to use the “Eleanor” name. This name was given to the 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 featured in the film Gone in 60 Seconds. Shelby American has tussled with Denice Halicki, widow of the film’s maker H.H. “Tony” Halicki; however, a <a href="https://www.shelby.com/multimedia/News/Press-Releases/ArtMID/5921/ArticleID/122/SHELBYS-LEGAL-BATTLE-OVER-THE-%e2%80%9cELEANOR%e2%80%9d-CAR-IS-OVER-AND-SHELBY-WON?utm_source=syndication">court has now ruled</a> that the Shelby Trust has the rights to the Eleanor name on muscle cars, putting it in full control of the trademarks and trade dress which are essential to the image of the Shelby brand. Shelby took to the courts to protect its valued licensees and owners of Ford Shelby GT500s. Perhaps now we will see tribute projects move forward without being held back by Halicki.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846718958255560145.post-43260867188885223872013-08-01T13:21:00.000-07:002013-08-01T13:21:00.936-07:00Where Have all the Cowboys Gone?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Well, it seems writing a book takes a toll on available keystrokes per day. Not only has time been poured into producing literature, but also research and general focus. Several stories were put on hold, and may be irrelevant now, and for this I apologize, but in exchange, you will soon be able to pick up 50 chapters of automotive treasure hunting. </div>
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Coming soon: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1583883053/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1583883053&linkCode=as2&tag=cobraranch-20" id="static_txt_preview" target="_blank">Incredible Barn Finds: The Highly Entertaining Stories Behind 50 Treasured Cars (Valued today at over 50 million dollars!)</a> </div>
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Barn Find: no two words are more exciting to a car collector. All over the world, car collectors compete for that ultimate find—a rare model car forgotten in a barn and covered with dirt and boxes that can be bought for a song. If it's the right car, it can make you a fortune. This book is about just some of those barn finds—the $2 million Corvette prototype given away to the first person who asked; the mysterious Oldsmobile “dream car” found dismantled in boxes; the one-off mid-engine Cobra, and most prized of all, the “dream cars” of the 1950’s - documented concept cars that once graced the revolving platform of the world’s auto shows. <i>Barn Finds</i> also reveals the cars that are still out there, unaccounted for, and waiting to be found – maybe in a barn very near you!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846718958255560145.post-42195622066120868442012-11-30T09:38:00.000-08:002012-11-30T10:02:48.484-08:00Debut for Jaguar X-Type at 2012 L.A. Auto Show<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHlJ_v8xS9CLZ6FBVt4rc7xF7v586MSz5O6gONlc9ap1ACiUYXWllpBY9RC76R095EIl5YfOwbbS6ZCPKzvdGZFD_ePWKmgUf3dIHaQTsxBZdFJMNYo1H2C0cyYV0mBHHmN7LsheMXqE/s1600/CAM_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHlJ_v8xS9CLZ6FBVt4rc7xF7v586MSz5O6gONlc9ap1ACiUYXWllpBY9RC76R095EIl5YfOwbbS6ZCPKzvdGZFD_ePWKmgUf3dIHaQTsxBZdFJMNYo1H2C0cyYV0mBHHmN7LsheMXqE/s400/CAM_0003.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Article and Photographs by Eric Musarra</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Coming in Summer 2013 is the Jaguar F-Type starting at $69,000 USD. The F-Type introduces a new sports car design language for Jaguar, with bold, clean lines accented by the discreet use of technology; including a deployable rear spoiler and hidden door handles. Although similarities between the F-Type and the legendary E-Type can be seen, notably in the grill, the F-Type stands firmly on it's own. Nearly polar opposites, the E-Type is graced with many soft curves and glass covered headlights often found on performance cars of the era; while the F-Type ripples in masculinity and aggression. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> The F-Type starts at $69,000 for a 3 liter supercharged V6 at 340 HP, while the F-Type S moves buyers up to 380 HP at $81,000; and finally for those that demand the best: the F-Type V8 S weighs in at 495HP thanks to a 5 liter supercharged V8. The F-Type V8 S can be had for a supercharged $92,000 USD.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVloCdkpluX6CYmd77bZpprObPvo3fZfd9Camm4MSwZ0pQenw-8YWib8qzzRChDNGjjsICrnXU8jXlpFit8uTBvG4c46DQdSvrcZ1MRpmCsmzCWQRDmD0nYVWnAmdZY60mB8mZI9RYVv0/s1600/CAM_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVloCdkpluX6CYmd77bZpprObPvo3fZfd9Camm4MSwZ0pQenw-8YWib8qzzRChDNGjjsICrnXU8jXlpFit8uTBvG4c46DQdSvrcZ1MRpmCsmzCWQRDmD0nYVWnAmdZY60mB8mZI9RYVv0/s320/CAM_0006.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Jaguar wowed Americans with the F-Type's physical beauty for the first time in person at the L. A. Auto Show. Aside from it's intriguing lines, and glitzy paint, the F-Type offers impressive performance both on and off the track. Show off on your Sunday drive as the F-Type deploys the convertible top within 12 seconds at speeds up to 30 miles per hour. No longer must you wait at a lengthy red light to grab some attention. If you're looking to impress with sheer speed rather than eye catching glitz and gizmos, the F-Type accelerates 0-to-60 in 5.1 seconds, 4.8 for the S model and 4.2 for the V8 S. The V8 S has a top track speed of 186 mph. Maintain stability at these speeds thanks to the fact that Jaguar constructed the F-Type on the fourth generation of lightweight aluminum architecture. Torsional and lateral stiffness have been prioritized to maximize handling agility. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1qVQjCjgHZFZGvUgBFbe8GUALi0g6SsIXDYwDzlqQxUR1kfZKgipQBE5R8nt311vwqpWIi9lFbVLVFkHWoiNxVRxsW9k9DqrmuA5_Dcn2ajdWz9-CvWxehMCjpsfDsXzAbp_jSMMJkw/s1600/2014+Jaguar+F-TYPE_31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1qVQjCjgHZFZGvUgBFbe8GUALi0g6SsIXDYwDzlqQxUR1kfZKgipQBE5R8nt311vwqpWIi9lFbVLVFkHWoiNxVRxsW9k9DqrmuA5_Dcn2ajdWz9-CvWxehMCjpsfDsXzAbp_jSMMJkw/s400/2014+Jaguar+F-TYPE_31.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Jaguar offers a driver-focused interior that melds a classic sports car feel with high-tech controls. Inside you will find some of the most supportive race enthusiast sports seats outside of a racecar wrapped in an expected abundance of leather. Sadly, leather's old friend wood, is nowhere to be seen. Hopefully they can be reunited given a trim option at the dealership later next year. In regards to function over form, Jaguar has included the Configurable Dynamics program that allows the driver to tailor a number of the dynamic features to personal taste, and includes displays for lap timer and G-meter functions. In an effort to aid drivers with tightening lap times, all engines drive through an eight-speed ‘Quickshift’ automatic transmission, with a center console-mounted SportShift gear selector, and steering wheel-mounted paddles for full manual control. While the cockpit is fitted with gadgets galore, the passenger seat's most noted feature is the rather enormous grab-handle. Large enough to satisfy even the most weary of grandmothers, it will more than likely serve its purpose when Nana asks you to take her for a ride in the new car. Hopefully she appreciates the ascent to 186 MPH, and allows you to clock in a second lap with that new timer of yours. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> For enthusiasts looking for classic appeal, the F-Type poses several concerns. One problem is that Jaguar has laced a clean design with what may amount to commonplace clichés. Despite being eye catching today, the LED trim lining the headlamps will find competition as more manufacturers release new models with same pattern. Similar lighting can already be found on the yet to be released NSX, BMW's i8 concept, and Honda's concept EV-ster. When auto accessory stores are selling LED trim kits to retrofit older models, eventually we'll see 40-year old 240Z Datsuns lining their headlights in LEDs. Perhaps automakers who jumped on this design trend will later regret it.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiI2Y-i1-6f-eEslkr_wsmroZGP4VrfhpB4pYDCTODsdPaTTIhZVg_34NGWE-a03g2UA9Me4-OURwQ2y-EA8Q8E03MzplqKFlqEJSDpFW06Pf5OOyq_e5zvxi3W7M5vO5jRUjJOnWgY0A/s1600/CAM_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiI2Y-i1-6f-eEslkr_wsmroZGP4VrfhpB4pYDCTODsdPaTTIhZVg_34NGWE-a03g2UA9Me4-OURwQ2y-EA8Q8E03MzplqKFlqEJSDpFW06Pf5OOyq_e5zvxi3W7M5vO5jRUjJOnWgY0A/s320/CAM_0002.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Another sore spot for purists are the big air intakes; almost large enough to propel a small aircraft. Such intakes can be found throughout the industry, even on Buicks. Adding nonfunctional vanity vents that do nothing for the brakes is painful. We can only hope that these vents are in fact purposeful and that Jaguar did not cheapen this model like a teenage abused Honda Civic. More vents can be found on the hood. Although unable to tell if they are functional, it would have been comforting to see them in chrome, or at least polished metal or carbon fiber to tie in to the trim of the wheels.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhPe7ql-yH9u-TkW-ONQh6B-lFc0EhlRF8xW5tQbAfvGlieAcPkZEDyNhyfQgP7C-E18mGmPu3bRlb4pfbr4Mgv0P-5fKfVvaiDFfdpjTvmKqfUoM3tWJ31NTOaAtzbgF4ZV-zgdeUNY/s1600/2014+Jaguar+F-TYPE_21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhPe7ql-yH9u-TkW-ONQh6B-lFc0EhlRF8xW5tQbAfvGlieAcPkZEDyNhyfQgP7C-E18mGmPu3bRlb4pfbr4Mgv0P-5fKfVvaiDFfdpjTvmKqfUoM3tWJ31NTOaAtzbgF4ZV-zgdeUNY/s1600/2014+Jaguar+F-TYPE_21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhPe7ql-yH9u-TkW-ONQh6B-lFc0EhlRF8xW5tQbAfvGlieAcPkZEDyNhyfQgP7C-E18mGmPu3bRlb4pfbr4Mgv0P-5fKfVvaiDFfdpjTvmKqfUoM3tWJ31NTOaAtzbgF4ZV-zgdeUNY/s320/2014+Jaguar+F-TYPE_21.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> From the side, this Jaguar looks like a jungle cat ready to pounce, rather than a cigar floating down the street. Despite this, the swollen stance of the rear fenders is made companion to the cliché ledge along the lower panel of the doors. A styling effect that may not bother buyers at the dealership, but may later cross their minds as they run along side similarly styled Mustangs on the highway. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> A clever touch are the centered dual exhausts on the V6 version; however, they are not available on the V8 edition. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Another concern for purists may be the tail lamps. Although they run horizontal as in the original XKE, being nearly four times larger makes the car resemble the late BMW Z8 sports car; ironically a car borne solely out of a BMW executive’s irrational love for his V12 Jag E-type roadster. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwmDCY3nmDgHx4GsFL8FiwbQjz69b4R_pilYWYIB4nJg7MRZ1HkdCxESJsMxbYpF8HaYRDAUn5UhrbP8kZK_geXJAtSlH5W2TjcWSJUt7AMwBbOC9Q-Ru-IrYqig5hMRvHgHzbk-Iing/s1600/2014+Jaguar+F-TYPE_24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwmDCY3nmDgHx4GsFL8FiwbQjz69b4R_pilYWYIB4nJg7MRZ1HkdCxESJsMxbYpF8HaYRDAUn5UhrbP8kZK_geXJAtSlH5W2TjcWSJUt7AMwBbOC9Q-Ru-IrYqig5hMRvHgHzbk-Iing/s200/2014+Jaguar+F-TYPE_24.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdF3MF2fY_QPdEilpgw3N1N7FQHSZfi8H4t8bUKqP3HC6hRen9G63bmBtvFi9AbjXkOxr34PljgzeUXf6VfQBUbRhe9crHXmdKHRjVs3Nhm-dEpWXRw9GQcpSdF1otxVucxCmJEJ6BM48/s1600/2014+Jaguar+F-TYPE_25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdF3MF2fY_QPdEilpgw3N1N7FQHSZfi8H4t8bUKqP3HC6hRen9G63bmBtvFi9AbjXkOxr34PljgzeUXf6VfQBUbRhe9crHXmdKHRjVs3Nhm-dEpWXRw9GQcpSdF1otxVucxCmJEJ6BM48/s200/2014+Jaguar+F-TYPE_25.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">V6 Exhaust</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhPe7ql-yH9u-TkW-ONQh6B-lFc0EhlRF8xW5tQbAfvGlieAcPkZEDyNhyfQgP7C-E18mGmPu3bRlb4pfbr4Mgv0P-5fKfVvaiDFfdpjTvmKqfUoM3tWJ31NTOaAtzbgF4ZV-zgdeUNY/s1600/2014+Jaguar+F-TYPE_21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">With it's U.S. starting price, the F-Type could siphon off sales of its own larger stable mate, the XKR. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jaguar could potentially offer a manual shift version allowing it to compete with other sports cars still offering manual shift; however, without first driving the machine to get a feel for the Automatic QuickShift technology, one has to wait before critiquing the automatic. One must see this car in person to appreciate it. Press releases and computer assisted photography do not do it justice; nor do they capture the way light reflects off the lines of the car, or the near luminescent paint job. The F-Type could easily compete with the Porche Boxster for the hard earned dollars of potential buyers next summer; ultimately vying for prowess on the streets of Rodeo Drive, rather than on racetracks. At one third the cost of a similarly proportioned Ferrari California spyder, buyers could have their F-Type and still retain enough pocket change to spend the night on the town.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpTUANX_ccPx4xnt-b0Y_Ffk_-cvAuyDpUk3E2TpWdrg5yfeMzpxAnw1P2BzByr_ybsguAyoBZkWELXPkiD2eNrDXN-90bxz92uiJ3fOvDaFFm3Hqe5-l5YjIpHWdT79xrqrnBUJajQ4I/s1600/CAM_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpTUANX_ccPx4xnt-b0Y_Ffk_-cvAuyDpUk3E2TpWdrg5yfeMzpxAnw1P2BzByr_ybsguAyoBZkWELXPkiD2eNrDXN-90bxz92uiJ3fOvDaFFm3Hqe5-l5YjIpHWdT79xrqrnBUJajQ4I/s320/CAM_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Smaller than the current XKR convertible, the F-Type is not your gentleman’s sports car. Rather than cigar shaped elegance spanning the length of the vehicle, the F-Type offers Jaguar luxury wrapped in a body that appears to be the hell spawn of a deep sea filter feeder and a jet fighter. Despite breaking away from what may have landed the E-Type as one of the top 100 most beautiful cars of all time, this car is sure to please anyone looking for a car with class and double agent style, without having to have an MI:6 budget. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">THE AUTHOR: Eric Musarra is a California-based consultant relatively new to the automotive writing world. Articles and Photographs can be seen at <a href="http://cobra-ranch.com/">Cobra-Ranch.com</a> </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846718958255560145.post-82560772672621071362012-11-29T12:33:00.000-08:002012-11-29T12:33:24.072-08:00Mecum Auctions Presents 1968 Shelby GT500<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#eeeeee" style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" valign="top"> 1968 Shelby GT500 - 428 CI, 4-Speed </td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846718958255560145.post-64395092308342374242012-11-28T22:54:00.001-08:002012-11-28T23:01:43.281-08:00Hyundai Unveils Veloster C3 Roll Top Concept at Los Angeles Auto Show<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Edited By Eric Musarra</div>
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<strong>LOS ANGELES,Nov. 28,</strong><b>
2012</b>– Smart design meets urban style as Hyundai unveiled its Veloster C3 Roll
Top concept during a press conference at the Los Angeles Auto Show today. Expanding
on the qualities that have made the Veloster a sales success, the C3(which stands
for Convertible 3-door) combines open-air freedom with the style of a coupe and
the functionality of a tailgate. The Veloster’s efficient coupe design with
hidden passenger-side third door introduces an innovative dual-function roll top
and tailgate, adding unique utility to a convertible.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_gJq-kXQePk/ULbvWHEAkKI/AAAAAAAAAYo/WwJGaaAUPHI/s1600/Veloster_C3_Concept+01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_gJq-kXQePk/ULbvWHEAkKI/AAAAAAAAAYo/WwJGaaAUPHI/s400/Veloster_C3_Concept+01.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">HIGHLIGHTS OF VELOSTER C3 ROLL TOP CONCEPT</b></div>
<ul>
<li>· Based on the Veloster’s three-door coupe design</li>
<li>· Dual-function convertible roof that rolls backwards and forwards</li>
<li>· Tailgate replaces hatchback for added utility</li>
<li>· Custom fixed-gear bicycle-inspired design </li>
<li>· Repurposed skateboards line cargo floor </li>
<li>· Repurposed industrial truck tarps create convertible soft top</li>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-veqTgNfrqik/ULbvkfXFSUI/AAAAAAAAAbA/q2ol8vv6014/s1600/Veloster_C3_Concept+25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-veqTgNfrqik/ULbvkfXFSUI/AAAAAAAAAbA/q2ol8vv6014/s400/Veloster_C3_Concept+25.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong><o:p> </o:p></strong></div>
“We were inspired
by the proverb ‘A rolling stone gathers no moss,” said Chris Chapman, chief
designer, Hyundai Design North America. “The Veloster C3 Roll Top concept offers
the ‘no strings attached’ freedom of a roll top convertible and customizable
utility that fits an everyday, to a play day dual lifestyle.” <br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">DUAL PERSONALITIES= ENHANCED UTILITY</b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fHEe36Jlfok/ULbve8ObF4I/AAAAAAAAAaA/6UKIbY86ozg/s1600/Veloster_C3_Concept+07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fHEe36Jlfok/ULbve8ObF4I/AAAAAAAAAaA/6UKIbY86ozg/s320/Veloster_C3_Concept+07.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N860wH_l9mg/ULbveb5zGCI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/8l_cSv-JtGs/s1600/Veloster_C3_Concept+06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N860wH_l9mg/ULbveb5zGCI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/8l_cSv-JtGs/s320/Veloster_C3_Concept+06.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Designed by
Hyundai Design North America, the Veloster C3Roll Top concept offers a
distinctive canvas roof that opens to the rear or windshield of the vehicle. The
cleverly designed dual-function power-retractable roof combined with the
tailgate gives the C3a dual personality. In convertible mode with the top
rolled back, the C3 is a free spirit for driving along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Roll the top forward, open the tailgate, fold the rear seats and the C3 goes
into recreation mode - perfect for surfing, biking or kayaking.<br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZkFa-jx-Ts/ULbvgKlRvBI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/GhYwwbn0l1k/s1600/Veloster_C3_Concept+09.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZkFa-jx-Ts/ULbvgKlRvBI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/GhYwwbn0l1k/s320/Veloster_C3_Concept+09.JPG" width="320" /></a> From Zuma to Sunset, stash boards in the back and go from surfing at the beach with friends to cruising the streets of downtown Los Angeles with the top down in seconds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The simple top is the perfect answer to the dual lifestyle and is completely customizable.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vdM6XtV9xtY/ULbvaoRBAgI/AAAAAAAAAZU/g7DP9zCYOWo/s1600/Veloster_C3_Concept+15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vdM6XtV9xtY/ULbvaoRBAgI/AAAAAAAAAZU/g7DP9zCYOWo/s400/Veloster_C3_Concept+15.JPG" width="400" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">FIXIE BIKE INSPIRATION<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></b>Fixed gear bikes,
or “fixies,” moved from trendy accessories for hipsters and into the bicycling
mainstream. In most urban areas one can’t turn a corner without running into a
group of riders zipping along the road or practicing tricks in a park. These
colorful bikes are minimalistic with only a single speed and no brakes. They
are also completely customizable to fit any ones style.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From hand built wheels to color coordinated
saddles and handlebars, half the bike is built by the customer and the other
half by the manufacturer. </div>
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The C3 offers the
same experience with a simple, yet highly efficient and stylish design. All of
the exterior modifications are low cost. Change the mirror caps and color of
the rear wheels against the neutral white body and the C3 can take on an all
new look. A driver can change the look quickly and easily. The relationship
between car and driver completely changes when the modifications are done by the
individual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></b>The color palette
chosen for the Veloster C3 Roll Top concept was influenced by the emerging
fixed gear bicycle culture. The design team felt the C3 needed an urban color
combination. During the process color combinations on a dozen fixie bikes were
looked at before deciding on the red, white, black and teal scheme. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nrUXsc-5zK8/ULbvYxXrh1I/AAAAAAAAAY4/pvD1OKVAl3k/s1600/Veloster_C3_Concept+03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nrUXsc-5zK8/ULbvYxXrh1I/AAAAAAAAAY4/pvD1OKVAl3k/s400/Veloster_C3_Concept+03.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></b>The high gloss white
paint of the C3 is contrasted by a flat black spoiler, glass close out and convertible
top rails. The rear reflector bezels, license plate pocket and badge are also
flat black. Upfront flat red mirror housings offset the flat black front
wheels, fog lamp bezels, front grille and badging. Flat teal rear wheels, red
reflectors and smoked taillights complete the look. </div>
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The Veloster C3 Roll Top concept base design also features the following:</div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>· Large free flowing circular exhaust pipes</li>
<li>· Robust intake manifold sound</li>
<li>· Big, bold hexagonal front grille</li>
<li>· Sculpted side skirts</li>
<li>· Diffuser vents in the lower rear fascia</li>
<li>· 18-inch wheels with chrome inserts </li>
<li>· Eight individual headlight LED accents</li>
</ul>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SUSTAINABLE DESIGN</b></div>
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Continuing with
the urban theme, repurposed materials are used throughout the Veloster C3 Roll Top
concept for added character and one-of-a-kind design. The convertible red soft
top is inspired by billboard advertising found on rolling soft side trailers.
An industrial billboard truck tarp with a black “The C3 Roll Top” statement
logo was created, then repurposed and stitched together to create a unique
graphic roll top. Red was chosen as a statement color to highlight the
functionality of the roll top as well as match the black and red mirror
housings, taillights and red rear reflectors.</div>
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Inside the C3,
broken and old skate board decks are repurposed and artistically line the cargo
floor creating a unique mosaic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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“We visit several
shows and events like the <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">International
Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) in New York City</span> every year to find
new, exciting and interesting materials<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">,”
said Liz Curran, Hyundai color and trim expert from Hyundai Design North
America. “This year we uncovered Art of Board, a company that makes h</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">and cut tiles from 100
percent recycled skate decks. The </span>decks are very durable and repurposed
into art, shelves, benches and chairs. <span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Every scratch, scrape and gouge is kept intact – adding
character and making them truly original and each with its own story. They’re
alive with texture, shape and color.”</span></div>
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C3 features tiles
from more than 20 skate boards on the cargo floor and rear seatbacks.
Skateboard grip tape also lines the inside of the tailgate and accents the soft
top when rolled forward. The black with red interior accents follow the same
color scheme as the retractable roof and are highlighted by red stitching, red bolsters
and a red C3 logo in the front seats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<strong>TWIN-SCROLL TURBOCHARGER AND GDI TECHNOLOGY</strong><div>
<strong> </strong> </div>
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A 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine powers the Veloster C3 concept and produces 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 lb-ft of torque from 1,750 – 4,500 rpm with regular fuel. Hyundai’s 1.6-liter Gamma turbocharged engine features a twin-scroll turbocharger that when combined with the GDI system, results in instantaneous power delivery. </div>
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<b>HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA</b></div>
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Hyundai Motor
America, headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor
Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by
Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 820
dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by
the <a href="http://www.hyundaiassurance.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Hyundai
Assurance</span></a> program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable
new vehicle warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and
five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q5AOAXKifqs/ULbvoZjNf1I/AAAAAAAAAbw/YExbQN1U1qA/s1600/Veloster_C3_Concept+27.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q5AOAXKifqs/ULbvoZjNf1I/AAAAAAAAAbw/YExbQN1U1qA/s400/Veloster_C3_Concept+27.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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For
more details, please visit <span style="color: blue;">www.</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> </span><a href="http://www.hyundainews.com/"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><span style="color: blue;">www.hyundainews.com</span></span></a><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> and </span><a href="http://www.hyundailikesunday.com/"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><span style="color: blue;">www.hyundailikesunday.com</span></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Hyundai Motor America also available on </span><a href="http://twitter.com/hyundai"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><span style="color: blue;">Twitter</span></span></a><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> | </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/hyundai"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><span style="color: blue;">YouTube</span></span></a><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> | </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/Hyundai"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><span style="color: blue;">Facebook</span></span></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846718958255560145.post-29502910613328708672012-11-14T14:53:00.001-08:002012-11-14T19:35:28.309-08:00French and Italian Car Show 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pair of DeTomasos</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br />
French and Italian Car Show 2012<br />
Story and Photographs By Eric Musarra<br />
<br />
This event is a favorite of hard core collectors in Southern Califoria; not
dilettantes who are in and out of a marquee briefly; only there in an effort to
make a fast buck. These owners are in it for the long haul, many of whom owning
a car for 30-40 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see many more
cars still in the restoration process and various works in progress, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>than at any other show. One of the four
organizers told us ( as well as intrepid reporter Wallace Wyss) that the show
originally came about after Concours Italiano wouldn’t let some of their fans
enter (maybe this was before barn finds were acceptable at shows).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Created in retaliation, and now thriving with
one show each year in Woodley Park, along with a British car show at another
time of the year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This year featured a strong
showing of Alfas as usual, including two that looked like early ‘50s race cars,
possibly re-bodied with all new bodywork to look like early 50s but drive
trains of ‘50s or later years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In regards
to the Fiats, it was a good sign for Chrysler that there were upwards of ten
new Fiats among 40 or so original era Fiats; some heavily modified, showing
that the new Fiat owners are not afraid to get their hands dirty and their
wallets lighted in order to make their innocuous looking cars a force to be reckoned
with. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>One of our favorites of the “old”
group was a Moretti coupe, owned by Merkel Weiss. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some folks don’t realize how fine Fiat got at making
small cars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lancia Flaminia Spyders
really bowled us over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They seemed
almost as big as Ferrari GTS Spyders, though we are sure they sell for much,
much less. The four headlamps which we once thought of as concessions to
American taste, are quite integrated with the overall shape of the fenders; much
as they are on the four-headlamp Mulliner Park Ward Bentley Continentals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very impressive was a 1927 Lanca, a 1400 GS
Sport Diana, one of the few pre WWII cars present.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Qvale Mangusta</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Over in the DeTomaso section,
there was alas, but one fully customized car where the </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">nose has been integrated with the rest of the body. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The DeTomaso section showcased that the hot
rodders still dominate that brand, while only a few feet away the Iso Grifos
and Rivoltas were looking pretty stock. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
the DeTomaso owners only compared value, should they even care about that sort
of thing, they might realize stock is where the money's at with Iso Grifos
going for $150,000. The most unusual DeTomaso was the Qvale Mangusta, originally
sold as the DeTomaso Mangusta (rebirth of the name to a front engine car) but
this late was called a Qvale because the distributor couldn’t get used to
dealing with the fiery DeTomaso and pulled out.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZ6QZPdjpQlzQkPiRImDHz9urmlklwyDrocKN9t1GNkXH_EDacEG0zhTtVCPVbbm4yOWblDq0bNHjf2oiA6oR0RgyakYne3oH3CNesCVNWTb8yBhPu9_i4FTJ6t6WJjEtoI5LpOhcf5Q/s1600/IMG_2788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZ6QZPdjpQlzQkPiRImDHz9urmlklwyDrocKN9t1GNkXH_EDacEG0zhTtVCPVbbm4yOWblDq0bNHjf2oiA6oR0RgyakYne3oH3CNesCVNWTb8yBhPu9_i4FTJ6t6WJjEtoI5LpOhcf5Q/s400/IMG_2788.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lancia roadster</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The French section was very strong
with many Citroens, including prewar, postwar, and the most stunning in
bodywork, was the El Camino styled SM of a business called SM world who specialize in the Maserati powered Citroens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Gary Wales, a famous car restorer in the Bentley field had a large behemoth
in canary yellow that appeared to be mostly Seagrave fire truck , something like 900 cubic inches. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wales restored the Franey Bentley drophead
some years ago, and also has a His-and-Hers pair of matched prewar Rolls
Phantoms. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is remembered by So Cal enthusiasts
for fighting the battle to work on their own cars in their own garage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For that we all thank him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were also two or three cars for sale on
the grounds, something not usually allowed at more stiffly run car shows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of them a Fifties Lancia that looked, to
us anyway, like a Chevy Nova from the side. The new buyer said it was a 1960 Fulvia. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The car appeared more or less complete except
for the engine. The seller was willing to throw in an engine for another Lancia
and we were urging the buyer to take it for trading material. The car was rough, rough, rough, but
you've got to figure they’re even rougher, and rustier back East and here’s one
in L.A., already on the trailer!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A very
nice 1950 or ’51 Lancia roadster, a 1400GS Sport Diana, was being shown in two
tone black and yellow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wonder if that
was a stock two tone offering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the
Fifties, two tone was the thing to have in America. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1400GS Sport Diana</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There was a fair amount of Dual Ghias,
which always remind us of the Rat Pack: Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford and the
Chairman of the Board, FS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We still like
Bob Frumkins ’51 Chrysler Special with its Ghia body and admire Bob, a schoolteacher, for finding and saving such a
rare car. We have never found out how many they made, as this was before the
Dual Ghia, but we've been told fifty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
were actually more Facel Vegas, most of them V8 powered, but alas, no Facel II;
the most stylish of the marque. There were at least three Facilias, including
one primered rather rough one on the trailer ready to go to a new hobbyist that has The Dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Renault Turbo 5</span></td></tr>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> One of great things about this show is the
number of Not-Supposed-to-Be-Here cars; cars that were never imported by the makers, but
somehow by hook or by crook, here they are, licensed in California showing us
styles that are memorable and should have been here all along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cars like the Renault Turbo 5. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One owner had his pearlescent white one for 18
years since he bought it in Germany, and we must say we were envious of his 18
years of having a distinctive car that can still show a clean pair of heels to
a Ferrari 308 on the twisty bits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
Ferraris, one of the oldest we saw was a 275GTB painted in silver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
was also a 365GT 2 plus Queen Mother, a 250GT California spyder series II, and
a passel of 308s, 355’s, 360s and the like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There were also people selling rusty bits of chrome , gauges, road lamps,
glass lenses and old magazines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
shudder to think how we would explain such a purchase to a wife, but
fortunately neither of us has a car molding away in the barn.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWs3tTlri8-KdEsgk3rxpzKeEg4X8pfDAIFEcTNu5RVrSleYbOOilc1S2yEOm-O7lV84YysELJwFgO_rSbg8Q0QTc47SFPGs3VS0_4OGcKWtBOsF8I0BFf8sQy8PY7nhq53lgOmAPXvKM/s1600/IMG_2823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWs3tTlri8-KdEsgk3rxpzKeEg4X8pfDAIFEcTNu5RVrSleYbOOilc1S2yEOm-O7lV84YysELJwFgO_rSbg8Q0QTc47SFPGs3VS0_4OGcKWtBOsF8I0BFf8sQy8PY7nhq53lgOmAPXvKM/s400/IMG_2823.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barn Find ready to begin a second life</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>All in all, this is a usual
show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially laid back, very San
Fernando Valley. There’s food but not much Italian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s music , but nothing so grandiose as
say, Concorso Italiano.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s more of a
cars n' coffee at the park, but much appreciated for those who either have been
harboring their half finished car in a garage for decades, or who yearn to do
so…</span></div>
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</div>
</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846718958255560145.post-76880722165263981992012-10-24T09:55:00.001-07:002012-11-16T14:58:15.328-08:00Fine art print red 427 Cobra at Laguna on canvas 16" x 20" <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<blockquote class="postcontent restore ">
Up for grabs is a 16x20 embellished giclee on canvas depicting a red 427 Cobra in the pits at the 2012 Monterey Rolex event from a front 3/4 view by artist Wallace A. Wyss.</blockquote>
<div class="content">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAle5UVo0bI9D4tytFGXDVuiCJSX94cRQGHsh-KpY_kzmeBKEdKC8tI1h2tpzWhcpDJd5Cuyr-cNc-BhnSSXRCIJulyvMf-PkVpGukz227HfL6McFzq5X8Xa3kOAJHuSi248vVuaabeE/s1600/IMG_2168%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAle5UVo0bI9D4tytFGXDVuiCJSX94cRQGHsh-KpY_kzmeBKEdKC8tI1h2tpzWhcpDJd5Cuyr-cNc-BhnSSXRCIJulyvMf-PkVpGukz227HfL6McFzq5X8Xa3kOAJHuSi248vVuaabeE/s400/IMG_2168%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="content">
</div>
<h2 class="content" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">Sold</span></h2>
<blockquote class="postcontent restore ">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Super-realism style.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Measures 16" x 20" gallery wrapped around the edges of a wood frame.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This one is "embellished" which means that a print was first made on canvas and then the artist repainted it all over again. Embellishing is old tradition that goes back to the origins of printmaking. This piece is truly captivating in all three dimensions with distinct textures and bristles adding a unique and personal touch.</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="postcontent restore ">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
$350 USD plus Shipping. Please contact <a href="mailto:sales@cobra-ranch.com">sales@cobra-ranch.com</a> for all inquiries. </div>
</blockquote>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846718958255560145.post-37967268947353918782012-09-10T11:29:00.005-07:002012-09-10T11:31:41.793-07:00Carroll Shelby: The Authorized Biography – Book Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
by Wallace Wyss</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0760340560/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0760340560&linkCode=as2&tag=cobraranch-20" target="_blank"><img id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/519a5jWpNKL._SS500_.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It
was a long time coming; a near <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0760340560/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0760340560&linkCode=as2&tag=cobraranch-20" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">complete authorized biography</span></a> of a giant in American sports
car circles, Carroll Hall Shelby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
author is a surprising choice, British author <a href="http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-author=Rinsey%20Mills&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&search-alias=books&sort=relevancerank&tag=cobraranch-20" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Rinsey Mills</span></a>, surprising only because in a couple of his
earlier books on Shelby he seemed of the opinion that the British side of the
AC Cobra story wasn’t being given due credit, a common failing among British
automotive historians who sometimes say A.C. did most of it until that cowpoke
came along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this book he gives Shelby
full credit for the idea of the Cobra.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
book is a step-by-step walk through Shelby’s life starting out as a farm boy in
a small town near Dallas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-author=Rinsey%20Mills&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&search-alias=books&sort=relevancerank&tag=cobraranch-20" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Mills</span></a> had full access to not only Shelby, but Shelby’s
lifelong friends, former employees, race drivers, business partners and even
ex-wives.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He
is brutally frank in some areas, such as during the Series 1 Olds debacle,
trying to fathom why Shelby persisted in making the car even though he was
physically not up to it at the time and there were early signs that GM support
could evaporate at any moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The book
is best in the Le Mans racing segments, where he tells the simultaneous story
of the Cobras and the GT40s racing. This reviewer has wrestled with the same
thing–basically covering two very different kinds of cars–and concluded it’s
easier to understand if you have separate chapters on the Cobras and GT40s. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-author=Rinsey%20Mills&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&search-alias=books&sort=relevancerank&tag=cobraranch-20" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Mills</span></a> took the more common approach, since they were both
in the same races at the same time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
doesn’t tell much about the personalities of the competition, for example the
enigmatic Jim Hall, the young man that Shelby taught to race, and how <a href="http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=Jim%20Hall%20chaparral&linkCode=ur2&tag=cobraranch-20&url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks"><span style="color: blue;">Hall
came back to haunt the Ford GT40 effort with his technically more advanced
Chaparrals</span></a> but he does paint a good portrait of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=Jim%20Hall&linkCode=ur2&tag=cockt-20&url=search-alias%3Daps#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=aps"><span style="color: blue;">Enzo
Ferrari</span></a> as a worthy adversary.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
length of the book shows that <a href="http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-author=Rinsey%20Mills&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&search-alias=books&sort=relevancerank&tag=cobraranch-20" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Mills</span></a> was trying to show that he could research more in
depth on his subject than any author has done heretofore and that makes for
fascinating reading at times but only occasionally drags, for example in
over-coverage on Africa. He does establish Shelby had a game ranch there but
goes on for several pages of mini-histories of various African countries and
their rulers and that gets pretty far afield from Shelby, Cobras, and Mustangs
and fans of those cars are the primary customers for doing a Shelby book.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Surprising
to this author was his close-up view of Shelby’s wooing of a TV actress while
he was still married, surprising because this is “authorized” by Carroll
Shelby. Hard to take because his wife Jeanne emerges as a noble woman who was
forced to confront that situation (they got divorced, he married the TV star
and shortly after divorced her). I am glad it’s in there because it presents a
more complete picture of a man who, by most accounts, has lived the lives of
six men, not just one.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
role of various people in Shelby’s life becomes more in focus with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-author=Rinsey%20Mills&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&search-alias=books&sort=relevancerank&tag=cobraranch-20" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Mills’</span></a> book, such as the role of Jacque Passino, a Ford
racing czar. I had thought Passino came in only later in the GT40 period but <a href="http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-author=Rinsey%20Mills&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&search-alias=books&sort=relevancerank&tag=cobraranch-20" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Mills</span></a> says Passino was one of those paving the way for Ford
to fund the Cobra. Phil Remington is described numerous times as a key
character. Remington was the mechanic who many times came up with last minute
fixes on the Cobras and GT40s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
threat that Holman Moody would take away a bit of Shelby’s empire in the racing
days is well presented here though <a href="http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-author=Rinsey%20Mills&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&search-alias=books&sort=relevancerank&tag=cobraranch-20" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Mills</span></a> never describes the people behind the name, Holman
Moody.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-author=Rinsey%20Mills&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&search-alias=books&sort=relevancerank&tag=cobraranch-20" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Mills</span></a> does a good job describing Shelby’s engaging
personality, how a rural farm boy from Texas could go to Italy and learn
Italian and drive race cars in several countries because he could get people to
believe in him, to support his dream.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
book weighs two pounds and is a whopping 552 pages. And yet has only about 32
pages of pictures, not even 10% of the total number of pages. Now the pictures
are interesting, some not seen before from his youth, but I wonder if they will
meet the expectations of Cobra fans who want to see every model: the wide hip,
the narrow hip, the USRRC, the FIA and on and on. It won’t; and I expect you
will have to buy another book to satisfy those needs. And though as an artist,
I like Bill Neale’s paintings of Cobras, I wonder why he included several Neale
paintings when pictures of the same cars are still available. True, the Neale
paintings strike a mood, but many buyers of car books like pictures that help
them make their model cars or replica cars more realistic and a painting can’t
give you much guidance there.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZp885gESggZdxQ5MXrO0S_NJ7Qcua9OPZQJjvC2uXEMWWZCHzE3u3r4mWm5NIm32cUgRy9643mvQAQJPD2s5fgTXUP32nSgtD5tllwgYVvgoFOdcjl2KTrnG358lHNin_KzP5SdJg5c/s1600/Tony+Parravano%2527s+Scaglietti-bodied+Ferrari+121LM+with+Hans+Tanner+at+the+Modena+autodrome+in+Italy.-620x454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZp885gESggZdxQ5MXrO0S_NJ7Qcua9OPZQJjvC2uXEMWWZCHzE3u3r4mWm5NIm32cUgRy9643mvQAQJPD2s5fgTXUP32nSgtD5tllwgYVvgoFOdcjl2KTrnG358lHNin_KzP5SdJg5c/s400/Tony+Parravano%2527s+Scaglietti-bodied+Ferrari+121LM+with+Hans+Tanner+at+the+Modena+autodrome+in+Italy.-620x454.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center" style="text-align: justify;">
Tony Parravano's Scaglietti-bodied Ferrari 121LM with Hans Tanner </div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: justify;">
at the Modena autodrome in Italy.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I thought, since the book is being published in
2012, that it would carry right through to the latest Shelby models, but it
becomes vague soon after it discusses Shelby coming back to work with Ford, as
if the author didn’t want to get buried in the multiplicity of models that has
come out of the Shelby works and Ford since 2007. That’s okay when you remember
that this book is a titled as a biography, so don’t expect a list of models
with a discussion of the features and options. Maybe in the long view of
history they are almost too new to be considered part of history.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
sum, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0760340560/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0760340560&linkCode=as2&tag=cobraranch-20" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Carroll Shelby: The Authorized Biography</span></a> by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-author=Rinsey%20Mills&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&search-alias=books&sort=relevancerank&tag=cobraranch-20"><span style="color: blue;">Rinsey</span></a>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-author=Rinsey%20Mills&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&search-alias=books&sort=relevancerank&tag=cobraranch-20" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Mills</span></a> has set a tough standard for any future books on
Shelby the man because he covers so many areas so thoroughly there’s almost
nothing else anyone could add, no new area to shine light on. As far as
technical areas, there will be minor quibbles, easily straightened out if he
submits the work to various experts in each marquee. For instance, at one point
he says Shelby was the one who got the flaws in the Pantera corrected, while it
was actually Bill Stroppe in the West and Holman Moody in the East. A larger
question is (and the sales figures will show what direction any future books
should go) do Shelby fans want weighty tomes that are almost all words like
this book, or do they prefer glossy picture books like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=Colin%20Comer%20shelby&linkCode=ur2&tag=cockt-20&url=search-alias%3Daps"><span style="color: blue;">Colin
Comer’s Shelby and Cobra tomes</span></a>? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
think they want both. I think <a href="http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-author=Rinsey%20Mills&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&search-alias=books&sort=relevancerank&tag=cobraranch-20" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Mills</span></a> will sell as many of these as Comer does his books.
You need both kinds of books for your Shelby library if you want your library
to be more complete. In racing scholarship, it doesn’t go near as far as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0962509302/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0962509302&linkCode=as2&tag=cobraranch-20"><span style="color: blue;">The
Cobra-Ferrari Wars by Mike Shoen</span></a> but then Shoen doesn’t discuss Shelby’s
life prior to the Cobra or go that much into after the Cobra. We’re glad to see
that <a href="http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-author=Rinsey%20Mills&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&search-alias=books&sort=relevancerank&tag=cobraranch-20" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Mills’</span></a> biography got published while Shelby was still there
to add to it and to steer the author to sources who could come up with a lot of
information that’s new. The best part is the price. With a suggested retail
price of $35.00 (and lower online), the price represents a real bargain for a
book that will take you a whole weekend to read. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
–</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0760340560/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0760340560&linkCode=as2&tag=cobraranch-20" target="_blank">Carroll Shelby: The Authorized Biography</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Author: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-author=Rinsey%20Mills&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&search-alias=books&sort=relevancerank&tag=cobraranch-20" target="_blank">Rinsey Mills</a><br />
Publisher: Motorbooks; First edition (April 2012)<br />
Format: Hardcover, 9.5″ x 6.375″, 552 pages<br />
Photos: 25 color and 40 b/w<br />
ISBN-10: 0760340560 ; ISBN-13: 978-0760340561<br />
Price: starting at $22</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846718958255560145.post-34878568292820861652012-09-07T05:23:00.001-07:002012-09-07T05:33:01.255-07:00Dukes up, MSN! We Take Your Writer To Task On His List of the 10 Most Significant Cobras<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
By Wallace Wyss<br />
<br />
<br />
James Tate, a writer for MSN Autos, started a firestorm in late August, 2012 when he authored an article on his employer's website declaring his opinion on the <a href="http://editorial.autos.msn.com/the-10-most-significant-shelby-cobras-ever-built#1" target="_blank">Ten Most Significant Cobras Ever Built</a>.<br />
<br />
We quote his entire list, exactly as we found it:<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Monterey Motorsports Reunion" height="240" src="http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/Media/580x348/91/9193ea567f4f4427a2aa0a7202115511.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="© Rod Hatfield" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>CSX 2345 FIA Cobra Roadster</strong><br />
Starting off the list, this roadster, serial number CSX 2345, earned five Federation Internationale de L'Automobile wins as part of the first American team to take home the prestigious FIA World Manufacturers Championship. It was driven by Phil Hill, Bob Bondurant, Roy Salvadori, and Sir John Whitmore, among others. It was one of the five Roadsters built for FIA competition with a 289 cubic-inch engine, only two of which remain around today.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Monterey Motorsports Reunion" height="240" src="http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/Media/580x348/bf/bf283cb4e9dc4680b63bfa213f8ebe96.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="© Rod Hatfield" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>CSX 2431 USRRC Cobra Roadster</strong><br />
Sporting the now iconic color combination of white stripes on blue, this is probably the most recognizable Cobra in history. CSX2431 is the 1964 289 Cobra Roadster that Ken Miles raced exclusively — barring one event — in the USRRC series. It is cited as the chassis that helped Shelby America develop most of the components it would later use to win a variety of domestic and international championships, like sway bars, springs, and the Weber manifold setup.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Monterey Motorsports Reunion" height="240" src="http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/Media/580x348/a2/a29d4be103884f57af82fae4678af6ae.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="© Rick Wait" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>CSX 2128 Sebring Cobra Roadster</strong><br />
Driven by Dan Gurney and Ken Miles, this badass snake appeared on the cover of the album "Hey Little Cobra" in 1964, which was recorded by legendary surf-sound pioneers, The Rip Chords. Two were built for the 1963 12 Hours of Sebring, and they were among the first Cobras to carry rack-and-pinion steering along with the now famous 289 cubic-inch motor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Monterey Motorsports Reunion" height="240" src="http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/Media/580x348/ad/adaf5b99482e44ddb4c7e860219ecd5b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="© Rod Hatfield" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>CSX 2427 Cobra 289 Dragonsnake</strong><br />
Dragonsnakes are among the rarest competition Cobras ever produced. Built exclusively for drag racing, only six were ever assembled with Ford's 289-cu-in V8 engine. Of these, only two left the factory with the Stage III-D competition engines. Even more importantly, this is the only one still left in existence. Not only that, but this is one of only two yellow and Weber-carburetor inducted Cobras ever sold.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Monterey Motorsports Reunion" height="240" src="http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/Media/580x348/c9/c93be07ffc7c40d7bae7787f4821ebf6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="© Rod Hatfield" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>CSX 2299 Daytona Coupe</strong><br />
In 1963, Shelby American realized the need for a more aerodynamic version of the 289 Cobra Roadster to keep up with the sleek Ferrari 250 GTO. The end result was the first and only American built FIA GT World Champion. The CSX 2299 was the second coupe built, the first completed at Carrozzeria Gransport in Modena, Italy, and has the best race pedigree of the group, winning the 24 Hours of LeMans, 12 Hours of Sebring, the Daytona Continental 24 Hours, and the 1965 FIA GT World Championship.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Monterey Motorsports Reunion" height="240" src="http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/Media/580x348/a0/a00320f840714c88b03b6c37d85bcd5b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="© Rod Hatfield" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>CSX 2026 Cobra Roadster</strong><br />
No Cobra better illustrates the changes that transformed the outdated Ace roadster into a Cobra capable of winning races against the best sports cars in the world than CSX 2026, the very first Cobra to win a race (Riverside in February, 1963) as well as a national championship. It is powered by a 260 cu-in 300 horsepower engine fitted with four Weber carburetors. Plus, it sports a myriad of rare and competition features including the Nassau-style headers, competition windshield kit, alloy brake calipers, and more.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Monterey Motorsports Reunion" height="240" src="http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/Media/580x348/5e/5e0796d7a2e04a31a886faba84fac466.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="© Rick Wait" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>CSX 2002 Cobra Roadster</strong><br />
The first Shelby factory racer and the third Cobra ever built, this snake, serial number CSX 2002, went through an exhaustive 2,800-hour restoration in 1977. The 2002 emerged with an estimated 95 percent of its original frame and around 85 percent of its original body along with a slew of original equipment like the "Flamethrower" ignition, roll bar, and instruments. Even the gas cap is original.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Monterey Motorsports Reunion" height="240" src="http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/Media/580x348/68/687a73b6668347289522212ecdd5d975.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="© Rod Hatfield" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>CSX 3017 Cobra</strong><br />
This is one of only 16 full-competition 427 Supersnake Cobras sold to the public. Fitted with a NASCAR-spec V8 engine, the 427 puts out an absurd 550 horsepower. The CSX 3017 (when the larger 427 cu-in engine was used, chassis numbers jumped from 2000 to 3000) was raced by Ford Canada team driver George Eaton in the '60s, and survives today with its original body intact.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Monterey Motorsports Reunion" height="240" src="http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/Media/580x348/62/6238c49d4a3b46ce8c7205ec0f8b8c50.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="© Rod Hatfield" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>CSX 4000 Cobra</strong><br />
The first reproduction of the Shelby Cobra, CSX 4000 gave birth to the kit-car legions of Cobras all over the U.S. and has become the most replicated car in history. Offering the everyman a chance to drive his own legend, CSX 4000 brought the horsepower to the people in a big way and stands as a testament to the difference between "fashion" and "style." Just about every Cobra you've ever seen (unless you're very lucky) is a copy of this "original clone".</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Monterey Motorsports Reunion" height="240" src="http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/Media/580x348/e1/e1100abd3b494ca68e90758755ea6bb4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="© Rick Wait" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Cobra #1: The Daddy</strong><br />
The first production Shelby Cobra, which debuted at the 1962 New York Auto Show, Cobra #1 raced through Europe during the mid-'60s, leading a charge of American power into international auto racing while cutting a swath through dejected Corvette drivers from coast to coast back home in the States. Carroll Shelby set out to combine overwhelming American horsepower with the handling and braking prowess of the British sports cars of the era. Shelby Cobra #1 is a timeless distillation of one man's dream."</td></tr>
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Regarding Mr. Tate’s choices, I got a few bones to pick. Maybe he meant to write the title as “Ten Most Significant Cobras at Monterey,” but the title says in plain words "ever built," and in the second paragraph he says "Here we bring you the 10 most significant Shelby cars ever to roll off an assembly line."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheWaVQ_16OsGJnhpTW9ybIn5poycO4weqGI2Siv7eFhzMpGcCQPj9yKjuZZ46ILHgoLv6pHhy1IPeoOPCBg07xGBI2P_8lpHPIlI2NP_4rAMM668tcsOcb7DVFaQa_QxchkAkB-qwF-3A/s400/1964-Shelby-427-Cobra-Flip-Top-Roadster-620x413.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>CSX2196, the </strong><a href="http://www.cobra-ranch.com/2011/12/historic-cobra-series-flip-top-csx2196.html" target="_blank"><strong>Flip Top Cobra </strong></a></td></tr>
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Well, Mr. Tate, I expect you expected some criticism of your choices and here's mine. First, I would have had more 427s. While it’s true that the 289 cars won more races; however, the 427, for some years, was the ultimate American-engined road car. The MSN author left off CSX2196 aka "<a href="http://www.cobra-ranch.com/2011/12/historic-cobra-series-flip-top-csx2196.html" target="_blank">Flip Top</a>" which that was the start of the 427 Cobra. It would be a more interesting car to me if it had kept the bodywork it had when crashed at Sebring by Miles. </div>
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Regarding CSX3017 I doubt 550 hp. Maybe that could be accomplished today with more modern parts but I've seen factory spec sheets that quote a hp. figure of 485 hp.</div>
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for the Full Comp car.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2KzxznpCVyqFd28csw-ugsxOH4FiyJ4X2e-LT2lZVBaPalIt983WAX7j40LkWKnCPZAI4Ff_jpD2_9MqBN0iWZmHjAe3E-ZQxFGtg4FcUtjI20lQTFn_zFyeBOyUD7KQgPwFc0xoa_k/s1600/1966%252520Shelby%252520427-Cobra%252520Twin%252520Paxton-Supercharged.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2KzxznpCVyqFd28csw-ugsxOH4FiyJ4X2e-LT2lZVBaPalIt983WAX7j40LkWKnCPZAI4Ff_jpD2_9MqBN0iWZmHjAe3E-ZQxFGtg4FcUtjI20lQTFn_zFyeBOyUD7KQgPwFc0xoa_k/s320/1966%252520Shelby%252520427-Cobra%252520Twin%252520Paxton-Supercharged.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Supercharged 1966 Shelby Twin Paxton</strong></span></td></tr>
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And why didn't Tate include the twin Paxton car, the one that Shelby owned himself and built for himself; later owned by Jimmy Webb the songwriter. What made that car significant was that it was a case of the originator of the Cobra building a hell-for-leather kick-ass Cobra just for himself, so I think that should be included, regardless of how little development the package had (the owner of a duplicate car managed to let his get away from him and died at the wheel as a result).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkckZn9DZSsfsjEb1Z3Cm_yrUuugbDSjX93dVW7GEzl7di3LVqaix9e2E59RbI22Dq9i8Lx53jYR3KaeH9zAAsWnrrRpCuW0eUOOXscDr-PFzv1tHrfBjQIaB6F5S5bsDZD-lvJaaUGM4/s1600/ken_miles_at_lakeside_1965_in_his_cobra_Small_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkckZn9DZSsfsjEb1Z3Cm_yrUuugbDSjX93dVW7GEzl7di3LVqaix9e2E59RbI22Dq9i8Lx53jYR3KaeH9zAAsWnrrRpCuW0eUOOXscDr-PFzv1tHrfBjQIaB6F5S5bsDZD-lvJaaUGM4/s320/ken_miles_at_lakeside_1965_in_his_cobra_Small_.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Ken Miles in CSX 3002 at Lakeside 1965</strong></td></tr>
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I would have replaced 3017 on his list with 3002 which had a more significant race history than 3017. I would have left out any of the 4000 series cars on the grounds that they were not built “in the original era.” I would have put in at least one of the ’63 LeMans cars, the first that finished because it is significant for a brand new marque to be able to finish the famous LeMans 24 hour. </div>
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Finally to say that the Daytona coupe "won LeMans" is mis-leading to those who don't realize that there are class winners and overall race winners. At first glance you're making it sound like Daytonas won LeMans, Sebring and Daytona when you may be referring to a win in class, which is a long ways from winning the race (like winning one battle in a war but that still doesn't mean you won the war). Also I would have listed the first Daytona Cobra made only because--when it proved to be faster than the roadsters in testing--Shelby made the decision based on that lap time to build more. If it would have been a dog, one car would have been all she wrote. In car collecting the very first and very last are usually worth more than a car made in the middle of a particular model run. The key word is "significance," and when the first of something works, that first one becomes more significant if said device goes into production.</div>
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Our conclusion: it's great that you are a Cobra enthusiast but research trumps (if you need a bibliography, I'll be glad to send one...)</div>
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Cheers,</div>
--------------------------<br />
WALLACE WYSS is the author of SHELBY: The Man, the Cars, The Legend<br />
now in its second edition (Iconografix, Hudson, WI) </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846718958255560145.post-35670062118207638992012-09-02T23:16:00.000-07:002012-09-02T23:16:24.126-07:00My Summer Vacation: Pebble Beach 2012 <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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by Wallace Wyss</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_lezPFpuan4/UEQvigVdM4I/AAAAAAAAATk/3aucoQXiJrQ/s1600/IMG_1738%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_lezPFpuan4/UEQvigVdM4I/AAAAAAAAATk/3aucoQXiJrQ/s320/IMG_1738%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Your author, left, Henry Ford III at right. I believe he and his <br />
brother both own Shelby Mustangs where their father had once<br />
owned a GT40 and a Cobra.<br />
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My Friend,</div>
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Monterey 2012 was everything I hoped it would be. I got to see over 40 real genuine certified Cobras on the grid, photographed the vintage race, and sold some artwork. Plus ate a fine meal at Clint Eastwood's little ol' restaurant. Let me tell it all in chronological order: I selected a big ol’Chrysler 300 for the trip, and arrived in my secret low cost no-tell motel –far from the actual Monterey peninsula--in five hours. On Wednesday I set off for the Embassy Suites and set up my booth at Automobilia, a sort of emporium for the flora and fauna of the automotive world– posters, model cars, clothes, old books (and new books). I was pleased to be in a booth next to Mike Rabin who is famous for making wheel discs He had a great sense of humor, especially considering he had to endure hearing my sales pitch at least 100 times. Finally he got to where he would interrupt my pitch to a new client, saying “It’s getting deeper.”</div>
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I actually met a repeat buyer, so I know my art’s catching on…alas I didn’t have the new copies of SHELBY The Man, The Cars, the Legend as the second edition was on the press. I wondered over to Logan Gray’s booth and was shocked to see George Stauffer’s book Daytona Cobra Coupe is now $1500 used. I wonder if ol’ George has a warehouse full of new copies stashed away! I was tempted to buy a book about Lloyd Ruby whose name I understand, he insisted on pronouncing L-A-W-D ROO-BEE but found that book too late to include any gems about him in my update of my Shelby book (SHELBY The Man, the Cars, the Legend) as the second edition was on the press that week.</div>
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I also met a lady dressed in sort of ‘50s attire, reminiscent of the late great Betty Page (the first postwar glamor girl), selling scarves and such and we talked about how rat rods and ‘50s hot rod culture was always there behind the scenes, but only recently has attracted a following and even has conventions in Las Vegas. I also sold my two leather jackets, one that was embroidered “COBRA RANCH Mendocino” and the other plugging my Ferrari novel (“Ferrari Hunters”). One had fur on it and we were lucky to escape the wrath of the PETAistas.</div>
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Off to a wingding at the Monterey airport and, seeing as we love aero planes, we went over there and sampled the wine and ogled the glamour girls, and I ran into Mr. Pagani and chatted about this and that until I realized he spoke no English. There were a few Navy men in dress uniform and I was happy to see military guests at these events (I remember back when Steve Earle would host the Army to send over soldiers from Ft. Ord to watch his vintage races). </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There isn't a better view in the concours world than the bay<br />
behind Pebble Beach Lodge. The owner of the drag racing Cobra <br />
also received one of our exclusive COBRA RANCH jeans shirts.</td></tr>
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First sign this writer has seen of burgeoning Fiat 500 mania--one tricked out with mags and striping. This proud owner has a business in Signal Hill, CA, trying to meet demand for the Italian challenge to the MINI. </div>
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<br /> Thenceforth on the following Friday morn we proceeded to the Concours Italiano which had plenty of delights, including a couple unrestored cars—gotta love those rolling barn finds– and a couple of hand-built cars that show incremental improvement from year to year. It was great when concours events finally allowed barn find cars in, because the truth is that some cars never do get finished. Before it was hard to find these diamonds-in-the-rough whereas now you even find them at major auctions like the Gooding (they had a tatty patina-encrusted Alfa). Now there might be those who say 'I pay umpteen dollars to go see a concours and I see old rusty cars...'but you don't understand, a barn find is like catnip to a cat. Also a brilliant move by Concorso, which has to strive especially hard to combat the Quail event now held on the same day, was a display of Italian bicycles and, though not a bike rider myself (I never got that Schwinn Phantom…) I thought this was the ultimate for bike fans and general spectators because there were probably many brands never seen in the U.S. </div>
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At the Quail, an Iso Grifo targa was one of several Iso Grifos honored because it was the 50th anniversary of the "Iso" marque. Iso was a company that stuck with Chevy V8s until GM cut them off, so the last ones had 351 Clevelands, like the one I owned for a whole week (until selling it in the parking lot of the Barrett-Jackson auction)</div>
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Onto Laguna, the racetrack on Highway 68, and I headed straight for the Shelby group, who were happy as pigs in mud for being the honored marque. There were dozens of real Cobras (the small blocks were CSX2000 series and big blocks CSX3000 series) and it was great to see some still more or less the way they were 45 to 50 years ago, though one ugly one looked like it was painted with a trowel and I overheard someone berate that owner, telling him, “Your car is lowering the value of all Cobras.” </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
At Pebble Beach, Cobra owner Bruce Campena puts on a spirited </div>
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presentation on his smooth hood street 427. Judges are Lynn Park </div>
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in the Smokey the Bear hat and Pete Brock, both long time Cobraistis.</div>
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Because Dr. Ernie T. Nagamatsu races a Cobra 289 with a rare LeMans style aluminum hardtop, he qualified for my team jacket as did about five other racers . Dr. Ernie has even taken his fastback hardtop-equipped Cobra to Goodwood to race. Each racer I encountered had to try several jackets on to see which fit, so that’s why not too many “won” my participation award.(actually, that's all I had with me, or they all would have earned one). The actual race on Saturday was intensive, one by Jim Click , a Ford car dealer who I have previously seen racing a GT40. I think Jim Farley, a Ford VP, was also in the race so it’s interesting to see a high ranked Ford executive in vintage racing. </div>
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As I left the Cobra race there were some other cars of interest lining up for the following races—someone trying to race a Ferrari Lusso, and then some brass-era cars that were beautifully detailed. In the pits several teams have now gone to painting pictures on their car hauler, scenes from their cars early days of racing. The signs they post showing their car’s history are getting more elaborate—one pit even having oil paintings of the car. </div>
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These guys had a whole movie backdrop behind their period racer. There was a mid-day speech on Shelby and I recognized Pete Brock, designer of the Cobra Daytona coupe, and hot dog driver Bob Bondurant, but they were too far away for me to ask questions, so later I made up for it by talking to Henry Ford III, a robust young lad, son of Edsel , who himself has his place in the dynasty as son of HFII, “The Deuce.” I told HFIII that, “If you grew up in Detroit, the Ford family was our royal family.” (My father worked at the Rouge building Model As in the 1930s). </div>
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Edsel told me about the role of Carroll Shelby upon his return to the Ford fold. “He was over 80 when he came back,” he said. He also told me Shelby would personally go to the track and test the cars and scare the hell out of everybody. I took every opportunity to momentarily clutch various long-stemmed beauties hawking chemical cosmetics for cars, telling them that if I take a picture with them, the guys at the Senior Center will get a laugh. That pitch worked better before I shaved the beard. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cqFzAZlKOS4/UEQvjEOVSKI/AAAAAAAAATs/APdBBOlZnME/s1600/IMG_1859%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cqFzAZlKOS4/UEQvjEOVSKI/AAAAAAAAATs/APdBBOlZnME/s320/IMG_1859%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your author enjoying the ambiance of the <br />
Lincoln hospitality suite at Pebble Beach.</td></tr>
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Somewhere in there we got over to Clint Eastwood’s place (not the Hog’s Breath, that’s old hat) but the Mission Inn Ranch or whatever, an old collection of farm buildings that is about 500 ft. south of the old Father Serra-founded Carmel Mission. There isn’t a more pleasant place to view the ocean than at Clint’s place, which is remarkably free of any reminder whatsoever that you are in a movie star’s place. The next goal was to secure visiting privileges to a hospitality suite at Pebble Beach on Sunday. “Hey, you got a press pass, remember?” Well, it is at Pebble you find out that being the member of the press is only slightly more important, and maybe less so, than the person making your cappuccino. Each suite has a beady-eyed person with “The List”. And if you aren’t on it, you’d best be adaptive. I dropped some names until one rang the right bell and thus was in. The sun came out briefly and for one glorious 15-minutes it was “How can life be better than wining and dining at Pebble whilst the best cars in the world are paraded before you?”</div>
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Then, braced with food and drink, it was off into the trenches, first visiting the A.C. owners, who proved beyond the shadow of a doubt that the 260 Cobra was but a slight modification of the A.C. 2.6 Zephyr –of which they had at least two on display. Then it was on to the Cobras themselves, including ol’ CSX2000 (the very first Cobra) whose leather hide looked appropriately trashed for a 50-year old car.</div>
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The Cobra class winner at Pebble was Steve Volk who backed the Shelby American Collection museum in Colorado. Each owner had a scrapbook on his car and I could see some owners really pitching to have their car chosen but with judges like Lynn Park and Pete Brock, you couldn’t slip anything by these judges! Pebble is always an education even for those jaded journalists who think they know of every car. For instance, I saw a Ghia-bodied Chrysler of early ‘50s vintage, nice in the details but looking like they thought of dual headlamps late in the game, jamming them on. </div>
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<br /> Of course you can talk about this famous Italian designer and that one, but me being from the Midwest, the only designers I knew about as a lad were Bill Cushenberry, Dean Jeffries and George and Sam Barris. Well, wouldn’t cha know, I ran into George Barris, as always wearing those gold Cazal wraparound sunglasses. We talked about when the car magazines were printed small so you could hide them in your school books and the teacher wouldn’t know what you were really reading. </div>
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I also ran into super youthful Camilo Pardo, who, during his 18-year career as a Ford designer, designed the new Ford GT. He told me he has a studio on the west coast now so I am really curious to see his non-Ford paintings, when they emerge. The puzzler is that he still looks eighteen, so he must have started at Ford while a mere infant. I also ran into another old name in hot rodding, Terry Cook, at both Concorso and at the Auto Retro (a memorabilia event and art show) at Pebble, the Cookster hawking a sort of ersatz Bugatti type vehicle. Cook, once editor of Hot Rod when I met him almost fifty years ago said he had an epiphany of sorts when he saw a hot rod win the Ridler award at the Detroit Autorama and heard it cost the owner over $2 million. “And yet when you look at it from a distance,” he said “it’s just another ’32 Ford.” Meanwhile he had been exposed to a pre-war classic, probably something by Figoni et Falaschi, and decided to go into the business of making classic styled hot rods. He has made several and even displayed them in Paris, where they aren’t horrified but rather love the idea.</div>
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I left the Concours before The Big Crowd and the judging, though I do like to see that confetti shower conferred upon the winners for Best of Show. Before I blew town, I remembered to check in with the Mecum auction who had auctioned my genuine autographed picture of Der Snakemeister (Carroll Shelby) along with a giclee print on canvas of my oil portrait depicting Shelby as he looked at Sebring in ‘65, and a Cobra Ranch Mendocino jacket plus a copy of the book I co-authored on GT40 (Ford GT40 and the New Ford GT). They looked up the results and told me to expect a check for a couple hundred in the next week (which they delivered!) Unfortunately, what with five nights in the motel and the gas, and the meals that didn’t quite cover the trip (in fact only about one fourth of it) ….but it was really memorable so I don’t mind the expense. Sorry you didn’t make it but I’m here to tell ya' Monterey 2012 was a real toot….</div>
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capt</div>
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Yer O’bd’nt servant,<br />Wallace Wyss</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846718958255560145.post-67277243101965089492012-08-29T13:46:00.003-07:002012-08-29T13:48:13.431-07:00First Shelby-modified GT40 Sold at Gooding in Monterey <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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by Wallace Wyss</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPFcLojapGHzRx7kDv752vCQ5cCHZW_Nd-hsT2U5FVV4JxsvKcuX0oWWxJUBlP8S6u3af_jjNMahY0SJvT_WeBKcY5PhDXD5akeWSwuMKd9MyLtMuK3awvpeT0XIftageaDVpQEeZHSM/s1600/3+GT40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPFcLojapGHzRx7kDv752vCQ5cCHZW_Nd-hsT2U5FVV4JxsvKcuX0oWWxJUBlP8S6u3af_jjNMahY0SJvT_WeBKcY5PhDXD5akeWSwuMKd9MyLtMuK3awvpeT0XIftageaDVpQEeZHSM/s320/3+GT40.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A stunning shade of blue</td></tr>
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The Monterey Car Week saw many significant Shelby-related cars sold, and one of the most historically significant ones was Prototype GT40 No. 104 --sold Sunday evening at the Gooding auction in Monterey for a $4.50 million hammer price = $4.950 million all in including commission. This was less than half the price of a GT40 that sold at another auction that weekend on the same peninsula but that other GT40 had the hallowed Steve McQueen connection. The historical claims that Gooding announced for it are for it being:</div>
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The fourth GT40 Prototype and the first to receive a lightweight chassis</div>
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<li>A Ford Motor Company 1964 Le Mans debut entry</li>
<li>One of two GT40s to podium in the GT40’s first completed race, resulting in a third overall at the 1965 Daytona Continental</li>
<li>Driven by Hill, McLaren, Bondurant, Miles, Schlesser, Ginther, Attwood, Amon and Other Works Drivers</li>
<li>The second-oldest surviving GT40</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi827bX4jNaN2p-nZWFo6dPaPghC025BTf0Jms-PDpeewLL4bEtPsEtjNh3CrPNLrjiyxsN69pP2Gd8tEvXgIm2MBlfkxDkqlBHJCIHySixKS8kxteFrxZiViuAyd6ZQK-9kDZ9Gdzd1kI/s1600/2+GT40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi827bX4jNaN2p-nZWFo6dPaPghC025BTf0Jms-PDpeewLL4bEtPsEtjNh3CrPNLrjiyxsN69pP2Gd8tEvXgIm2MBlfkxDkqlBHJCIHySixKS8kxteFrxZiViuAyd6ZQK-9kDZ9Gdzd1kI/s320/2+GT40.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dat Thumb</td></tr>
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This 1964 car has been through many hands. It is more rare than the average GT40 because it was a 1964 car and originally had a duck billed platypus shaped nose (see drawing). Shelby-American was delivered the car by Ford after the disastrous 1964 season and rebuilt the car with a new nose—eliminating the narrow nose look, and many other changes including the front partial front spoilers and a fog lamp. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0hGKChxaF3Uwr3isoaKv6dj3OcbQ3G9xxawR26Dp7BArkmtT-ViQYroI4q6ZpDNytnHiQryDidHDzsWRHqHYNtr6lYpoCpITgUVLte1exQvDy84s7RPAdYVdbRu8Se7eaxZ62jKIbA0/s1600/1+GT40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0hGKChxaF3Uwr3isoaKv6dj3OcbQ3G9xxawR26Dp7BArkmtT-ViQYroI4q6ZpDNytnHiQryDidHDzsWRHqHYNtr6lYpoCpITgUVLte1exQvDy84s7RPAdYVdbRu8Se7eaxZ62jKIbA0/s320/1+GT40.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Makes me want to grab some Turtle Wax for my ride</td></tr>
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The biggest change Shelby made was to throw out the 255-cu. In. “Indy” alloy block and put in a more reliable 289. He still kept the Colotti gearbox, though, and it was with that engine that it finished third in the Daytona Continental 2000Km in 1965, with Ken Miles/ Lloyd Ruby sharing the driving. </div>
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Race cars can be “famous” in more than one body configuration/mechanical set-up and for historical reasons I would urge bringing it back to the ’64 configuration but you can see why it’s much more popular in the body style it is now—that of a winning car instead of its first configuration where it was a total loser. It is the one car that signifies what Carroll Shelby and crew brought to the table when Ford--hat in hand--took their losing GT40s to Shelby and tasked him with making the car right. All the other GT40s prepared for racing followed the ideas tried on this car.</div>
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THE AUTHOR: Wallace Wyss is the author of SHELBY: The Man, The Cars, the Legend, now it its second edition (Iconografix, Hudson, WI)</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846718958255560145.post-11939983525682605662012-08-29T12:53:00.001-07:002012-08-29T13:02:01.969-07:00A.C. 2.6 Zephyr - The Missing Link in Cobra's Evolution<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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By Wallace Wyss<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6d9Bnuk6LNJnqfxWYQSTfFJc62ZWKYBYb9GkG8YCFO5EwT0iaJEqcS7PkJYDy5sHoo9JAVJeYUqnBRlraxRl6ko5SoKIUPzISFSDvdWWtM65atASeE3bKnW7dijeGPToect266PNt6c/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6d9Bnuk6LNJnqfxWYQSTfFJc62ZWKYBYb9GkG8YCFO5EwT0iaJEqcS7PkJYDy5sHoo9JAVJeYUqnBRlraxRl6ko5SoKIUPzISFSDvdWWtM65atASeE3bKnW7dijeGPToect266PNt6c/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect for European roads, or delivering US Mail</td></tr>
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You would expect a Cobra club official to be an expert on Cobras. but in 2012 a Mustang magazine published an article by a Cobra club official where he once again perpetuated the time-worn myth that Carroll Shelby adapted the A.C. Ace Bristol to make the Cobra. In point of fact the first Cobra 260 was actually built using a later A.C. model than the Bristol, this one a “long nose” lower hoodline design that came stock with an inline Ford six called the 2.6 or A.C. Zephyr.<br />
A.C., one of the oldest automakers, had been making cars before WWII. After the war, they returned to the market with a rather boring line of cars in 1947. It wasn’t until they ran across the specials built by John Tojiero that they became an exciting company. Tojiero had built at least two cars for private customers that were more or less “imitations” of Ferrari 166 barchetta styling boasting a light ladder type tubular frame and an all-independent transverse leaf spring suspension. Powerplants varied, including at least one with an MG engine.<br />
A.C. saw that this independent car builder had captured something marketable and licensed the design from Tojiero to create the production A.C. Ace of 1953. At first it had their own ancient engine—a 100-hp. overhead cam six that went back to just after WWI. They also had a hardtop coupe version, or fastback if you want to call it that, from 1954 -- the Aceca hard top coupé. It was mildly popular but they knew their engine was too old hat. A car that looks so sporty should be faster. Finally they were able to source a lively two-liter inline six from Bristol, a firm that had made airplanes, such as the Beaufighter, during the war. Actually that engine was based on a German design from BMW.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzjqpAgxamHxlGfbnkRic4ecY52w41B0-ZKIG4Ckhh3TAHSihfQQCYHhelhIagxqSRdt9NxOUlWCh9VLr31gXZJHLhUV8diZwD-7IUo3KfEPkDay9Kln8NAIFQzXDns4SQrvwkAfQYbI/s1600/zephyr+2.6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzjqpAgxamHxlGfbnkRic4ecY52w41B0-ZKIG4Ckhh3TAHSihfQQCYHhelhIagxqSRdt9NxOUlWCh9VLr31gXZJHLhUV8diZwD-7IUo3KfEPkDay9Kln8NAIFQzXDns4SQrvwkAfQYbI/s320/zephyr+2.6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pebble Beach 2012</td></tr>
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The A.C. Bristol began to be produced in ’56, rated at 120 bhp (89 kW) with 3 downdraft carburetors . That was mated to a four-speed manual. That moved the 0–60 mph (0–100 km/h) time from the 11 seconds of the A.C.-engined version down to the nine second range. Overdrive was available from 1956 and front disc brakes were on the option list from 1957, although they were later standard.</div>
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A key figure in the acceptance of the 2.6 Zephyr version was A.C. dealer Ken Rudd who offered several versions of tune from "mild to wild" as it were. It used three Weber or SU carburetors and either a 'Mays' or a cast iron head. He got the 0-60 mph time down to 8.1 seconds. and the top speed moved up to 130 mph. It was about that time—in 1961-- that race driver Carroll Shelby, having voluntarily retired from racing due to a congenital heart ailment, found out that Bristol engines were no longer going to be available to A.C. as Bristol was putting Chrysler V8s in their luxury cars and didn’t need the six any more. Shelby was aware of the newer existence of the 2.6 Zephyr but didn’t think that would cut it as far as saving the Ace—not when you could stuff in an American V8 and make a real tire-burner!</div>
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So the rest is history—Cobra history. A.C. did gamily keep the A.C. 2.6 in production until 1962 until they determined the Texan's car would be popular but the demands for Cobras soon ruled the 2.6 Zephyr A.C. out of production after only 37 roadsters, and eight Aceca coupes, had been built. There were also 13 built with Rudd’s “Stage 5 tuning” and 18 built with an overdrive trans, and only one built with a headers instead of the heavy cast iron exhaust manifold. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFkQt5xfxC6zVcHVQzuCjYz_WODtkjxZyixpGKo9rKH83RjWm4y6bpIOExOjna6uYXDbFEqR8jqjFIAga_mbKwoBeSPXYAmQ1hhFBmhyphenhyphenB9gf5UlZUbobm5WkqU12v4WxxatbX5qdebdU/s1600/zephyr+2.6.+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFkQt5xfxC6zVcHVQzuCjYz_WODtkjxZyixpGKo9rKH83RjWm4y6bpIOExOjna6uYXDbFEqR8jqjFIAga_mbKwoBeSPXYAmQ1hhFBmhyphenhyphenB9gf5UlZUbobm5WkqU12v4WxxatbX5qdebdU/s320/zephyr+2.6.+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Note the lack of Cobra like flares on the 2.6</td></tr>
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So it is that, at events like Pebble Beach concours in 2012, the appearance of a couple A.C. Zephyr 2.6 roadsters saw confusion on the faces of Cobra fans. What was this—a Cobra-styled car built before the first A.C. Cobra?<br />
Say it ain't so, Joe.</div>
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But it is. A car whose existence had almost been shoved under the rug (including by this author’s, in his first Cobra book done 37 years ago…since corrected in his latest book)</div>
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THE AUTHOR: Wallace Wyss wrote SHELBY: The Man, the Cars, the Legend, of which the second edition is now available (Iconografix 1-800-289-3504)</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846718958255560145.post-76975189258163235732012-08-29T09:57:00.000-07:002012-08-29T09:57:35.748-07:00Cobras Take It To The Limit<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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by Joanna Koch</div>
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<br />Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion<br />Monterey, CA, USA</div>
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<br /><br />Today was the day everyone was waiting for, or at least the 30 or so thousand people flocking to the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion were waiting for it: the chance to see 45 competition Shelby Cobras charging around California’s famously challenging 2.238-mile road course known as Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The Cobras are part of the Reunion’s celebration of the Shelby Cobra’s 50thAnniversary, and besides those signed up for racing, there were hundreds more in the paddock, surrounding corrals, and even in a museum-quality Heritage Display, not to mention those driving the streets in Monterey these past few days as their owners went to and from Classic Car Week’s concours events, tours, car shows and auctions that are now signature around the world as among the finest in the automotive world.<br />The featured Cobra race was one of nine official Rolex Races held after lunchtime today, and it had to be the most watched, running chills up spines with the rage of roaring engines made more intense at the wave of the green flag by celebrity starter Edsel Ford II. It was billed as a tribute race to honor the Cobra’s originator Carroll Shelby, who had planned to be here, but, sadly, died in May of this year at the age of 89. For Jim Click, who drove his 1964 Cobra 289 to win, that poignant fact made his victory a significant moment in time. Back in the paddock, celebrating with his crew and race fans who had surrounded his car, he said, “I knew Carroll Shelby; he did so much for racing and for Ford, so it is an honor for me to have won this race for Mr. Shelby. This is the biggest win of my life.”<br />Click explained that he started third on the grid today, but the second-place car broke down. “I was chasing car #81 (also a 1964 Cobra 289) for the lead, and I knew I was faster going through the turns; he is a really good driver, but he finally made a bit of a mistake exiting a corner, so I was there to take advantage,” said Click. Race day drama was heightened when a rare Daytona Coupe suddenly wound up off-track as well with apparent damage to its front end. The Coupe, one of only six ever built, had held a seemingly comfortable third-place position for the first half of the 20-minute race. At the Rolex Driver’s Club, which allows a birds-eye view of the “Andretti Hairpin” turn 2 and the short straights leading into and exiting turn 3, the atmosphere could not have been more electric, and after the checkered flag, the reverence of fellow drivers from the 16 other classes here was made clear as the Cobra’s slowed their pace to loud cheers and waving caps in recognition of their collective accomplishment.<br />For Charles Firmenich (Geneva, Switzerland), racing his 1965 Cobra in the race was less about winning and more about gaining experience. “I’ve had this car for two years, but this is my first year of racing,” said Firmenich, adding that he has 20 years experience doing track days with car clubs. “I have been itching for a long time to do some actual racing, so when I got this Cobra I felt the time had come. I raced this car at the Le Mans Classic this year and at first it was horrible, because in the rain in a car like this it is frightening, but after a while I got used to it. I have never been to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca before, and I find it very challenging because it has so many different shapes and turns. We have a few tracks in Europe that are also fast and technical, but this one is special. As a Swiss citizen it is great for me to see a Swiss company, Rolex, promoting motor racing around the world and especially vintage racing because it has become so popular in Europe as much as it has in America.”<br />Just prior to the race, 169 Cobras thrilled the crowds with yet another screaming salute to Carroll Shelby in “Parade Laps” that converged 50 original Shelby Cobras (2000s and 3000s) with 25 continuations (4000s and 6000s that were built by Shelby American with Carroll Shelby’s blessing 20 years after the originals), 19 replicas of the Cobra Daytona Coupe (the lead car of which the Coupe’s designer Peter Brock had command) and 75 more Cobra replicas. The Nor Cal Shelby Club was behind growing its typically 75-car Cobra Corral at this event to 315 in this special year when Cobra was made the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion’s special marque. “We pulled it off despite ourselves,” chuckled Orion Felles (Redwood, Calif.), secretary of the club. “I’m glad we could put on a good show and that it was so appreciated. And the drivers, when they found out about the parade, some of them came because Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is world-famous, and they said, ‘We want to do this track!’”<br />As if the race and the parade were not enough, Ford's Shelby Cobra Heritage Display—a giant tented attraction at the center of the race paddock--featured Cobra serial number CSX2001, the very first production Cobra built, among its 12 historically fascinating Cobras that, with the help of story boards, mapped the heritage of the iconic marque. It is owned by Bruce Meyer (Los Angeles, CA), who like most car collectors, strives for the most unique and rare machines he can find and will show the Cobra at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Sunday.<br />“We have been fortunate to have cars worthy of the lawn,” said Meyer, “and I feel that I am just a caretaker of these cars, since none of us can take them with us; it’s a real privilege.”<br />Meyer explained that Cobra #1 was assembled in Pittsburgh and did all the East Coast auto shows. It then went off to Le Mans at the end of 1963 to race there in 1964. After Le Mans it went to Ford Racing of Europe and raced throughout Europe. “It’s a very significant car, since it is the very first one and also the first Cobra taken to Europe to race. Loyd Lucky Casner was a close friend of Carroll Shelby and bought this car to race at Le Mans with co-driver Jean Louis Vincent. Vincent bought the car from Casner after Le Mans and raced it in the Tour de France and it became the only Cobra to ever race that event.” <br />Meyer’s collection runs the gamut from Duisenbergs to dragsters to hot rods to Bonneville cars, but he has always been interested in performance cars. “I have the first Corvette to race at Le Mans and the last production Porsche (a 935) to win overall there…I think I will bring the 935 Porsche here to the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion next year to race. I don’t do a lot of wheel-to-wheel racing, but I do a lot of track days because it suits my schedule better.”<br />Meyer was appreciative of all around him at Classic Car Week, including Rolex’s involvement as a sponsor here as well as at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance; Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance presented by Rolex; and The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. “I want to say that I am delighted that Rolex is part of all this, because Rolex and automobiles are just the perfect pairing, like the perfect pairings of fine wine. So many car collectors appreciate fine time pieces and Rolex is the one most people associate with exquisite automobiles, for me it’s a privilege to participate in these events.”<br />For more information on the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, visit <a href="http://www.mazdaraceway.com/">www.MazdaRaceway.com</a></div>
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Follow @caracingnews<br />About Rolex
<br />Leading brand of the Swiss watch industry, Rolex, headquartered in Geneva, enjoys an unrivalled reputation for quality and expertise the world over. Its OYSTER watches, all certified as chronometers for their precision, are symbols of excellence, performance and prestige. Pioneer in the development of the wristwatch as early as 1905, the brand is at the origin of numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the OYSTER, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the PERPETUAL rotor self-winding mechanism introduced in 1931. Rolex has registered over 400 patents in the course of its history. A truly integrated manufacturing company, Rolex designs, develops and produces in-house all the essential components of its watches, from the casting of the gold alloys to the machining, crafting, assembly and finishing of the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Rolex is also actively involved in supporting the arts, sports, the spirit of enterprise, and the environment through a broad palette of sponsoring activities as well as philanthropic and patronage programmes.<br />About Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca<br />Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca was established in 1957. The world-renowned raceway has been operated since its inception by the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP), a not-for-profit 501(c) 4 corporation. Each race season, SCRAMP donates its net proceeds to the volunteer groups that help organize the races. The 2012 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca race schedule features American Le Mans Monterey, presented by Patron (May 11-12); Ferrari Racing Days (May 18-20); Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix, featuring the MotoGP World Championship (July 27-29); Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion (Aug. 17-19); and the Continental Tire Sports Car Festival, powered by Mazda (Sept. 7-9).<br />PR SERVICES FOR ROLEX IN MOTORSPORTS<br />USA<br />Media Pro International<br />Barby MacGowan<br />E: <a href="mailto:barby.macgowan@mediapronewport.com
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846718958255560145.post-78306672786052411572012-07-15T10:17:00.000-07:002012-07-15T10:17:43.593-07:00Mecum to sell small block Cobra at Monterey<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.mecum.com/auctions/CA0812/CA0812-134332/images/CA0812-134332_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://www.mecum.com/auctions/CA0812/CA0812-134332/images/CA0812-134332_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Monterey car week 2012 is shaping up as one of the biggest for real Cobras being auctioned in history. Mecum is one of the biggest companies in musclecar auctions. They have just come up with a small block obra, CSX2428,to sell at Monterey. Here's what they say about it:</div>
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<i>"Billed to Shelby American on May 7, 1964 and shipped to Los Angeles on
the Holland America Line’s SS Alblasserdyk the following week, this rare
highly-optioned 1965 Shelby Cobra was invoiced to the Foreign Car
Center in Birmingham, Alabama on August 5 1964. It was delivered with
chromed 5.5-inch knock-off wire wheels, dash-mounted rear-view mirror,
radio, wind deflectors, chromed bumperettes and a quick-fill fuel cap.
Cared for by the same owner since 1984 and listed in the Shelby
Registry, this American automotive treasure retains the original (now
rebuilt) dual-quad Hi Po 289 CI engine, side exhaust, desirable rack and
pinion steering and factory hard top."</i><br />
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Sounds like one hell of a ride.<i> </i><br />
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<i><br /></i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846718958255560145.post-15883047218163304312012-06-26T11:59:00.000-07:002012-06-26T12:20:36.228-07:00Cougar II prototype: Opinion sampler<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg048VRHGVlvsJkUAsZ38sMGLRHWwZT9Yrsuo0lPMjyH4rAyeEi0RV8rPopEGKlbLYEFEamijBk_BcCn8NjciVPgWxRINvMQa-pUnrXudXaJtlhpF7EhVByvvsw4YfbGpKHsvEBqhDU-Vc/s1600/1963_Ford_Cougar-II_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg048VRHGVlvsJkUAsZ38sMGLRHWwZT9Yrsuo0lPMjyH4rAyeEi0RV8rPopEGKlbLYEFEamijBk_BcCn8NjciVPgWxRINvMQa-pUnrXudXaJtlhpF7EhVByvvsw4YfbGpKHsvEBqhDU-Vc/s320/1963_Ford_Cougar-II_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZi6zrwfHGhfhLO7xUmLESnoY8aHp6IeFakOvG9AwHRdPlwkDXkUlktwxiOarMNoWWXpNcD7XGvYNgCkBX7E3_cOO860SOYBYJJjLuXClHXcuStPdTNBtU-U4xAT4aGXKPk3iNAll8xo/s1600/1963_Ford_Cougar-II_04.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAXGYNnEy7Gx_j18Tm4svQq6WjwGCHQjFmAUcB6L7dVBpF-_gkCFuRRUHOnNuxMTl_-bKB5TCz_fmwvQSZjFI7mbTHZ783oZa_MnVKoP5YCum_bjvZ2_YvtynY1epmeK48BVlUsceugE/s1600/62cougar1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZi6zrwfHGhfhLO7xUmLESnoY8aHp6IeFakOvG9AwHRdPlwkDXkUlktwxiOarMNoWWXpNcD7XGvYNgCkBX7E3_cOO860SOYBYJJjLuXClHXcuStPdTNBtU-U4xAT4aGXKPk3iNAll8xo/s1600/1963_Ford_Cougar-II_04.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZi6zrwfHGhfhLO7xUmLESnoY8aHp6IeFakOvG9AwHRdPlwkDXkUlktwxiOarMNoWWXpNcD7XGvYNgCkBX7E3_cOO860SOYBYJJjLuXClHXcuStPdTNBtU-U4xAT4aGXKPk3iNAll8xo/s320/1963_Ford_Cougar-II_04.jpg" width="320" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1bmfov8IZd9J2lNE0LND0rHBrK39-xTei8BW13oo8SChkGKGsQ_io3ktzHEFNqbF9gdUqBQbKyCNmEiyIcTWJ1JUXnGeUg6rnsnbu9j4XXsAs53V4j9GJKb3IVstU9d7-yAzrgfuYOM/s1600/1963_Ford_Cougar_II_concept_car_05.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1bmfov8IZd9J2lNE0LND0rHBrK39-xTei8BW13oo8SChkGKGsQ_io3ktzHEFNqbF9gdUqBQbKyCNmEiyIcTWJ1JUXnGeUg6rnsnbu9j4XXsAs53V4j9GJKb3IVstU9d7-yAzrgfuYOM/s320/1963_Ford_Cougar_II_concept_car_05.jpg" width="320" /></a>
What if I told you that there's a small block cobra with very low mileage that sits in a dark dungeon in Detroit, hardly ever seen by the public? And that it has a one-off body? The car is the 1963 Cougar, which was what was called a "dream car" back then, now called "<span class="il">concept</span> cars." Ford never liked the eggshell thin body of the aluminum bodied Cobra so designed a coupe similar to the Corvette and had one made.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAXGYNnEy7Gx_j18Tm4svQq6WjwGCHQjFmAUcB6L7dVBpF-_gkCFuRRUHOnNuxMTl_-bKB5TCz_fmwvQSZjFI7mbTHZ783oZa_MnVKoP5YCum_bjvZ2_YvtynY1epmeK48BVlUsceugE/s1600/62cougar1.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAXGYNnEy7Gx_j18Tm4svQq6WjwGCHQjFmAUcB6L7dVBpF-_gkCFuRRUHOnNuxMTl_-bKB5TCz_fmwvQSZjFI7mbTHZ783oZa_MnVKoP5YCum_bjvZ2_YvtynY1epmeK48BVlUsceugE/s320/62cougar1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Cougar Concept </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZi6zrwfHGhfhLO7xUmLESnoY8aHp6IeFakOvG9AwHRdPlwkDXkUlktwxiOarMNoWWXpNcD7XGvYNgCkBX7E3_cOO860SOYBYJJjLuXClHXcuStPdTNBtU-U4xAT4aGXKPk3iNAll8xo/s1600/1963_Ford_Cougar-II_04.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1bmfov8IZd9J2lNE0LND0rHBrK39-xTei8BW13oo8SChkGKGsQ_io3ktzHEFNqbF9gdUqBQbKyCNmEiyIcTWJ1JUXnGeUg6rnsnbu9j4XXsAs53V4j9GJKb3IVstU9d7-yAzrgfuYOM/s1600/1963_Ford_Cougar_II_concept_car_05.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>
It is candy-apple red and is called the Cougar II because there was an
earlier Cougar dream car built by Vignale in Italy for Ford. The Cougar II is a fastback design with a fiberglass
body and a 260 High-Performance engine with 4 speed transmission. It has
an all new dashboard. The top is covered with some kind of brushed metal
( probably aluminum) to reflect heat. Unlike the production Cobra, it
had concealed "pop-up" headlamps and a serious, fully instrumented
interior.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDR1eMAc36v4OtBVJouH6zVLHc9GgulkIsNZym9FbB8PcF3IhbhgIUrO4sIAvSHCjwqnqHhl9r3WYYR8IE4HHS2V5LoEbgJf81UYg5KenjproUaeuUfbHa3a1W7Nz2AOamsY_gWEoWoz0/s1600/1963_Ford_Cougar-II_05.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDR1eMAc36v4OtBVJouH6zVLHc9GgulkIsNZym9FbB8PcF3IhbhgIUrO4sIAvSHCjwqnqHhl9r3WYYR8IE4HHS2V5LoEbgJf81UYg5KenjproUaeuUfbHa3a1W7Nz2AOamsY_gWEoWoz0/s320/1963_Ford_Cougar-II_05.jpg" width="320" /></a> Where the regular 260 street Cobra would do about 160
Ford claimed that Cougar II was engineered to reach speeds in the 170
miles-an-hour range. When interior air pressure exceeded 15 pounds per
square inch, a relief panel across the rear of the passenger compartment
opened automatically. This panel was required, since there was
the possibility that at high speeds, the extreme pressure against the
rear window might blow it out. Cougar also had a unique spring-loaded
window-lift mechanism that allowed adjustment to the curved side
windows.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rEds913UdFzDxsrlCx4PgfAeHKh5lRNZkQCAvVE87sI96IrIDJx7TaPrvITD9Fffzvr-gdxMofZpZbK6e32E99rsj4sXSJ8-V9fFLJyo1gmanmuHC8aBewPzLu8I5aq4GdW0urFz5R8/s1600/1963_Ford_Cougar_II_concept_car_03.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rEds913UdFzDxsrlCx4PgfAeHKh5lRNZkQCAvVE87sI96IrIDJx7TaPrvITD9Fffzvr-gdxMofZpZbK6e32E99rsj4sXSJ8-V9fFLJyo1gmanmuHC8aBewPzLu8I5aq4GdW0urFz5R8/s320/1963_Ford_Cougar_II_concept_car_03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ford said it was constructed on chassis #CSX2004) . They refer in
some press releases to the high-performance 289 Ford engine being moved
rearward in the chassis so odds are it had a 289 not a 260 as they say
elsewhere (maybe it arrived at Ford with a 260). Ford claims it was designed before the Stingray coupe, which is
possible but the timing was close since the Stingray coupe was designed
starting in about 1961 for debut as a '63 model. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05F7Royz2ALklaUs3OKy9yvxUAgBqglVmT8SsOZ5F5UgYUAWJAOm5lG-jBqGF16Un25HmGt3GJz01TJbMEyO072KKwTwP1uaN1S4MMlvDmJSsANOqkWzCvHzfjqqikJby3jvwxLBldrA/s1600/1963_Ford_Cougar_II_concept_car_02.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05F7Royz2ALklaUs3OKy9yvxUAgBqglVmT8SsOZ5F5UgYUAWJAOm5lG-jBqGF16Un25HmGt3GJz01TJbMEyO072KKwTwP1uaN1S4MMlvDmJSsANOqkWzCvHzfjqqikJby3jvwxLBldrA/s320/1963_Ford_Cougar_II_concept_car_02.jpg" width="320" /></a> Now that Cobra roadsters are worth North of $600,000, the Museum that can't afford to restore it should turn it over to be sold as a fund raiser (we suggest Gooding auction at Monterey) and with the money they could buy ten other prototypes from Detroit automakers. It is the same argument you would use for a horse breeder who has a potential Secretariat thoroughbred but who can't take it
to the big races like the Derby, so why not sell it and buy ten more
horses?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnlYsBixKdHH-o6s10egTGItUhGoSohymbYt9Kfih7qSwFlxI2Ms3ibtK1hymlQcX3uJtNq_LDj9PvIFKuEsuJ-DW4s5wo9QqEtq3GNoXDLvKbnnPh_LpSeqmFV6lO3fOkUWaCFg4zW4/s1600/1963_Ford_Cougar-II_06.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnlYsBixKdHH-o6s10egTGItUhGoSohymbYt9Kfih7qSwFlxI2Ms3ibtK1hymlQcX3uJtNq_LDj9PvIFKuEsuJ-DW4s5wo9QqEtq3GNoXDLvKbnnPh_LpSeqmFV6lO3fOkUWaCFg4zW4/s320/1963_Ford_Cougar-II_06.jpg" width="320" /></a> As it is, the Cougar II and the XD Cobra (another prototype on a real Cobra chassis) only see the light of day occasionally as the Detroit Historical Museum does not have space to show them in their regular collection. Thankfully they have brought them out for special occasions, like for an appearance at the 2011 Detroit
Autorama; just enough so we know they still exist!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8X20AbCqr9TfstlLoj8QTSbhAJn4Qkw-4oKgYcVtbIbnoe365py-gwIxfO5J1D7v_4-0c1rJNgruPqXv1em17-gd4gHS-sERKSsswe42zowh-sQ4xNjw2qymYBK1PqWF7e9duQf-Z_c/s1600/1963_Ford_Cougar_II_concept_car_04.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8X20AbCqr9TfstlLoj8QTSbhAJn4Qkw-4oKgYcVtbIbnoe365py-gwIxfO5J1D7v_4-0c1rJNgruPqXv1em17-gd4gHS-sERKSsswe42zowh-sQ4xNjw2qymYBK1PqWF7e9duQf-Z_c/s320/1963_Ford_Cougar_II_concept_car_04.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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<br />Comment below if you think would it be more merciful to re-body the Cougar II into a Cobra.<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846718958255560145.post-44247229171201114052012-06-24T14:52:00.004-07:002012-06-24T14:52:51.459-07:0045th Anniversary of “All-American” Victory at 1967 Le Mans Commemorated by European Tour of Ford Mark IV<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">With
the 24 Hours of Le Mans last weekend, Racing in America reflects on the
45th anniversary of the Ford Mark IV claiming the second of four
consecutive victories for Ford Motor Company cars at Le Mans, arguably
the greatest American racing victory on foreign soil.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">That
day in 1967, the stunning red Mark IV, now in the procession of Henry
Ford Museum as part of its Racing in America collection, was driven to
the overall victory by A.J. Foyt and Dan Gurney. It remains today the
only Le Mans overall win by American drivers, in an American-built car,
with an American engine (Ford V8), prepared by an American team (Shelby
American). </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">The
No. 1 Mark IV, which was capable of speeds as high as 220 mph, led all
but the first 90 minutes of the race, and won easily by four laps over
the second place Ferrari. The iconic car featured numerous innovations
for its day, including its aluminum honeycomb structure, a sunken driver
compartment, and a sleek, wingless design that had been extensively
tested in the wind tunnel.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">“It
was a very sophisticated chassis, but not a very sophisticated engine,”
said Bob Casey, curator of transportation for The Henry Ford. “The
engine they used, a big 427 Ford V8, was based on their NASCAR engine.”</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">But
the car may be best known for the addition of the “Gurney bubble,” a
“bubble” on the roof built in to accommodate Gurney’s head, since he
stood nearly 6-foot-4.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Gurney
and Foyt were known as fierce competitors in the United States, indeed
having competed against each other just two weeks before in the
Indianapolis 500. But the two American racing legends were brought
together by Ford Motor Company and team owner Carroll Shelby to do just
what they did. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">"For
us, it's a great transference to the United States as far as
technology, it’s a wonderful story about teamwork, it's a great story
about collaboration, and foremost, it's a great story about the process
of innovation, all through the lens of American racing,” said Christian
Overland, executive vice president of the Henry Ford. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">In
addition to the stunning victory, the post-race celebration saw the
birth of one of racing's finest traditions -- the champagne shower in
victory lane. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">The Mark IV race car, in honor of the 45<sup>th</sup>
anniversary, recently left Dearborn for a European tour, including the
Goodwood Festival of Speed, and is expected back in Michigan in
September, when it will be returned to its place on honor on the floor
of Henry Ford Museum in the Driving America exhibit.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846718958255560145.post-64181153441120461762012-06-24T14:46:00.000-07:002012-06-24T14:46:23.627-07:00Shelby Heritage Display to be in tent at Monterey Motorsports Reunion<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
by E. Musarra</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div>
<blockquote>
Not only will there be dozens of real Cobras competion at the Rolex
Monterey Motorsports Reunion, August 17-19, but now there will be a
collection of Cobras of unequaled magnitude at Ford Motor Company’s
onsite Shelby Cobra Heritage Display.<br /><br />The display at the track,
in a tent, will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Shelby Cobra
while shaping up to be a fitting remembrance of Carroll Shelby, who died
May 10.<br /><br />According to Ford Motor Company’s Group Vice President
for Global Marketing, Sales and Service, Jim Farley, the weekend is
going to be filled with everything and everyone that Shelby touched.<br /><br />“There
will never be another person like Carroll Shelby,” Farley said. “His
legacy is forever immortalized within the walls of Ford Motor Company
and the hearts of millions of automotive enthusiasts. The Monterey
weekend will be a very special gathering and fitting tribute to the man
who accomplished the unimaginable.”<br /><br />Never before, and perhaps
never again, will these cars – which helped turn Carroll Shelby’s dream
into a reality and created the legend – be grouped together in one
location. And while there will be hundreds of Shelby Cobras descending
on the Monterey Peninsula for Classic Car Week and the Rolex Monterey
Motorsports Reunion, none will be as historically significant as the
featured cars in the Heritage Display, which include:<br />
<br />Daytona Coupe (CSX 2299) – The most significant of the six coupes,
this is the car that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Daytona Continental 24
Hour, 12 Hours of Sebring and the 1965 FIA GT World Championship. It
was driven by Dan Gurney, Bob Bondurant and others. (Courtesy of the
Shelby American Museum)<br /><br />FIA Cobra Roadster (CSX 2345) – Probably
the most significant Cobra. It compiled five FIA wins and was driven by
Phil Hill, Bob Bondurant, Roy Salvadori, Sir John Whitmore and others.
It is completely original and untouched, including tires, from its last
win in 1965 at Rossfeld, Germany. (Courtesy of the Shelby American
Museum)<br /><br />USRRC Cobra Roadster (CSX 2431) – The most recognizable
Cobra roadster No. 98 was driven almost exclusively by Ken Miles.
(Courtesy of the Shelby American Museum)<br /><br />Sebring Cobra Roadster
(CSX 2128) – Known as the “Hey Little Cobra” roadster, this was driven
by Dan Gurney and Ken Miles. (Courtesy of the Shelby American Museum)<br /><br />Cobra
Roadster (CSX 2026) – The first Cobra to ever win a race and a national
championship, it was primarily driven by Dave McDonald, Lew Spencer and
Bob Johnson. (Courtesy of the Shelby American Museum)<br /><br />Cobra
Roadster (CSX 2002) – The very first Shelby factory race car and the
third Cobra ever built, it was driven by Billy Krause and others.
(Courtesy of the Shelby American Museum)<br /><br />Cobra (CSX 2128) – This
was one of two Cobras built for the 1963 12 Hours of Sebring. (Courtesy
of the Larry H. Miller Auto Museum)<br /><br />Cobra (CSX 3017) – This was a full competition 427 Cobra. (Courtesy of the Larry H. Miller Auto Museum)<br /><br />Cobra #1 – The very first Shelby Cobra, this car debuted at the 1962 New York Auto Show. (Courtesy of Shelby American)<br /><br />Cobra
(CSX 4000) – This was the first re-creation of the famed Cobra, which
has become the most replicated car in history. (Courtesy of Shelby
American)<br /><br />Cobra 289 Dragonsnake (CSX 2427) – This is the only
“Stage III” factory Dragonsnake Cobra ever and is also the only original
yellow and Weber-inducted Cobra sold to the public. It has undergone a
meticulous, multi-year restoration that earned it a nearly perfect score
at SAAC’s concourse. The car cost $8,695 in 1964. (Courtesy of Steven
Juliano from Pelham Manor, NY) <br /><br />Advance general admission tickets
start at $50. A three-day ticket is only $130 and includes a
complimentary souvenir magazine. Children 12 and under are free with a
paying adult. Hospitality options begin at $200 per person.<br /><br />For more information on the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion or to purchase tickets, call <a href="tel:800-327-7322" target="_blank" value="+18003277322">800-327-7322</a> or visit <a href="http://www.mazdaraceway.com/" target="_blank">www.MazdaRaceway.com</a>.</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846718958255560145.post-67806726156907565972012-06-24T14:43:00.000-07:002012-06-24T14:43:21.441-07:00Ford's GR-1 Concept Model: Could it be Built Into a Cobra?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">
The world of the auto collector is usually divided neatly into such categories as prototypes, mules,<br />and production cars. Some prototypes sometimes escape auto makers and are put on
the road, but it's rare, especially now that there's emissions and
safety rules which prototypes handily don't have to meet. Mules never
reach the road--they are destroyed, and often don't look anything like the production car. Now we have a new category: Platform model. We found out a year late that Ford sold the "platform model" (an inanimate non-running life size model for a future car) at an auction in Monterrey a year ago. Now that makes us wonder if it could be put on a chassis and then<br />called, and presumably registered as, a Cobra?<br /> Presumably Ford supplied a receipt for the car and described it and with 50 States in the U.S. (plus Puerto Rico and Guam) that leaves a buyer over 50 DMV offices he can try to register it at.<strong> <span style="font-weight: normal;">The sleek</span> </strong>GR-1 was first unveiled at the 2004
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The platform model sold at the RM
auction a year ago for $75,000 (the money going to the Juvenile Diabetes
Research Foundation) . It was built after the Cobra concept
roadster won <i>Best in Show</i> at the 2004 Detroit Auto Show. <div>
</div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<img alt="Auction-Results_2005-Ford-Shelby-GR-1-Concept-Platform-Model_th1" src="http://www.roadandtrack.com/var/ezflow_site/storage_RT_NEW/storage/images/media/images/auction-results_2005-ford-shelby-gr-1-concept-platform-model_th1/2567166-1-eng-US/auction-results_2005-ford-shelby-gr-1-concept-platform-model_th1.jpg" /> </div>
<div>
The
design of the car, which in profile, strongly resembles the design by
Pete Brock for the 1964 Cobra Daytona coupe is credited to a young
designer at the Irvine Advanced Design Studio, George Saridakis. His
Kamm-tailed homage to the original coupe caught the eye of Ford’s Head
of Design, J Mays, and got approved for a show car. Though the coupe
they later built in running form for a second prototype was
front-engined, the running version used much of the Ford GT platform
from their mid-engined car of '05-'06. Why would Ford sell a non-running
car? Because they discovered in an auction several years ago where they
sold dozens of clay, wood and fiberglass models that buyers of
non-running cars generally put them in their vast living rooms or
museums on display (or they could be Ford dealers wanting something as a
"showroom magnet.") . Hardly anyone, Ford figured, would want to go
through the expense of building a chassis to put under it. Ford
figures: Hey, it's for charity and if they donate it to charity they can
write it off as a charitable contribution. <br /> Going back to the
idea of making it a running car, we think if the owner mounted this body
on a real A.C. chassis, he or she would have a better argument for
registering it as an "A.C. Cobra" because the chassis would be built by
A.C. and the body by Ford. Then it would be in the same category as the
XD Cobra, a genuine A.C. Cobra chassis rebodied by Ford back in the
early '60s with an experimental body design or the Cougar II, another
genuine A.C. Cobra chassis rebodied by Ford that's in the same
collection.<br /> Now when it comes to a replica chassis, not made by
A.C. (though they could use an A.C. Mk.IV through Mk. VI), then you
couldn't call it an "A.C. Cobra" but you could still register it, in one
state or another, as a Ford Cobra which is probably how it's described
on the paperwork. And once it's titled, you could move to the State you
live in and re-title it. Now what we want to know is, what
happened to the polished aluminum one that followed? That's the car we
want but if that's not for sale, the present owner of the "platform car"
might want to price out what it would cost to get this inanimate
platform car to be a running car. But since the Concept Platform is not
alloy you couldn't polish it to look like the running car. We'll take a
wild guess and say $250,000 separates a running car from having a car
like Ford's running GR-1 concept car...</div>
</div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846718958255560145.post-19352112152556332992012-06-10T11:08:00.002-07:002012-06-10T11:08:44.029-07:00Autokraft: who are they?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://a.images.boldride.com/ac-cars/2010/ac-mkvi-1306228015-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://a.images.boldride.com/ac-cars/2010/ac-mkvi-1306228015-6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Autokraft: who are they?</span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">By Walalce Wyss</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> Every once in a while you see an Autokraft Cobra advertised. These usually have aluminum bodywork. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span><span>Here's the background: </span>Brian Angliss was a Cobra restorer in England
in the mid 1970s. After having great difficulty finding original parts
to repair and rebuild customers’ Cobras, he began manufacturing and
keeping an inventory of parts himself, He called his company CP
Autokraft for “Cobra Parts”. </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span>Eventually his spare
inventory was sufficient to almost build complete cars. Angliss began
negotiating with AC Cars to purchase many of the original parts’ jigs,
dies, tooling and body bucks.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span> </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span> A.C. Cars Ltd. </span>liked what he was doing so much that, <span>in
early 1982 AC granted Angliss’ Autokraft company manufacturing and AC
trademark rights for building a new generation of Mark IV Cobras. At
least 60 were imported to the U.S. where
they were sold at participating Ford dealers with 5.0 liter Mustang
engines under the hood. Ironically though in other companies like Germany you could get them without an engine and install a big block Ford. </span></span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span> By
1986, Angliss, the owner of what was by then called Autokraft
Brooklands Ltd, acquired AC Cars Ltd outright from the Hurlock family
after 56 years of ownership. According to Walter Hayes, the biographer
of Henry Ford II, Hayes talked Henry Ford II into having Ford buy into
Angliss operation. Angliss spent millions developing an all new car he
called the Ace (not Cobra styled) but it was a flop. Eventually, <span> </span>Angliss bought overall control of the company from Ford and manufactured the Mk 4 until 1996. </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span>The
editors of the Shelby American World Registry recognize some of the
Autokraft cars as real Cobras. A previous Registry (not the edition out
now) featured only 197 known examples of Mk4s built as original AC
cars. </span></span><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> Other sources say 348 factory produced AC Mark IV Cobras were made. </span></span><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span>S</span>ubsequently there have
been Mk. V and now there are Mk. VI models though it remains to be
seen how future registrars will recognize them as Cobras.</span></span><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> We only have partial information on serial numbers which may be of some help if you find one for sale. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span>
</span><br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#f8fafc" colspan="2" height="100%" valign="top" width="100%">
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td height="100%" valign="top"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: x-small;"><span>
<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: xx-small;">
<hr height="1" noshade="noshade" />
</span></blockquote>
<br /><br /><b>Example VIN:</b><br /><br />SA9AK3025FA017069 <i>AKA</i> AK1069<br /><br /><b>Decoder:</b><br /><br /><i><b>SA9</b></i> = British Standard<br /><i><b>AK</b></i> = Manufacturer - Autokraft<br /><i><b>302</b></i> = Engine size<br /><i><b>5</b></i> = Check sum number<br /><i><b>F</b></i> = Model Year (1985) (G = 1986, H = 1987, J = 1988 K = 1989, L = 1990, M = 1991 N = 1992 P = 1993).<br /><i><b>A</b></i> = Plant A or B<br /><i><b>017</b></i> = British Standard<br /><i><b>069</b></i> = Chassis production number since 1985 (Cars not necessarily produced in numerical order).</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846718958255560145.post-35887129994231514352012-06-10T10:51:00.002-07:002012-06-10T10:51:28.224-07:00Gooding to Auction 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra at Pebble Beach<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.sportscardigest.com/wp-content/uploads/1966_Shelby_427_Cobra-31-620x413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.sportscardigest.com/wp-content/uploads/1966_Shelby_427_Cobra-31-620x413.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">By E. Musarra</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Gooding Auction Co. will offer a 1966
Shelby 427 Cobra at their Pebble<br />
Beach Auction on August 18 & 19th 2012 at the Pebble Beach
Equestrian Center, located at the corner of Portola Road and Stevenson Drive.
Preview days will start on Wednesday, August 15 continuing through Sunday, August
19. The auctions will commence at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and 6:00 p.m. on
Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is just one of 260 road cars
produced. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">An excellent representation of what collectors
look for in an authentic Cobra today, CSX 3216 has a genuine, date-coded 427 FE
big block engine and has been extensively restored to its original livery of
Wimbledon White over an original black interior that has acquired a beautiful
patina. This is after it was in an auction a few years ago painted blue; the
trend now being to go back to the color a car was originally. The car is
equipped with a complete file of documentation dating back to its first owner.
Its estimated sales price is $750,000 - $950,000. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">To see the difference
in the paint color, here is how it was in blue with white stripes at
Maxted-Page Ltd. (Essex UK) <a href="http://www.maxted-page.com/cars/car-details.aspx?id=3">a couple years ago</a>
and <a href="http://saacforum.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=0ca64519bdab2a93ebccaaebedbddddd&topic=18134.0">here
is how it is in white</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find the
white preferable, if only because I would like to see more original era Cobras
look like they did the day they were sold.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846718958255560145.post-32364714434046431122012-06-10T10:31:00.002-07:002012-06-10T10:31:52.586-07:00Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Announces Cobra class for 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.autoweek.com/galleryimage/CW/20120524/COLLECTOR/524009999/PH/1/6/Gooding-&-Company-Pebble-Beach-Auction.jpg&MaxW=630" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://www.autoweek.com/galleryimage/CW/20120524/COLLECTOR/524009999/PH/1/6/Gooding-&-Company-Pebble-Beach-Auction.jpg&MaxW=630" width="320" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance has announced the<br />featured
marques and special classes for its 2012 collector car competition that
will be displayed on the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links on August 19.<br /><br /> Features for the 62nd annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance include Maharaja Cars and the marques of Mercer and Fiat. Special classes will recognize Saoutchik Coachwork, AC and AC Cobra, Sport Customs, and German motorcycles.<br /><br /> Special classes they say weill include: "AC and AC (Shelby) Cobra – In 1961, automotive designer Carroll Shelby and AC Cars began a partnership to create a car to compete with Chevrolet’s Corvette. The result was the legendary AC Cobra, also known as the Shelby Cobra, a roadster built from 1962 to 1965."<br /><br /> Actually Cobras were built until 1967 but otherwise we look forward to the event. </div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846718958255560145.post-3358274202881464692012-06-07T14:24:00.000-07:002012-06-07T14:24:09.072-07:00Wallace Wyss to Premiere New Art Series<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Wyss to Premiere Burnt Sienna Tone Series Prints at Automobilia Monterey</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span> </span><span class="il">Wallace</span> Wyss, a frequent contributor to VT, announces that he will have a booth</span> at Automobila in Monterey, an art and memorabilia event that kicks off "Monterey car week."<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> The booth will be mark the premiere of his “burnt sienna tone” series.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span> </span>“From my
days as a photographer, I love black and white,” says Wyss, “ and after
I saw some oil paintings of prewar title fights that were all done in
various shades of brown and white that evoked the nostalgia of old
photographs , I decided to paint some classic race scenes in the same
tones. But it hasn’t been easy—when I go to print, the color control is
much more critical because I don’t have all a full color palette to work
with.<span> </span>But it’s rewarding when I do succeed and I think I
will find some enthusiasts for this technique, which has a sort of
built-in nostalgia.”</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span> </span>By the
time of Monterey, he expects to have several Cobra and several Ferrari
racing scenes available as limited edition prints on watercolor paper,
sized 12” x 18,” but will still be offering full color prints as well.<span> </span>Automobilia Monterey takes place Tuesday August 14 and Wednesday, August 15, at <span style="color: #292929;">The Ballroom of <a href="http://www.embassysuites.com/en/es/hotels/index.jhtml%3bjsessionid=0JHXY3I5FPMUKCSGBIWMVCQKIYFC5UUC?ctyhocn=MRYESES" target="_blank"><span style="color: #723434;"><span style="color: black;">The Embassy Suites</span></span></a><span style="color: black;">,</span> located on US 1, just north of 68 [to Laguna Seca & Salinas.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: #292929;">Photos and hopefully even some samples to be available to Cobra-Ranch after the event. Stay tuned! </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846718958255560145.post-33570638686294587962012-06-07T14:04:00.002-07:002012-06-07T14:04:48.608-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.rmd.be/images/sobipro/entries/76/DSC00728%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://www.rmd.be/images/sobipro/entries/76/DSC00728%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><strong>1963 Race Cobra for Sale in Belgium</strong></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></span></div>
This car, CSX2112, was originally sold as a street car. But it has been in race specs since the mid 1970s. It was last raced in 2009 and is ready to race. Race equipment that goes with the car is a spare set of wheels, a differential and an additional engine. The dealer is RMD, over in Belgium near Brussels. <br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.rmd.be/images/sobipro/entries/76/DSC00771%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.rmd.be/images/sobipro/entries/76/DSC00771%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /><br /> RMD has been active in the buying and selling of classic cars for the last 15 years and has gradually evolved towards selling classic race cars for today’s historic rallying and racing. They also do their own racing and rallying. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.rmd.be/images/sobipro/entries/76/DSC00729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.rmd.be/images/sobipro/entries/76/DSC00729.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /> Their address is RMD , Zilverstraat 14 - 16<br />2900 Schoten Belgium. For more details write Marc Davis, <a href="mailto:salesinfo@rmd.be">salesinfo@rmd.be</a>. Tell them Cobra Ranch sent you...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.rmd.be/images/sobipro/entries/76/DSC00777%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.rmd.be/images/sobipro/entries/76/DSC00777%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846718958255560145.post-8833640571185311622012-05-13T23:55:00.000-07:002012-05-13T23:56:54.656-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Carroll Shelby died May 10,
2012, at Baylor Hospital in Dallas at the age of 89. It will take years
to assess his impact on the car racing world and automotive world.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://sneil.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54f91645288340168eb70945f970c-800wi" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://sneil.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54f91645288340168eb70945f970c-800wi" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">I think the part of his legend that will be
remembered most is that he came out of nowhere--no education, no college
degree, no business education, yet he conquered several worlds, such as
the sports car world, with his Cobra, and the automotive marketing
world with the Cobra and the Shelby Mustangs. </span><span style="font-size: small;">
You wouldn't think a rube from a small town in Texas could become a
world class race car driver but he won the 24 Hours of LeMans only a few
years after he started racing. </span><span style="font-size: small;"> When Shelby
came into the sports car world as a manufacturer, he started from
California because he knew the California hot rodders--the guys who had
been making their own intake manifolds and bodywork-- those were the
guys who could help him create something that would beat the fancy
foreign cars from Italy and England. </span><span style="font-size: small;"> And he was right. </span><span style="font-size: small;"> And
you can't deny that the Shelby GT350 led to Ford backing Shelby in
Trans-Am with the result that Shelby-prepared Mustangs took the Trans-Am
trophies for several years running.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> But the
biggest victory for American marques was when Shelby was called late by
Ford (after Ford dropped the ball in 1964) to help them with the GT40.
It was Shelby and his crew at Shelby-American that turned a loser into a
winner that took LeMans in '66 and '67.</span><span style="font-size: small;">
When Shelby went to Chrysler, there were those who thought: "What can
he accomplish there with those little front drive puddle jumpers?"
Well, he proved front wheel drive cars could be fun to drive and while
those Shelby Dodges are not collected like his Ford cars, he achieved
Chrysler's goal so that Americans today buy more American-made front
drive cars than they did back before Shelby turned his hand to them. <br /> </span><span style="font-size: small;">
Fans of his collaborations with Ford were happy to see Shelby get back
together with Ford. It was a long time coming, and surprising in that
most men his age would have long since retired to the rocker on the
porch. But, no, Shelby perserved--even having a heart and kidney
transplant to keep going--so that the modern Shelby Mustangs are worthy
of the name. </span><span style="font-size: small;"> Only a few months before he died, he saw the introduction of a 200-mph showroom stock Shelby Mustang. </span><span style="font-size: small;">
There were failures, oh, yes, big time failures like the Oldsmobile
powered Series 1. And fights, those clone wars got nasty with suits and
counter-suits. But the potential car builder in all of us hoped Shelby
would prevail because, damn it, he was the one who honed the original
ideas only to have them stolen when he was busy elsewhere. </span><span style="font-size: small;">
Trying to keep up with his other activities was impossible--you check
cattle ranching, horse breeding, chili mix production, you find Shelby
mentioned here and there and everywhere. Like Pete Lyons wrote "</span><span style="font-size: small;">In
every field that caught his interest, he was able to exercise a
powerful combination of intelligence, curiosity, vision, timing, guile,
cunning and charm, plus what he described as 'the work ethic.' "<br />
</span><span style="font-size: small;"> There are lots of other car companies that made
interesting products, but none of them had a leader who is even
one-tenth the exciting personality of Shelby. And his former employees,
who met annually at this event or that, seemed to like remembering
working for The Man, as the highlight of their working lives.</span><span style="font-size: small;">
No doubt they scratched their heads whenever they read about Shelby's
latest activiity. Here he was older than them, and by all rights should
be retired, but no, he was out there shaking up the troops. </span><span style="font-size: small;">
I think those who read about Shelby's life will discover a lot to
emulate--the way he would learn European courses so well that, 50 years
later, he could remember each turn in the Mille Miglia. The way he
supported young men with their ideas, even if he wasn't sure if they
could do what they claimed (case in point--Pete Brock's design for the
Cobra Daytona coupe).</span><span style="font-size: small;"> By far the most fun
in reading about Shelby is the "merry prankster" aspect to it all, the
way his crew lived it up when they went to race, and partied hardy, but
still won the races. It's like reading about Robin Hood and his merry
men. They had fun, and lived life to its fullest.</span><span style="font-size: small;">
And, as far as drama for a story, you don't get any better in talking
endurance racing of the '50s and '60s than Shelby vs. Enzo Ferrari. The
Ferrari people still like to pretend that Shelby was no threat but, for a
few years there --</span><span style="font-size: small;">say '65-'67-- Shelby
managed to wrest away the mantle from Ferrari, and for that sports car
fans who aren't die-hard Ferraristi are grateful.</span><span style="font-size: small;">
As far as how Shelby changed the car world, I believe his driving
school was one of the first for high-performance driving. His going into
cast wheels for cars and motorcycles showed his prowess as a
manufacturer. But the most important thing was proving that an
American-engined sports car could conquer those fancy European sports
cars where you had no parts and had to learn the language of your
foreign mechanic. </span><span style="font-size: small;"> His charity giving programs
have had some ups and downs but suffice to say that heart funds and
vocational education have received monies.</span><span style="font-size: small;">Shelby's
survivors consist of his wife, Cleo Shelby; his sister and only
sibling, Anne Shelby Ellison; daughter Sharon Lavine and sons Michael
and Patrick Shelby (all three from his first marriage to Jeanne Fields);
six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.</span><span style="font-size: small;">
With Carroll Shelby's death, an era has ended. And I, for one, will
lament that the car world is duller for it. We are back to the machines,
but machines are not interesting if there is not an interesting creator
behind them...</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Wallace Wyss is the author of SHELBY: The Man, The Cars, The Legend</span><span style="font-size: small;">(Iconografix, 2007)</span></div>
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