February 2, 1965 is a historical day for any Ford fan. It was this day in Los Angeles, California that Carroll Shelby would receive an AC chassis from England and start what would be a huge chapter in automobile history-The Shelby Cobra!
Since the chassis came from England already fitted for a 221 cubic inch Ford V8, it would take Shelby less than eight hours to fit a new drive train to the vehicle. With the addition of a stronger rear axle from Jaguar to handle the new powerful V8, most major modifications were already done on the chassis. Jaguar E-type inboard disc brakes were used, but production versions had outboards to reduce cost. The steering box was the only major change done by Shelby, as it had to be moved outward to clear a wider eight-cylinder power plant. The last 51 Mark I Cobra's were equipped with a 289 c.i. V8, the first 75 used a 260 c.i. Engine.
In 1963, the new production was called a Mark II and used rack and pinion steering from the MGB and a Volkswagen Beetle steering column. Approximately 528 Mark II Cobra's were produced from 1963 to mid-1965. The Mark III chassis was born after Carroll Shelby attempted to equip the Mark II with a 390 cubic inch engine. Race driver Ken Miles claimed the car was undriveable. This led Shelby to design the Mark III Cobra.
With cooperation from the Ford Motor Company in Detroit, Michigan, the chassis was built on 4" main tubes and a coil spring suspension was used both front and rear of the new Cobra. Wider fenders and a larger radiator opening gave this two-seat sports car a menacing appearance. Making room for serious horsepower, the Mark III was powered by the famous 427 cubic inch "side oiler" V8. The standard model was capable of 425 horsepower and a top speed of 163 miles per hour, where the competition model could crank out 485 hp and a top speed of 180 mph! The Mark III Cobra began production on January 1, 1965. Though the Cobra was an impressive vehicle, it did not sell as expected and was a financial failure. To cut costs, some Mark III's came with a 428 c.i. long stroke, small bore engine that was intended for road use instead of racing.
On display at Benchmark Classics is a recently acquired Mark III Cobra Factory Five Replica built by Unique Motor Cars. Built in 1997, this replica is fully equipped with many desirable Cobra options. A 427 'side oiler' V8 engine, top loader 4-speed manual transmission, and the Jaguar E-type inboard disc brakes and rear axle. The suspension has single coil over shocks in the front, and dual coil over's in the rear that is fully adjustable. With only 2,700 miles since built, this Cobra is putting out 550+ horsepower and is dangerously fast, doing a 0-60 mph run in 3, yes 3 seconds! Tell me that's not just nasty fast! An MSD ignition equipped with an adjustable rev limiter keeps you from blowing the pistons out the side of the engine block when using this car as a magnet to attract the opposite sex. Other extras include electric fuel pump and cooling fans, two options that eliminate the overheating issues that plague the side oiler.
Contact a Benchmark representative today to inquire how you can own a tough as nails Cobra replica with paying a true Cobra price! |
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