[mike55]

Found a few interesting period pics of the Shelby King Cobra (Cooper Monaco - based).

In the first pic, Augie Pabst picked up Ken Miles on the victory lap (Miles DNF'd), Mosport June '64.

Chassis details were impressive including a space frame design having 1.5-inch tubing. The rear suspension was borrowed straight from the Cooper F1 car with Triumph uprights in the front. Compared to the standard Type 61 Monaco chassis, the King Cobra was 8.5 inches wider, four inches longer and two inches lower. As a complete package the King Cobra only weighed 1300 lbs.

John Cooper worked directly with Shelby to modify the CM Type 61 chassis in England before they were shipped overseas. Four chassis were received directly by Shelby while Jack Ensley and W.Mitchell each got copy. All King Cobras were powered by the potent 289 Ford V8 with either a Huffaker or Colotti 4-Speed transaxle. Note the quick change.

After 1964 Ford motivated Shelby to terminate the USRRC efforts to focus on the GT40 effort. The cars were sold for $3000 USD each and continued on with privateers.