[Buzz]

Not sure why we're having this well-worn back and forth in a thread about an electric Cobra, but here goes.

Originally Posted by 120mm

AFAIK, Ford never had anything to do with the AC/Shelby Cobra.

Look up Bob Negstad. Ford did have something to do with the Cobra. Besides, when it comes to the notion of bringing back the Cobra - ie: a mordern production version of the old concept - Ford is the only major automaker that owns the legal right to do so.

Originally Posted by From the book Cobra - the first 40 years

In order to speed the project along, Ford (unofficially) decided to take over development of the new Cobra. This was logical since both (Klaus) Arning and Negstad were Ford people. Arming had recently designed much of the GT40 suspension using the new computer technology coming online within Ford. Drawing boards and pencils were on the way out and the new Cobra was amongst the first to benefit from this new technology. Bob Negstad was moved from Ford’s research department to Shelby American and was sent to AC Cars to assist in the construction of the prototype. It was Negstad, Alan Turner and the staff at AC Cars who developed the 427 Cobra, in spite of several other people wishing to claim credit; while most Shelby American people were far too busy with the GT40 and Alan Turner cannot recollect too much contact with Shelby personnel whilst work was under way.

…(Due to Shelby being tied up with the Mustang GT350)… More Ford people were arriving, and extra staff had to be employed. By now, Ford wanted to keep it’s involvement in the ‘MkII’ Cobra quiet, in the same way that Shelby American were keen to play down the role played by AC Cars.