[tonysshelbys]

I've been fascinated reading all of the posts regarding this subject. Although I am firmly in the "Shelby made the Cobra what it is camp" I really would like to put my two cents regarding the post on Shelby and the GT-40. Let's not forget the GT-40 in 1964 was an absolute loser! God bless John Wyer but FAV under his direction couldn't make the GT-40 even finish a race let alone win anything. It was Ford's corporate decision to turn the Ford GT program over to Shelby American because of Shelby American's ability to WIN races with the Cobras (289 FIA's and Daytona Coupes in 1964, FIA'S won hillclimbs in 1964 under Bondurant's driving).
Let's also remember, it was SA that decided to scrap the Indy 4.2 liter engine and go with the proven 289 HI-PO.
Results are what count and the GT-40's won its debut race under the Shelby American banner at Daytona and then Sebring.