[pderoussAC7019]

I always presumed they built these cars to follow the overwhelming trend of the period, which was a move to a mid engined layout. FI had already totally moved this way, GT racing was rapidly heading in this direction (Ferrari 250 LM etc.) and Indianapolis was shortly to go there too. Front engined cars were rapidly being complely outclassed on race tracks everywhere - which also is the most likely explanation for the relative failure of the 427 as a commercial enterprise and as a race car. The trend was then reflected in top end roadgoing sportrs cars which, starting with the Muira, also went to a mid engined format. Even Top Fuel dragsters ended up this way too.

I have often thought that these King Cobras were the forerunners to the CamAm cars that provided so much entertainment in the late 60's. As with the first Cobras they proved that a British chassis and body with an American V8 attached to it makes an incredibly effective (and relatively low cost) combination.