[DMXF]

Bruce - The Cheetah was thought by it's developers to be more than a match for the Cobra when comparing to the small block cars: the small block Cobra power to weight ratio was 375hp/1950lb = .19 hp/lb. The high water mark of Cobra engine development, however, was the 427 high riser with 58mm downdraft webers. This engine, with all original 60's specification parts, will generate a solid 600hp. Competition big block Cobras with the lightweight engine were quoted in Shelby American documents to weigh as little as 2150 lb., resulting ratio of .279 hp/lb. I'm not sure about the Cheetah engine power, but I read that some of the cars came with 365 hp 327's and others ran a 377ci. I can't imagine the 377 would put out more than 450hp with cylinder head technology they had back then, but optimistically assuming output of 480hp for the best configuration yields a ratio of .27 hp/lb (I ran across a weight of 1780 lb on the internet). So the cars are quite comparable in that respect.

As far as top speed, the 215mph number sounds hokey and without solid evidence doesn't seem reasonable. Top speed is a function of HP, frontal area and coefficient of drag and 1) The Cobra made more power, 2) The frontal area of the Cheetah looks to be in the ballpark of a race-prepped Cobra, especially since the track width of the Cheetah is about the same as or slightly greater than the big block Cobra, and 3) The nose of the Cheetah looks to be about as bad as the Grand Sport Corvette, with the upward protrusion that scoops up air underneath and makes the car lift off the ground at speeds in excess of approx 150mph. There are also big open areas around the Cheetah wheelwells that grab air. I have fairly extensive empirically-based analysis that shows the big block Cobra in race trim requires 600hp to go 200mph, so how can a Cheetah with less power and similar if not worse aerodynamics go that much faster? Doesn't make sense. I recall hearing the '67 L88 Corvette reached a top speed at Daytona of about 185mph, so given the aerodynamics of that car are more in line with the Cheetah's, that sounds like more of a realistic ballpark.

You are rightfully proud of your car, the Cheetah must be one hell of a ride. You can imagine, however, that posting on a Cobra forum for Cobras to go run and hide would have it's repercussions!