Drag race - Kirkham 65 side-oiler vs Ferrari 458 italia

[tommygold]

Ok, I learned a little more. It's a Shelby 427 carbourated sideoiler. It does have willow wood breaks, which came standard. He doesn't know the gear ratios. -Tom

[slider701]

Can the 458 be bought in a "Man-Version", with three pedals and a real shifter??

I fully understand and appreciate the 458 for it's modern sophistication and it's sexiness that is second only to a 427 cobra, but for pure driving pleasure and homage to the Ferrari heritage they should sell one version with 3 pedals and a shifter.

[4pipes]

The Italia only comes with the F1 transmission, no manual. I drove one two weeks ago.........fast, but not involving.

Originally Posted by slider701

Can the 458 be bought in a "Man-Version", with three pedals and a real shifter??

I fully understand and appreciate the 458 for it's modern sophistication and it's sexiness that is second only to a 427 cobra, but for pure driving pleasure and homage to the Ferrari heritage they should sell one version with 3 pedals and a shifter.

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by tommygold
I wonder if you all could help settle another debate for us. When he first proposed the bet (it was him, not me), he said that he had a "65 Shelby Cobra." It was only after we made the bet that he explained that it was a Kirkham -- I guess with the original engine, and registered as a 65. In ordinary parlance -- as opposed to this specialized community, where such a detail is critical -- is it fair to call his car a "65 Shelby Cobra"? Thanks.

Ok, I learned a little more. It's a Shelby 427 carbourated sideoiler. It does have willow wood breaks, which came standard. He doesn't know the gear ratios. -Tom

If it's truly a "Shelby 427" engine, it is based on a Shelby made 427 block which is not technically a sideoiler.
And no - it is not accurate to call it a '65 Shelby Cobra simply because it isn't one. It is a quality product and arguably the finest Cobra replication (or REal?) ever produced, but it isn't a '65 and it isn't a Shelby.

The brakes are Willwoods - real willow wood brakes would exhibit way too much fade - not to mention smoke . Cobras are old school, but c'mon - not THAT old!

Sounds like your buddy is not much of a car guy or he'd know more about his Cobra. He's gonna lose unless you really mess up. It's going to be a huge hoot though, so please keep us in the loop!

If the unthinkable happens and he does smoke you, we promise to help you pick out a suitable Cobra, assuming you can still afford one after losing the bet!

[rodneym]

tommygold,

What Ferrari site are you chatting on about this race?
My search on Google was fruitless (Ferrari Italia 458 Kirkham Cobra drag race).
I'd love to read what Ferraristi are saying about it.

Thanks