2196 and 2259

[Riverside racer]

I have had a request to replicate 2196 for a customer. NOT the flip top but the turd, as it debuted at Sebring #1 1964.
Whilst doing some research and looking at the photos available on line and in books, I noticed the fia dimples on the trunk. After Ted Sutton had fitted a 427 in it and Shelby tested and gave the order to "make it a race car" my thinking is , did the team possibly start preparing 2196 for the European FIA challenge and fitted the trunk that had come on 2259? That idea explains why 2259 raced without the dimples at Sebring. Or perhaps it was the only car at the factory to trial fit the extra race tank and suitcase required by the FIA governing body and shape the trunk accordingly. Any ideas and /or period pics would be most welcome.
Ross

[1985 CCX]

Ross

Big question................ phew

Will look at some books tonight. Might be a Jeff Burgy question..... Hmmmm

[SunDude]

None of the period pics I've seen of CSX2259 in 1964 show it with trunk dimples.

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Here's a photo of CSX2259 at Daytona speedway in Feb 1964 for the NASA stress tests. No trunk dimples.

[Riverside racer]

Both 2259 and 60 had no dimples at Daytona and Sebring yet 2196 has them. This to me verifies that Shelby were responsible for the dimples ,but have never seen or read about 2196 earmarked as a FIA contender,This might have been the reason why the bigger rear fenders were developed because if a 427 was part of the plan it makes more sense. ie wider wheels.
Ross

[Dan Case]

There are many images of CSX2196 posted on Ford site. The one most interesting to me has been taken down. It was a super picture of the car in side view clearly showing 15X6.5 Cobra race wheels (designed for Cobras) on front and 1963 INDY 500 15X7.5 race wheels (that fit Cobras and used a lot by SAI) on the rear.



1964Sebring12Hr_0051 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

1964Sebring12Hr_0089 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

1964Sebring12Hr_1281 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

1964Sebring12Hr_1448 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

1964Sebring12Hr_1747 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[WardL]

I'm just guessing/speculating, but if you had two trunk lids, it would be pretty easy to change them and add to the confusion of which Cobras had them and which did not.