The "original" Cobra kit car

[Ron61]

One 221 engine was ever fitted in a Cobra and that was one that they flew to Thames Dutton to see if they could make it work in that body. Then the engine and transmission were removed and flown back to the states. By the time they got bodies here, Ford had kicked the 221 up to 260 and that is why they are so rare. No Cobra was ever built and offered for sale with the 221. The first 60 Cobras had the 260 engine in them which they had pumped up to 260 horse or one horsepower per cubic inch. I see a 62/63 Fairlane once in a while at a show that has the 221.

Ron

[Rick Parker]

They (221) were a real step forward from the 292 that they replaced but a little weak in the knees, I think around 145-160 HP with a 2 bbl in Fairlane application. But... A huge step forwarding design and efficiency.