When Were Slabsides Invented

[HealeyRick]

I'm wondering why those that prefer the 260s wouldn't rather have the 289 HiPo version, instead?

[EM-0785]

Originally Posted by HealeyRick

I'm wondering why those that prefer the 260s wouldn't rather have the 289 HiPo version, instead?

While not responding to the engine option, nor cooling aspect (steering, etc.), I am quite drawn to the simple, uninterrupted lines of the early bodies with no side vents. Pure original, unrefined beauty.

Brent

[1ntCobra]

Well "slabside" doesn't really describe it accurately, but maybe we could try a different terminology like "flat-edged wheel-flared"? Maybe that doesn't roll off the tongue as easily though.

[jolsen42]

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

Originally Posted by 1ntcobra

well "slabside" doesn't really describe it accurately, but maybe we could try a different terminology like "flat-edged wheel-flared"? Maybe that doesn't roll off the tongue as easily though. :jekylhyde

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by 1ntCobra

Well "slabside" doesn't really describe it accurately, but maybe we could try a different terminology like "flat-edged wheel-flared"? Maybe that doesn't roll off the tongue as easily though.

Shelby roadster works rolls off the tongue a little easier

[mr bruce]

here in the 'Burgh , I heard the kool kids callin' them slabsides since the early 70's, name might have been originated here, since the first cobra was built in the Pittsburgh , Shadyside area. ( boy that last statement outta get things stirring)

[jolsen42]

Thanks Mr. Bruce. I hope you are well.

Originally Posted by mr bruce

here in the 'Burgh , I heard the kool kids callin' them slabsides since the early 70's, name might have been originated here, since the first cobra was built in the Pittsburgh , Shadyside area. ( boy that last statement outta get things stirring)

[mr bruce]

https://www.hemmings.com/stories/201...ras?refer=news

[Alfa02]

Back in the old days in the "Long, long ago" and we're talking race cars here, 260/289 cars were just Cobras, as in A/The. 427 Cobras were called exactly that 427 Cobra or the Big Block Cobra. Never heard the term Slabside in the 60's-70's, if anything else it was the "Wide or Narrow Fender" Cobra.

[Harpoon PV2]

Speaking of overlap in production Cobra's. In all the races that Cobra's were in during the 60s, only one outright first place podium was taken in any FIA race. It was taken by Dan Gurney, at Bridgehampton 1963, the first American to do that in an FIA race. He drove an early 289 with Bishop Cam & Peg steering. He was a great driver!

[Tremelune]

I never found it derogatory, but I've heard this sentiment expressed pretty often...Maybe we can adopt a different monicker:

Cobra Chic

[Harpoon PV2]

Actually, coil spring cars were also 289 cars, as in AC289! They were either COB or COX, the C stood for Cobra. Both Shelby and Ford signed off to let AC build Cobra's for the rest of the world, after the initial cars had been Homologated! The first right hand Cobra's used the old factory two letter no X. So they were simply CS cars. C for Carol, (yes they spelled his name wrong,) S for Shelby. I can only picture some big bloke standing there at the ledger thinking to himself, "well, if some bird named Carol, going to put down that many Quid for a ton of Ace's, well, Bob's your uncle!" Later they became COB and COX. C for Cobra, O for other, (meaning other then New York or LA.) B for home market, but generally for most right hand drive, and as always, X for export. The Cobra legend is nothing if not confusing!

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by Harpoon PV2

Actually, coil spring cars were also 289 cars, as in AC289! They were either COB or COX, the C stood for Cobra. Both Shelby and Ford signed off to let AC build Cobra's for the rest of the world, after the initial cars had been Homologated! The first right hand Cobra's used the old factory two letter no X. So they were simply CS cars. C for Carol, (yes they spelled his name wrong,) S for Shelby. I can only picture some big bloke standing there at the ledger thinking to himself, "well, if some bird named Carol, going to put down that many Quid for a ton of Ace's, well, Bob's your uncle!" Later they became COB and COX. C for Cobra, O for other, (meaning other then New York or LA.) B for home market, but generally for most right hand drive, and as always, X for export. The Cobra legend is nothing if not confusing!

Actually the "C" was the AC series indicator. They had done the "A" series (AEX) and the "B" series (BEX) so the Shelby contract was the "C" series (CSX, COB, etc.) The CS being "Carroll Shelby" would seem to be logical and has become legend, but is not correct if you consult the AC chassis records "bible" (which I have seen).

[Harpoon PV2]

Then you know, in the corner on the start of the Cobra series ledger, it says, Carol Shelby, CS! I got schooled on that also, when I thought A, B, and C, stood for 1,2,3. But that leaves the father of the Cobra RS, for RuddSpeed, which if your correct, should have been C, then the Cobra D for small block and E for big block cars. A is for the early AC engine, B for Bristol. I would still love to see who, and why, wrote Carol instead of Carrol! In the AC Chassis, book MKII means coil spring car, but in the leaf spring cars in the AC drawings office and stores! As you know AC was a hobby for Derek Hurlock and his nephew Dennis, so things were pretty loose, after all, they had at least 20 other firms, many with government contracts, which as E Wilson McComb said in his book, AC (Shelby) Cobra, "their fingers in so many pies ---- some of them positively oozing gravy!"

[Harpoon PV2]

Still wish some one would have put the Slabside name in some publication in the 70s or 80s?