I Blame Ned Scudder

[Dave Schwaab]

Just before my 13th birthday, the August, 1963, issue of Mechanix Illustrated arrived in my mailbox. On the cover was that iconic picture of Tom McCahill test driving a black 289 Cobra roadster. I was already a fan of sports cars thanks to my big brother, a Navy fighter pilot, who had given me several rides around the Virginia countryside in his 1959 TR3A.

A British roadster, with an American V8 heart, this was the car of my dreams! Even when the big-block 427 was introduced, the nimble little 289 seemed to be the car to have, especially as the excessive power in such a light little car was more than all but the most accomplished drivers could handle. (Can't tell you how many times I watched a 427 Cobra pirouette around that heavy big-block at SCCA solo events.) So, it was the slabside 289 I lusted after.

I had raced formula cars and sports racers in my younger days racing in the SCCA, but it was a simple sports car I wanted to be driving now. A return to the simple joy of a beautiful day spent driving my own Triumph sports cars around the roads of South Jersey, which I had done so frequently in the late '60s and early '70s.

Then, I saw Ned Scudder's car in an online article about a 2006 Cobra Tour on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Wait a minute! Here was the shapelier 427 body, complete with the upgraded chassis and suspension, but powered by the classic 271HP 289 HiPo V8! It really was the best of both!

The article called Ned's Cobra a “crossover car”. After some research, I learned that the car was actually an AC Cars 289 Sports Mk III. As part of their deal with Carroll Shelby, AC Cars were allowed to complete a few cars at their Thames Ditton factory and offer them for sale in England and Europe. There were 27 cars built in the AC 289 Sports Mk III series, with only 8 of those cars having Left Hand Drive for Europe.

With a lot more research, I have been able to gather significant details and pics of 7 of the cars, and just snippets on 4 more. One thing I noticed, while the basic concepts remained throughout the series, a lot of the details varied widely. There is no one prime example that is the mold from which all the rest were drawn.

While they all left the factory with 289 engines, under car exhausts, smooth hoods and 185x15 tires on 15x6 wire wheels, other details were not so precise. There was some diversity in front splitters, taillights, bumpers and even the rear fenders. Many were modified by their owners in fairly short order, hood scoops and roll bars being very popular. Over time, some received further modifications, including a couple that were upgraded to the 427 engine, to match the Shelby built specs. (In my humble opinion, that last mod ruins what I consider to be, one of the best British roadsters/sports cars ever made!)

My FFR Mk4 Roadster is being built in homage of the AC 289 Sports Mk III series, but does not replicate any particular one of the original 27 cars. It is powered by a Ford BOSS 302 crate motor, rated at 340HP, driving a Mustang 8.8” limited slip solid axle, with a 3.27 final drive, through a Tremec T5 5-speed manual transmission, with a mid-mounted shifter, courtesy of an S-10 tailshaft. Stopping will be accomplished by 1995 Mustang Cobra brakes, with 13” vented rotors with dual-piston calipers in the front and 11.65” vented rotors with single-piston calipers and e-brake in the back. The 17x9 Halibrand replica wheels are shod with 245/45R17 front and 275/40R17 rear tires. Exterior lights will be upgraded to LEDs.

This should give me a nearly perfect car for enjoying many brisk drives through the countryside. Thank you, Ned Scudder.

[Bartruff1]

Happy motoring in a bucket list car.......

[Harpoon PV2]

Originally Posted by Dave Schwaab

Just before my 13th birthday, the August, 1963, issue of Mechanix Illustrated arrived in my mailbox. On the cover was that iconic picture of Tom McCahill test driving a black 289 Cobra roadster. I was already a fan of sports cars thanks to my big brother, a Navy fighter pilot, who had given me several rides around the Virginia countryside in his 1959 TR3A.

A British roadster, with an American V8 heart, this was the car of my dreams! Even when the big-block 427 was introduced, the nimble little 289 seemed to be the car to have, especially as the excessive power in such a light little car was more than all but the most accomplished drivers could handle. (Can't tell you how many times I watched a 427 Cobra pirouette around that heavy big-block at SCCA solo events.) So, it was the slabside 289 I lusted after.

I had raced formula cars and sports racers in my younger days racing in the SCCA, but it was a simple sports car I wanted to be driving now. A return to the simple joy of a beautiful day spent driving my own Triumph sports cars around the roads of South Jersey, which I had done so frequently in the late '60s and early '70s.

Then, I saw Ned Scudder's car in an online article about a 2006 Cobra Tour on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Wait a minute! Here was the shapelier 427 body, complete with the upgraded chassis and suspension, but powered by the classic 271HP 289 HiPo V8! It really was the best of both!

The article called Ned's Cobra a “crossover car”. After some research, I learned that the car was actually an AC Cars 289 Sports Mk III. As part of their deal with Carroll Shelby, AC Cars were allowed to complete a few cars at their Thames Ditton factory and offer them for sale in England and Europe. There were 27 cars built in the AC 289 Sports Mk III series, with only 8 of those cars having Left Hand Drive for Europe.

With a lot more research, I have been able to gather significant details and pics of 7 of the cars, and just snippets on 4 more. One thing I noticed, while the basic concepts remained throughout the series, a lot of the details varied widely. There is no one prime example that is the mold from which all the rest were drawn.

While they all left the factory with 289 engines, under car exhausts, smooth hoods and 185x15 tires on 15x6 wire wheels, other details were not so precise. There was some diversity in front splitters, taillights, bumpers and even the rear fenders. Many were modified by their owners in fairly short order, hood scoops and roll bars being very popular. Over time, some received further modifications, including a couple that were upgraded to the 427 engine, to match the Shelby built specs. (In my humble opinion, that last mod ruins what I consider to be, one of the best British roadsters/sports cars ever made!)

My FFR Mk4 Roadster is being built in homage of the AC 289 Sports Mk III series, but does not replicate any particular one of the original 27 cars. It is powered by a Ford BOSS 302 crate motor, rated at 340HP, driving a Mustang 8.8” limited slip solid axle, with a 3.27 final drive, through a Tremec T5 5-speed manual transmission, with a mid-mounted shifter, courtesy of an S-10 tailshaft. Stopping will be accomplished by 1995 Mustang Cobra brakes, with 13” vented rotors with dual-piston calipers in the front and 11.65” vented rotors with single-piston calipers and e-brake in the back. The 17x9 Halibrand replica wheels are shod with 245/45R17 front and 275/40R17 rear tires. Exterior lights will be upgraded to LEDs.

This should give me a nearly perfect car for enjoying many brisk drives through the countryside. Thank you, Ned Scudder.

I know you will be real happy with that set up! If you have read hear over the last several years, you will know, I am a big fan of the AC289! I have talked to so many over in the UK who had raced them, and they all loved them. I am like you, if my plans for a leaf sprung continuation car falls through, I would be happy with a MKIV, changed around like one of the members did, to look like a late model AC289! The 428 Police Interceptor engine in some of the original Cobra's was ratted at 335hp, although it was probably 400hp, but weighed a hole lot more then a 302. Cheers, Dennis

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by Dave Schwaab

Just before my 13th birthday, the August, 1963, issue of Mechanix Illustrated arrived in my mailbox. On the cover was that iconic picture of Tom McCahill test driving a black 289 Cobra roadster. I was already a fan of sports cars thanks to my big brother, a Navy fighter pilot, who had given me several rides around the Virginia countryside in his 1959 TR3A.

A British roadster, with an American V8 heart, this was the car of my dreams! Even when the big-block 427 was introduced, the nimble little 289 seemed to be the car to have, especially as the excessive power in such a light little car was more than all but the most accomplished drivers could handle. (Can't tell you how many times I watched a 427 Cobra pirouette around that heavy big-block at SCCA solo events.) So, it was the slabside 289 I lusted after.

I had raced formula cars and sports racers in my younger days racing in the SCCA, but it was a simple sports car I wanted to be driving now. A return to the simple joy of a beautiful day spent driving my own Triumph sports cars around the roads of South Jersey, which I had done so frequently in the late '60s and early '70s.

Then, I saw Ned Scudder's car in an online article about a 2006 Cobra Tour on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Wait a minute! Here was the shapelier 427 body, complete with the upgraded chassis and suspension, but powered by the classic 271HP 289 HiPo V8! It really was the best of both!

The article called Ned's Cobra a “crossover car”. After some research, I learned that the car was actually an AC Cars 289 Sports Mk III. As part of their deal with Carroll Shelby, AC Cars were allowed to complete a few cars at their Thames Ditton factory and offer them for sale in England and Europe. There were 27 cars built in the AC 289 Sports Mk III series, with only 8 of those cars having Left Hand Drive for Europe.

With a lot more research, I have been able to gather significant details and pics of 7 of the cars, and just snippets on 4 more. One thing I noticed, while the basic concepts remained throughout the series, a lot of the details varied widely. There is no one prime example that is the mold from which all the rest were drawn.

While they all left the factory with 289 engines, under car exhausts, smooth hoods and 185x15 tires on 15x6 wire wheels, other details were not so precise. There was some diversity in front splitters, taillights, bumpers and even the rear fenders. Many were modified by their owners in fairly short order, hood scoops and roll bars being very popular. Over time, some received further modifications, including a couple that were upgraded to the 427 engine, to match the Shelby built specs. (In my humble opinion, that last mod ruins what I consider to be, one of the best British roadsters/sports cars ever made!)

My FFR Mk4 Roadster is being built in homage of the AC 289 Sports Mk III series, but does not replicate any particular one of the original 27 cars. It is powered by a Ford BOSS 302 crate motor, rated at 340HP, driving a Mustang 8.8” limited slip solid axle, with a 3.27 final drive, through a Tremec T5 5-speed manual transmission, with a mid-mounted shifter, courtesy of an S-10 tailshaft. Stopping will be accomplished by 1995 Mustang Cobra brakes, with 13” vented rotors with dual-piston calipers in the front and 11.65” vented rotors with single-piston calipers and e-brake in the back. The 17x9 Halibrand replica wheels are shod with 245/45R17 front and 275/40R17 rear tires. Exterior lights will be upgraded to LEDs.

This should give me a nearly perfect car for enjoying many brisk drives through the countryside. Thank you, Ned Scudder.

Monthly Cobra breakfast is happening this coming weekend, you should attend.


January NJ/PA Cobra Breakfast - Spinning Wheel Diner


Bill S.

[Bartruff1]

Carroll Shelby and Tom McCahill (and his dog) simply Icons......

[Dave Schwaab]

Thanks to Mike Everson's help in bringing my vision to life, the work is now finished, and we have to go through the registration process.

Meanwhile, the car is tucked safely away, awaiting graduation and the warmer weather of the driving season.

[mrmustang]

Mike is great, you'll have no problem going through the NJ kit car registration and title process. Read through the package carefully and follow their procedures and you'll be just fine.





Bill S.

[Dave Schwaab]

Originally Posted by mrmustang

Mike is great, you'll have no problem going through the NJ kit car registration and title process. Read through the package carefully and follow their procedures and you'll be just fine.





Bill S.

Bill, you have no idea of the hell I have been going through trying to get my car registered!

I started back in late April, going to the MVC website and asking for what I had to do: NO RESPONSE. Tried again: same result. Tried calling the number they had listed for registration: they hung up on me: 4 times! Made an appointment at the Turnersville facility, and they gave me a Universal Title Application and Registration form and told me to come back with pics of the completed car and receipts.

Took awhile to get the pictures taken, because of the weather. Then my printer crapped out, so I had to wait for my son to print stuff out for me. Went back to Turnersville, and got yelled at for not having insurance, on a car that wasn't even, technically, a car yet.

American Modern said they would cover my car, they just needed pics (different than the ones I already had) and the declarations page from my regular car insurance. After sending everything in, I waited a week, then called back because I had not heard from them. They said they were denying my coverage because the locked car trailer I have it stored in is not a permanent structure, like a garage or carport! Finally got coverage through Heacock Classic.

Went back to Turnersville, and finally got some decent information. I have to go through Foreign Title/Reconstructed Vehicle Unit in Trenton, and they gave me a number to call. Called the number and said, "I have a Cobra replica, built from a Factory Five kit, that I want to get registered." The response was, "Do you have a Registration?" I lost it, and asked to talk to a supervisor.

She sent me a "Glider Kit" with an Application for Certificate of Ownership form. That was just before the Fourth of July holiday, so I got things together over the weekend and called back yesterday (Monday, the 7th). That person immediately sent me an Improper Evidence of Ownership packet. I said why do I need that when I have everything: SILENCE. I hung up and called another number I had been given for people having problems with the State Government.

That person gave me another number and extension for the Foreign Title Unit, then put me through directly. The person I talked to then said, use the Glider Kit form and send everything to the address she gave me in Trenton. Then I will get a Title for the Cobra, which I can take back to Turnersville to get the car Registered and Tagged. I just need to get that form printed out, and the enclosed letter they requested, and I can send everything to Trenton for a Title. That's were I am at right now.

We'll see what happens next...

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by Dave Schwaab

Bill, you have no idea of the hell I have been going through trying to get my car registered!

I started back in late April, going to the MVC website and asking for what I had to do: NO RESPONSE. Tried again: same result. Tried calling the number they had listed for registration: they hung up on me: 4 times! Made an appointment at the Turnersville facility, and they gave me a Universal Title Application and Registration form and told me to come back with pics of the completed car and receipts.

Took awhile to get the pictures taken, because of the weather. Then my printer crapped out, so I had to wait for my son to print stuff out for me. Went back to Turnersville, and got yelled at for not having insurance, on a car that wasn't even, technically, a car yet.

American Modern said they would cover my car, they just needed pics (different than the ones I already had) and the declarations page from my regular car insurance. After sending everything in, I waited a week, then called back because I had not heard from them. They said they were denying my coverage because the locked car trailer I have it stored in is not a permanent structure, like a garage or carport! Finally got coverage through Heacock Classic.

Went back to Turnersville, and finally got some decent information. I have to go through Foreign Title/Reconstructed Vehicle Unit in Trenton, and they gave me a number to call. Called the number and said, "I have a Cobra replica, built from a Factory Five kit, that I want to get registered." The response was, "Do you have a Registration?" I lost it, and asked to talk to a supervisor.

She sent me a "Glider Kit" with an Application for Certificate of Ownership form. That was just before the Fourth of July holiday, so I got things together over the weekend and called back yesterday (Monday, the 7th). That person immediately sent me an Improper Evidence of Ownership packet. I said why do I need that when I have everything: SILENCE. I hung up and called another number I had been given for people having problems with the State Government.

That person gave me another number and extension for the Foreign Title Unit, then put me through directly. The person I talked to then said, use the Glider Kit form and send everything to the address she gave me in Trenton. Then I will get a Title for the Cobra, which I can take back to Turnersville to get the car Registered and Tagged. I just need to get that form printed out, and the enclosed letter they requested, and I can send everything to Trenton for a Title. That's were I am at right now.

We'll see what happens next...

Call the Special Title Division, (225 E State St, Trenton) 609-292-6500 x5064 and ask for the "Kit car packet", they may now call it the "home builder packet". Within you'll get a list of what you will need, follow the directions completely, submit your pictures, copy of MSO, whatever they are asking for on the list, even if you submitted them in the past, including engine block casting number, etc, and wait. Yes, I said wait until you get a tax bill, pay it, then start calling your closest specialty inspection station (Asbury Park is familiar with the FFR's 732-869-8331 ask for Willie or Joe B.). They will check to see if your paperwork has been faxed over yet, if not, call back the specialty title division and request they fax it to the station in question. Some items of note, all lights must work, turn signals, horn, nothing can be hanging down below the frame rails (IE: emergency brake cables included), wipers, dash lights, etc. When it's time to bring your car down, make certain you have all of the paperwork you have on the car and the build, I personally tell people to present it in a binder, separated into clear paper holders and sorted (IE: MSO/receipts for purchase of the kit, parts, paperwork submitted already, etc and so forth). If you make it easy on them, they might (M-I-G-H-T) make it easier on you, but don't count on it .


Don't try to reinvent the wheel here, they have heard and seen it all with the 100+ FFR's that have been through the more modern, streamlined procedure in the state.......Speak clearly, calmly, and again, follow the directions in the packet you are sent. It's slightly frustrating, but well though out vs those that went through the process as they were designing it to what they have now.


Questions, let me know.


Bill S.

[Dave Schwaab]

The number you gave, 609-292-6500 x5064 is the number I was calling when I got the silly answers. The number given to me by the Customer Advocacy person was 609-341-5718. That's the person who told me to use the Application for Certificate of Ownership form from the Glider Kit and send all the paperwork to the 225 E State St address. Then I would get a Title for the car which I could take to a regular facility, like Turnersville, to get my Registration and Tags. There was no mention of a Special Inspection!

As far as going to Asbury Park, I live in Gloucester County, and that seems a bit far.

[Dave Schwaab]

The number you gave, 609-292-6500 x5064 is the number I was calling when I got the silly answers. The number given to me by the Customer Advocacy person was 609-341-5718. That's the person who told me to use the Application for Certificate of Ownership form from the Glider Kit and send all the paperwork to the 225 E State St address. Then I would get a Title for the car which I could take to a regular facility, like Turnersville, to get my Registration and Tags. There was no mention of a Special Inspection!

As far as going to Asbury Park, I live in Gloucester County, and that seems a bit far.

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by Dave Schwaab

The number you gave, 609-292-6500 x5064 is the number I was calling when I got the silly answers. The number given to me by the Customer Advocacy person was 609-341-5718. That's the person who told me to use the Application for Certificate of Ownership form from the Glider Kit and send all the paperwork to the 225 E State St address. Then I would get a Title for the car which I could take to a regular facility, like Turnersville, to get my Registration and Tags. There was no mention of a Special Inspection!

As far as going to Asbury Park, I live in Gloucester County, and that seems a bit far.

You can certainly try it, but I'll be honest, I've never heard of a "glider kit form", or, you could call back and specifically ask for the "kit car package", nothing else, just the "kit car package" as your verbiage within your initial conversation may have been a factor in the response you initially received. As for specialty inspection stations Westfield, Asbury Park, or Winslow are your only choices in NJ as Morristown never reopened after Hurricane Sandy buried them under 11 feet of water.


Your car, your choices, all I can do is guide you as to what has been successful for dozens of others who have asked for my assistance.




Bill S.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by mrmustang

You can certainly try it, but I'll be honest, I've never heard of a "glider kit form"....

I can help on that, and then I will politely butt out. The term "glider kit" is a truck expression. It is not a Cobra replica expression. A truck glider kit is a new, incomplete truck chassis sold without a power train. You do that so that you can pair it with a remanufactured power train from an existing, often older, truck, allowing for a new or updated truck with the benefits of both. You're recycling and helping save the planet. It's kind of, but not really, like a Cobra "roller." Click here for a very nice explanation on the beauty of "glider kits": https://www.fitzgeraldgliderkits.com...-a-glider-kit/

[Dave Schwaab]

Okay. That was only supposed to be ONE post.

[Dave Schwaab]

mrmustang
I can only find the Asbury Park and Westfield Specialty Inspection Stations on the NJMVC website. No mention of Winslow. The Asbury Park station is all of 3 miles closer to my South Jersey residence than Westfield. Guess that's where I'll end up going.

patrickt
Thanks for that info. I'll call again before I mail anything in.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Dave Schwaab

patrickt
Thanks for that info. I'll call again before I mail anything in.

I don't know how to do anything in New Jersey, but I'm pretty sure even touching a Glider Kit Form would be a mistake. Ever since the EPA put in Phase 2 of the Greenhouse Gas regulations it's pretty much put a bullet to the head of the Truck Glider Kit biz.

[Dave Schwaab]

mrmustang
I can only find the Asbury Park and Westfield Specialty Inspection Stations on the NJMVC website. No mention of Winslow. The Asbury Park station is all of 3 miles closer to my South Jersey residence than Westfield. Guess that's where I'll end up going.

patrickt
Thanks for that info. I'll call again before I mail anything in.

[Dave Schwaab]

Why do my posts seem to get doubled so frequently?