Kirkham Motorsports University The Making of a Flip Top

[N2VENOM]

David, Hmmmmm.... Should we tilt the rear? Way too many options.. I'll stick with our original plan. How is the progress? Darren

[David Kirkham]

Originally Posted by N2VENOM

David, Hmmmmm.... Should we tilt the rear? Way too many options.. I'll stick with our original plan. How is the progress? Darren

We an make just about anything you want...just let us know in time

David

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by David Kirkham

We an make just about anything you want...just let us know in time

David

I just can't get the image out of my mind of a P51D Kirkham Cobra concept with polished body, exposed rivets, flat black hood and USAF markings. (.50 cal wing guns could be optional ). Seriously, I think this would make a great show car.

[N2VENOM]

Originally Posted by Buzz

I just can't get the image out of my mind of a P51D Kirkham Cobra concept with polished body, exposed rivets, flat black hood and USAF markings. (.50 cal wing guns could be optional ). Seriously, I think this would make a great show car.

Hey Buzz, I totally agree. I'm surprised a P51 theme on a KMP has not been done for a show car. It would be a brave project with a questionable resale value. I would enjoy seeing more out of the box modifications. I think we are entering a new ara of cobra builds. With the coyote & LS engines, new technologies and manufactures willing to push the envelope to make these iconic cars safer, this hobby will continue to grow and explode afer the recession is over. IMHO... Darren

[David Kirkham]

Originally Posted by N2VENOM

Hey Buzz, I totally agree. I'm surprised a P51 theme on a KMP has not been done for a show car. It would be a brave project with a questionable resale value. I would enjoy seeing more out of the box modifications. I think we are entering a new ara of cobra builds. With the coyote & LS engines, new technologies and manufactures willing to push the envelope to make these iconic cars safer, this hobby will continue to grow and explode afer the recession is over. IMHO... Darren

I love it when guys are willing to push the envelope. Thanks to Larry Ellison we were able to do just that on the billet chassis car.

David

[David Kirkham]

[quote=Buzz;1108830]I just can't get the image out of my mind of a P51D Kirkham Cobra concept with polished body, exposed rivets, flat black hood and USAF markings. (.50 cal wing guns could be optional ). Seriously, I think this would make a great show car.

We have thought off and on over the years about making a P-51. That is a massive undertaking. We had a customer many years ago make a car very close to what you have described. It was phenomenal.

David

[FatBoy]

Originally Posted by Buzz

I just can't get the image out of my mind of a P51D Kirkham Cobra concept with polished body, exposed rivets, flat black hood and USAF markings. (.50 cal wing guns could be optional ). Seriously, I think this would make a great show car.

I'm planning on that very theme for my Kirkham for this year's Goodwood Revival meeting. Ferocious Frankie is a regular feature at the Revival and I was going to mimic that P51D.
I'm going to do the yellow nose and mat black hood as a vinyl wrap so that I can peel it off again.

Paul

[767Jockey]

Originally Posted by FatBoy

I'm planning on that very theme for my Kirkham for this year's Goodwood Revival meeting. Ferocious Frankie is a regular feature at the Revival and I was going to mimic that P51D.
I'm going to do the yellow nose and mat black hood as a vinyl wrap so that I can peel it off again.

Paul

Sounds like you'll need a pilot on board to fly that thing, Paul

[David Kirkham]

Originally Posted by 767Jockey

Sounds like you'll need a pilot on board to fly that thing, Paul

Did you get your loot?

David

[767Jockey]

Originally Posted by David Kirkham

Did you get your loot?

David

I'm not sure, David. Everything goes to DV's place. I'll ask him if it came. I'm in the home stretch of treatment and I'm just knocked out right now as the cumulative effects of all that I have done to me are adding up, so I've been out of touch with just about everyone. Sorry, David - I'm just about lights out right now. Better days ahead, no?

[FatBoy]

Originally Posted by 767Jockey

Sounds like you'll need a pilot on board to fly that thing, Paul

You're already confirmed for the co-pilot's seat.

[David Kirkham]

Originally Posted by FatBoy

I'm planning on that very theme for my Kirkham for this year's Goodwood Revival meeting. Ferocious Frankie is a regular feature at the Revival and I was going to mimic that P51D.
I'm going to do the yellow nose and mat black hood as a vinyl wrap so that I can peel it off again.

Paul

The P-51 themed cars are certainly beautiful.

David


ps. We just got your parts scheduled in. We'll be making them on Monday (right after our annual Open House).

[FatBoy]

Originally Posted by David Kirkham

We just got your parts scheduled in. We'll be making them on Monday (right after our annual Open House).

Thanks David.

[Buzz]

N2VENOM was anxious to see how the fliptop will look (as was I) so at his request we decided to accelerate the build. Using the Kirkhams last photo of the flip front chassis as a guide, I started on the alloy "bodywork"



Once the basic roller was complete, it was a matter of "polishing" in the alloy body, and then adding in all the details, including the fully polished, Weber carbed cammer, side exit cutout for the under car exhaust, Daytona Coupe style cowl intakes, and all of the regular Cobra bits and pieces.

That car is going to be quite spectacular! Finished rendition is a hi-res 11" X22" poster. Details can still be added, removed or tweaked.

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by FatBoy

I'm planning on that very theme for my Kirkham for this year's Goodwood Revival meeting. Ferocious Frankie is a regular feature at the Revival and I was going to mimic that P51D.
I'm going to do the yellow nose and mat black hood as a vinyl wrap so that I can peel it off again.

Paul

Excellent! Check out the P-51 Cobra pics in my gallery if you missed the recent thread. Be sure to post pictures once its done!

[FatBoy]

Originally Posted by Buzz

Excellent! Check out the P-51 Cobra pics in my gallery if you missed the recent thread. Be sure to post pictures once its done!

Excellent. This is the one I'm intending to replicate:



Paul