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Million Dollar Skunksworks Kirkham
Gents and Fellow Car Nuts,
If you had a "million dollars" what kind of a car would you build. More realistically, if you could have anything you wanted, what would you do? I am speaking of a replica that we all dream about. What options would it have? What engine? I mean if you wanted the ultimate Chariot of Fire, what would you do? And why? David :MECOOL::MECOOL::MECOOL: |
A Kirkham GT-40 or 1958 Testarossi. Robert Ihrig :3DSMILE:
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No, that will have to be later. We are going to miss you this year Robert!
No, this one is a KMS 427/SC. But what would you do to actually improve the car? David :MECOOL::MECOOL::MECOOL: |
That's going to be tough. The car is nearly perfect already. Robert
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Bert,
You are kind! Thanks! We do try to make the car as nice as possible. We have certainly learned a lot over the years on how to make things--espeically from billet. BUT There comes a point where you simply can't improve upon what is there any further and you have to throw the baby out with the bath water...you need to start over with a clean sheet of paper. Once in a lifetime, your world is turned upside down when a customer calls and asks you to make the car of YOUR dreams for him. David :MECOOL::MECOOL::MECOOL: |
David,
With a million dollars.....let's see..... This may sound corny/typical however: I would start with a KMS 427 and build it to original comp dry sump specification. The car would use tubular steel suspension and use all the OEM Shelby details, new magnesium Halibrand wheels, all along with one slight change a KMS SS frame for years of service. The only other major deviation I would make uses the most up to date aluminum block FE available with all the best appointments money could buy. Of course the original paint scheme Rangoon Red! With every detail covered right down to the correct rear view mirror and optional 60's angle iron supports on the a-arms. So close it could even fool Ron R. I would hope that after that I would have enough left over to talk you into making a custom replica of the Ferrari 250LM in aluminum. Of course this car would incorporate all the CNC capabilities of KMS to allow for undercarriage updates to match new exotics while taking advantage of the adjustability of today's engineering. Powered by a replica of the original powerplant in aluminum....:D This car in F-Red or course. A KMS version of an Alan Mann 40 would also be a treat as they were aluminum. Thanks David, now I can't sleep.........Ahhhhh |
1985 CCX,
Thank you for saying you'd use a KMS 427! I am proud of our cars and I am thrilled our customers are happy. I know what you mean that you can't sleep. This project has kept me awake for many, many nights. Tonight will be another one of those nights. David :MECOOL::MECOOL::MECOOL: |
One improvement might be light weight half shafts instead of Spicer units and ceramic rotors. One pound reduction in rotating weight = a lot of total car reduction (as you'll surely know). Robert
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After our lesson on "Whats in the background of the picture" can I post some more?
http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d...772_Large_.JPG http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/kirk...e-pipes-2.html |
David,
Since we had the lesson on "Whats in the back ground of parts pictures", can I post some more? http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d...772_Large_.JPG |
David,
Since we had the lesson on "Whats in the back ground of pictures sent to customers", can I post some more? |
Bert,
Weight reduction was taken to the extreme. Like literally F1 inspired extreme. David :MECOOL::MECOOL::MECOOL: |
I can see Joe is sneaking in posts as I run back to check on the new hubs coming off the mill.
David :LOL::LOL::LOL: |
Finish one to exact original specs with the patina of a well used race car. Worn leather on the seats. Dings and dents in the aluminum. Dull cracked paint. :JEKYLHYDE
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Quote:
Pictures like these... |
OK. Now lets go green. An electric all wheels drive 427 s/c with a 3.0 sec 0 to 60mph and 200 mile an hour top speed. Robert
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Gatoac,
I was thinking something more along the lines of...well, billet everything. Man, I love Penske shocks! http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d...62_Medium_.JPG |
Bert,
We don't comment on projects that are currently in the Skunkworks. Today's project is billet. David :MECOOL::MECOOL::MECOOL: |
I think I know.;)
Actually, I know I know.:D |
Hey Lew...that is still attorney client stuff! Well, at least it is for a couple more minutes!
David :LOL::LOL::LOL: |
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