Lucas 104

[Dan Case]

Over time new Cobras (427 Cobras not discussed here) used several versions of Lucas® rear view mirrors. We could imagine all kinds of reasons why somebody decided to change from one model to another several times 1962-64.

There is the first source of variation, i.e. different models chosen. I partially roughly determine chassis range of chassis in old new car pictures based on which version of mirror they have installed. I might be only to postulate a broad chassis number or time frame but most cars had plenty of other clues as to what time frame they were built to help.

Most chassis did not have a mirror installed when shipped from AC Cars. Likewise, windscreen assemblies, windscreen wiper arms, and wiper blade assemblies were not installed for most shipments. In the USA Continental Cars or Shelby American did those installations as incoming rolling chassis were completed into running cars.

There is the second source of variation, i.e. no one in England or the USA seemed very concerned with first in first out inventory control. There is no guarantee that any part AC Cars supplied separately for chassis X stayed with chassis X in the USA. Evidence suggests all parties stored parts in bulk and as one design phased out and a new phased in there were periods where any car could get either version of anything. Think of parts for the next one hundred car contract ‘dumped’ into the stores still on hand from the last contract. Don’t forget standard ACE’s also. (Example: Some late 1950s dated electrical components were installed in very early new Cobra chassis in 1962. I suspect that since they were the same parts ACEs used they were just by happen stance left behind for the ‘newest’ chassis.)

Installed mirrors with No. 104 stems the stem normally leaned towards the windscreen. I suspect this was done for two reasons, educated guesses on my part: 1) because the mirror was installed so close to the driver with the steel tube over the dash fascia being the only solid mounting point the mirror head was probably deemed too close to the driver and 2) leaning the stem forward left room for users to access the tonneau cover snap right under the mirror, or both 1 and 2?????

[LMH]

Originally Posted by rsk289

I'll bet which way round they are depends on the age and eyesight of the driver.
They probably all used to be one way round, and over the years they've all got turned around as we get older.....

...does anyone make a good replica of original Shelby reversing sensors, by the way?

The one used on CSX2000 is a Lucas 584 dip mirror I believe, with a 103 stem. I've seen a couple Cobras with that mirror but it's not the more common clamp-style mirror with the 104 stem.
On standard production Cobras, I think a lot of "restorers" put the mirror back on facing rear wards but my experience is it gets wacked more easily sticking into the cockpit. Facing it forward, it doesn't happen as much.

Pics from Ross showing CSX2000:





Larry