Aluminum Body

[1ntCobra]

Originally Posted by Cobrafan1

Seriously though, are there any other subtle differences I'm missing? The rear flares (fender lips) on the new AC bodies seem to be muted compared to the Kirkhams, kinda like the old narrow hip 427's. Then again, I've seen those bodies bare, and the flares look fine. Maybe too much paint filler??

Perhaps the subtle differences are intentionally kept secret...

I remember someone mentioning on an older thread, that the McCluskey continuation Daytona Coupes have an intentional difference in their construction so those in the know can tell that they are not original Daytona Coupes. And apparently there are very few people who know what the secret difference is.

However I would think that the Kirkham and Kirkham based Shelby cars are probably easily differentiated from the originals based on the thickness of the aluminum sheets used. Interestingly when I was at the Kirkham Open House last year, I heard that the Kirkhams had reduced the number of aluminum pieces that they use to make up the body. Thus by looking at the welding seems on the underside of the body you should be able to differentiate a Kirkham from an original body.

I wonder if anybody knows what car was used as the model for the North Devon Metalcraft based CSX1000 based cars.

I guess if you want the most accurate 289 style aluminum body (other than buying an unrestored original), then Brooklands is probably the most capable of doing that as they apparently are holding some of the AC tooling that came back from Malta. It would be nice if Alan was not involved though. Unfortunately AC trashed the original tooling for the 427 cars long ago according to reliable sources. So even the "AC" based CSX1000 cars were never built off of the original tooling regardless of what was advertised at the time.

I think your best bet is to just buy the Kirkham.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by 1ntCobra

However I would think that the Kirkham and Kirkham based Shelby cars are probably easily differentiated from the originals based on the thickness of the aluminum sheets used.

According to the Kirkham's website/marketing materials, the original '60's Cobras were made from aluminum with a thickness of 0.050". The Kirkham bodies are/were made from aluminum with a thickness of 0.059".

Unfortunately, I have no idea about the CSX1000's, but I am curious.