Mecum May 2019 - Wow

[Cobra #3170]

Originally Posted by Dan Case

The Registry indicates it was sold new with Sunburst wheels. A picture taken by the original owner in 1966 of the car sure looks like Sunburst wheels are on it.

Some CSX31xx car owners had a conversation with the registrar at the event in Arkansas recently on the subject of which wheels came on the cars day one. Three CSX31xx cars were being driving in the event, both type of wheels were represented on cars. Which wheels CSX31xx cars got depended not on chassis number but when particular cars were finished, when they were shipped out, and what wheels were available at the time. Halibrand (COBRA II wheels) and KH (Sunbursts) were both having production and order fulfillment issues at the same time, which delayed delivery to customers of some cars.

When I purchased my car only 7.5 and 9.5 Halibrands were available. I visited the airport facility several times in 65 and 66 and never saw a car with sunburst wheels.
I was told by Ed Leslie (my dealer) that the aluminum sunburst wheels were being brought in as a cost reduction measure because Ford was unhappy with the business model and wanted to reduce costs. The first sunbursts I saw were on a 428 car. This is all anecdotal but I was really into the cars and looked at everyone I ever saw. We had about 5 Cobras in Fresno in those days (even a narrow hip 427) and George Harm's SC (Dick Smith bought it later) my car and the others all had Halibrands. I don't doubt you, but never saw a sunburst before 1967 on any cars. All the people that had original cars
thought sunburst's were cheap and undesirable, how things change! Another point of interest nobody called their car a Shelby Cobra they were referred to as AC Cobras by most owners so as not to be confused with GT350 Mustangs.

[Anthony]

Originally Posted by Cobra #3170

I was told by Ed Leslie (my dealer) that the aluminum sunburst wheels were being brought in as a cost reduction measure because Ford was unhappy with the business model and wanted to reduce costs. The first sunbursts I saw were on a 428 car. ----- All the people that had original cars
thought sunburst's were cheap and undesirable, how things change!

So, what is the real story on installing the 428's ?
Was it just cheaper, and to make more profit ?
Or, was there truly a shortage of 427's, and 428's were installed as they were more readily available ?

[Cobra #3170]

Originally Posted by Anthony

So, what is the real story on installing the 428's ?
Was it just cheaper, and to make more profit ?
Or, was there truly a shortage of 427's, and 428's were installed as they were more readily available ?

Ed Leslie (a Shelby team driver) told me it was to improve the profit margin on the 427 cars. He said that after they made the change they could not sell cars so they went back to the 427 engine. The cars initial base price was $7495 but they discounted them later on because they were not selling well. It was a very expensive car that was fast but had so many flaws like poor wipers, crappy heater defroster, water leaks, interior noise levels and oil leaks that people were not lining up to buy them. You had to be a die hard speed freak to want one.
I saw used SC's going for $5500 in 1968. They were certainly not a financial success by most standards. I think the prices started climbing in the early 1970's when people began to realize how rare they were. Ed flew into Fresno in 1966 with his buddy in a Mooney to bring me my 9.5 rear wheels which were not delivered with the car. I had a Strope blue printed 427 with a cam and port work in it and wanted to give Ed a ride. He said Kid, the only way I would get in that car with you at the wheel would be if the keys were in my pocket! I always thought that was very funny, but in retrospect he was on the money.

[Ron Scarboro]

Originally Posted by Cobra #3170

He said Kid, the only way I would get in that car with you at the wheel would be if the keys were in my pocket! I always thought that was very funny, but in retrospect he was on the money.

These experiences and posts are why I frequent this forum.

Thank you,

Ron

[DMXF]

Here's a publicity photo of a new early 31XX car fitted with sunbursts and wearing the dealer plate. I don't think many people think sunbursts are better, just some like the style and most just want them on their car if delivered that way. Halibrands are clearly the more exotic wheel, being lighter and having more of a sports car heritage as many of the top racing series ran similar wheels. While I think if a car has survived this many years in the configuration it left SA it should be preserved that way, many Cobras today are being converted to boring "day one" clones that do not represent the aura of the cars back in the day where most owners fitted them with optional original factory upgrade parts.

[Blue66]

CSX 3147 had sunbursts. When I sold it in 1980 it had a set of S/C rims on it (Bought originals S/C's in 72 before I even bought a car.) I gave him the original sunburst rims because I needed the room