Mecum May 2019 - Wow

[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.