This Month in Cobra History - July

computerworks · #1 (**permalink**) 07-27-2003, 07:56 PM

This Month in Cobra History - July

You just can't let July pass without recognizing the remarkable feat of Shelby American clinching the FIA World Manufacturers' Championship in July 1965. Because of some phenomenal good luck for the Shelby team and equally bad luck for Ferrari, SA pulled out in the point standings early in the season... enough to clinch in July at Reims.

Reims, France - July 4, 1965

On July 4, 1965, the Shelby American Cobras clinched the World Manufacturers' Championship at Reims. Two Cobra coupes were run that day, one for Bondurant/Schlesser and the other for Sears/Whitmore. This was the first championship of its kind ever won by an American car.

2/28/65 - Daytona - GT 1st - Schlesser-Keck - Daytona Coupe

3/27/65 - Sebring - GT 1st - Schlesser-Bondurant - Daytona Coupe

4/25/65 - Monza (Italy) - GT 1st - Bondurant-Grant - Daytona Coupe

5/1/65 - Oulton Park (UK) - GT 1st - Whitmore - Daytona Coupe

5/16/65 - Spa (Belgium) - GT 2nd - Bondurant - Daytona Coupe

5/23/65 - Nurburgring - GT 1st - Bondurant-Neerspach - Daytona Coupe

6/13/65 - Rossfeld (Germany) - GT 1st - Bondurant - 289 Cobra

6/19/65 - LeMans - GT 2nd - Sears-Thompson - Daytona Coupe

7/4/65 - Reims (France) - GT 1st - Bondurant - Daytona Coupe

By these seven GT victories and two second places during 1965, Shelby American-sponsored and built Cobra products scored a total of 90.3 points to win the FIA International Manufacturers' Championship.

Further, by looking at these results above, you have to realize what a contribution Bob Bondurant made to the Championship, placing in the money in 6 of the 9 events.

Excaliber · #2 (**permalink**) 07-28-2003, 12:36 AM

I'm wondering about the specs on that Rossfeld, Germany track. Interesting the FIA 289 Cobra won there. Did a Coupe run also? Was it a short twisty track where the Cobra was out performing the Coupe?

Is this THE track I've heard rumors about where an FIA Cobra STILL holds the track record? I understand the track was "modified" sometime after the Cobra set the record and it's unlikely because of that the record will ever be beat?

Ernie

Excaliber · #3 (**permalink**) 07-28-2003, 10:48 AM

TTT,,,,,I still waiting for an answer.

Ernie

computerworks · #4 (**permalink**) 07-28-2003, 11:01 AM

The 6/13/65 event was the Rossfeld Bergrennen Hillclimb.
These events were not held at a "track", but rather, an open circuit. This was a 3.7 mile route.

Route Map

Current event there.. now a "historic"...
(...sorry, site is in German)

Excaliber · #5 (**permalink**) 07-28-2003, 11:30 AM

Thanks Ron, I feel like a kid who can't read. All I could do was look at the pretty pictures on that site, LOL.

So,,,what about the "rumor" of a track record set by a Cobra in Germany that still stands today? Ever heard that one?

Ernie

computerworks · #6 (**permalink**) 07-28-2003, 11:33 AM

no...but if it's true, they must have closed the track in 1967.