This Month in Cobra History - July

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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.