Race Cobras History and Specs

LAW · #1 (**permalink**) 03-11-2005, 01:34 PM

Hi there. I know I am maybe new, stupid user

But I will try.
Cobra 427 is one of my favourite cars. I just felt in love in its looks, noise and power. I would like to know more about racing Cobras. Maybe there is one site showing all race Cobras, year by year and maybe some stats like top speed etc. Thank you in advance

mattr762 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-11-2005, 02:06 PM

Try THIS book from Amazon. Amazon has other Cobra books also.

LAW · #3 (**permalink**) 03-12-2005, 11:37 AM

Hmm. A book ? I would like a site or something. There is a good sites about Vettes:

http://www.illustratedcorvetteseries.com/

I need something similar about Cobras. To be honest I know only one racing Cobra and it is Daytona Coupe. Can you guys just tell me other racing Cobras from 1960-69 ? Please

LAW · #4 (**permalink**) 03-13-2005, 06:40 AM

So I have other questions then

1. Was the Cobra 427 starting in any races back in the 60's ?
2. What is the top speed of Cobra 289 Le Mans Coupe ?

computerworks · #5 (**permalink**) 03-13-2005, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by LAW

So I have other questions then

1. Was the Cobra 427 starting in any races back in the 60's ?

There was no serious factory racing of the 427... all really was done by independants.

2 427 Comps ran in Europe, the remainder ran in SCCA AP from 1965 thru the early seventies.

Cal Metal · #6 (**permalink**) 03-13-2005, 07:10 AM

Are you referring to the Daytona Coupes that ran at Le Mans? If so, 185 mph would be a good modal top speed.

LAW · #7 (**permalink**) 03-13-2005, 09:12 AM

1. I mean something like this. What is top speed or
0-60 mph time of this beautyfull car ?

2. Why 427 Cobras didn't have factory support in racing ? Due their aerodynamic instability or GT 40 involvement ?

computerworks · #8 (**permalink**) 03-13-2005, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by LAW

Why 427 Cobras didn't have factory support in racing ? Due their aerodynamic instability or GT 40 involvement ?

They missed the window in 1965 and, by 1966, there was much going on at SAI with the GT-350 and the GT-40 programs.

Excaliber · #9 (**permalink**) 03-13-2005, 09:50 AM

Dick Smith is generally credited for setting a top speed record with the 427 Cobra at 198 mph. Typical "stock" 427 Cobras would run the 1/4 in the low 12's. I THINK the 427 Cobra held the world record for zero to 100 and back to zero for something like 30 years, around 13 seconds? The cars are/were so fast it's difficult to measure them in a mere 0-60 time frame. Remember, they were NOT primarily "drag racing" cars, they were "road racing" cars that did well at the drag strip also.

But it was the 289 cars that won so many races and set the "foundation" for the 427 Cobras which would go on to become "legendary". Much more racing history associated with the 289 cars.

Cal Metal · #10 (**permalink**) 03-13-2005, 10:59 AM

An adequately prepared Le Mans Top 289 Cobra was lucky to be pushing 160 mph. The top made a very marginal difference in top speed, contrary to the thinking at the time. The Coupe version, which was motivated by the "mediocre" times of the roadster, did considerably better and brought home the gold for SAI in '65.

LAW · #11 (**permalink**) 03-13-2005, 11:43 AM

Wow. I am surprised by your knowledge. That's what I was looking for

1. Was Dick Smith's Cobra 4-geared or 5-geared ? Even though 198 mph is a big number

2. So generally Le Mans Top Cobra 289 wasn't any faster than 289 racing roadster, right ? 160 mph seems quite slow comparing to Corvette Grand Sport 180+ mph. Or am I wrong ?

3. Was 289 Racing version (Roadster or Le Mans Top) 4-geared or 5-geared ?

And again thanks for the info. You guys are great

computerworks · #12 (**permalink**) 03-13-2005, 12:06 PM

All were 4-speeds.

Excaliber · #13 (**permalink**) 03-13-2005, 01:51 PM

Heck I learned most of what I know from listening to guys like Computerworks and Cal Metal, right here on CC. I am but a "grass hopper" at the feet of the masters.

I seem to recall Shelby (or one of his team members?) commenting that the Cobra at 150 mph was like "hitting a brick wall". Aerodynamics never was it's strong suit, THAT is primarily what led to the 427 engine for power. "Brute force" and more cubic inches was the answer to aerodynamics "back in the day".

In the early 60's the 289 Cobra's didn't just beat the Vettes, they humiliated them! Being as they were no challenge the new goal was to beat Ferrari!

LAW · #14 (**permalink**) 03-13-2005, 02:33 PM

Hmm. Strange. I read somewhere that Daytona Coupe (and GT-40) were 5-speeds. Is it true ?

You say that 289 Cobras won over Vettes. Yeah, I heard that too, but I have also read that Corvette Grand Sport from 1963 was ultimate 'snake killer' and they stunned the Shelby Team :/ That Corvette was technically faster ...

Daytona Coupe was like 390 Bhp horse power, yes ? So I suppose earlier 289s were below this ...

Sorry for asking so much, but heck it interest me and you won't find that info on Googles

csx2300 · #15 (**permalink**) 03-13-2005, 03:11 PM

computerworks - curiously, when you say two 427s raced in europe, which two are you referring to please?

Excaliber · #16 (**permalink**) 03-13-2005, 03:39 PM

OH OH,, I think I know this one!!

Well, one at least, the Essex Wire Cobra? White in colour?

The 289 Coupe ran the same motor the roadster's did, so h.p. would have been the same. Aero was a HUGE difference! I understand the Gran Sport in '63 was a competitive car, but Cobra killer? I don't know about that. Also I think '63 was the first year for Vette IRS, (and disc brakes?), a major improvement. Not to mention the Aero advantage!

Ron? Cal? What say you?