Contemporary Cobra, CCX33421
Brilliant White/Guardsman Blue stripes
—SOLD!—

3/4-view shot above is hotlinked (same image, MUCH larger size).

If you've been bitten by the snake, are hungering for the menacing melody of a big-block 427FE NASCAR-targeted Ford V8—if you appreciate the lines of a period-correct and performance-correct reproduction of the Cobra, then read on.

In 1990 I originally titled my reproduction as a 1965 Cobra in California, where it was built; later that year I moved to Colorado. Living in Colorado has limited the driving experience and the car has logged only ≈5,500 miles/≈8,850 km after 20 years. This beauty consumed 2-1/2 years of build time, which was (in the main) employed saving for the next series of parts and a meticulous attention to every detail. Desiring a street-friendly ride, this Contemporary Cobra was built to replicate a showroom-quality original Cobra rather than the full-race version. A lower-compression dual-quad low-riser Offenhauser manifold was selected along with a C-6 automatic transmission which was strategically employed to tame the beast. My goal was to build a show-quality car that, while authentic, could be safely driven by family and friends.

engine photo is hotlinked (alternate view, much larger size).

The engine embarked upon its new serpentine life when I stumbled upon a very clean bare-block early-1964 conventional oiler at Ford Power Parts in Norwalk, California. As the build process proceeded, it was outfitted with:

• low-riser heads
• custom +.015" flat-top pistons
• cast-iron crank & matching connecting rods
• Crower mechanical cam [0.278" lift and 0.526 duration].
  This camshaft delivers a loping idle but smoothes out to a pleasant drive. If you've ever rebuilt a big-block Ford you know the challenges of the chaos of springs & shims in the valvetrain assembly. This setup was promptly jettisoned and Ford Power Parts aluminum rocker arm assemblies were installed.
• Edelbrock carburetors
• electronic distributor and electric fuel pump were later substituted to boost reliability

The engine was accorded a great deal of attention from the chrome & polish shop and is topped with reproductions of the Cobra polished aluminum valve covers and Holman & Moody air filter assemblies.

Having two big left feet and an overriding objective for the car to be a friendly driver, I opted for the rugged Ford C-6 automatic. As you may know, some of the later-model original street Cobras were outfitted with an automatic transmission, so I felt it didn't detract from the serpent's authenticity. This C-6 went through numerous reiterations before settling on the combination of RV clutches, an aftermarket shift kit and a custom 10" Posiflow torque converter. These modifications eliminated the neck jerking shifts and made for a remarkably smooth transmission. On the other hand, if your dream is slapping the shift lever of a 4-speed toploader, you could easily make that conversion. Fortes Parts has all the parts in stock (for $3,840) that you need to make a toploader conversion.

The donor car for the suspension and rack & pinion steering was a 1969 Jaguar XKE/Series 2. It's set up with 3.73:1 ratio third-member gearing, which provides you with comfortable cruising. The suspension was cleaned and assembled with Teflon bushings.

Koni shocks support the torsion bars on the front independent suspension; four 400 lb. coil-over Aldans hold up the rear. Although the rear axle feels stiff, the throttle can definitely make the suspension squat & go! The 4-wheel disk brakes are assisted by a Midland brake booster. The polished aluminum gas tank added a nice touch and braided steel was used for all fluid lines.

The suspension was assembled to the Contemporary steel tube ladder frame with aircraft-quality Allen bolts. The rear independent suspension with inboard brakes is an impressive assembly very similar to the configuration on the original reptiles; those inboards reduce 'unsprung weight' and contribute to the car's precise handling.

cockpit shot above: hotlinked (alternate view, MUCH larger size).

While building CCX33421 in southern California I would hang out frequently at Don Borders' shop—Don was the Contemporary dealer of that region. Don built exquisite Cobra reproductions that were selling for six figures in the late '80s. He let me observe and tutored me in my project. When the car was ready for finish work, Don painted several coats of lacquer onto the body that after 20 years still exhibits a mirror finish.

The shops in San Diego that did all of Don Borders' custom upholstery work also were also utilized for this car. Jaguar Blue Connelly leather was used to upholster the seats, dash & doors. Charcoal gray Wilton Wool carpet was configured over padding and heat-insulated cloth. A period-correct hardwood-rimmed steering wheel, correct badging along with the LeMans gas cap was all a must. Stewart Warner gauges were clustered to match the original dash.

Where the Herculean torque meets the axles.
hotlinked (alternate view of chassis, MUCH larger size).

Gopher's eyeview of the rear undercarriage.
hotlinked (same view, MUCH larger size).

The view most other drivers will see of you in their rearview mirror.
hotlinked (same frontal shot, MUCH larger size).

Satellite reconnaissance view.
hotlinked (same view, MUCH larger size).

That's my neighbor Steve on the left.
hotlinked (alternate view/composite photo shows you how much extra legroom
the altered (and single) pedal assembly provides for 6-2" Steve).

The reproduction Cobra-style knockoff wheels and Firestone tires were added last summer and are even hardly broken in.

Extra finishing touches include the lamination of the hood scoop, along with surface-finishing & painting of the bottom sides of the hood & trunk lid. The header pipes were aluminized and the chambered sidepipes had all the welds ground smooth and brilliantly chrome plated. The wiper spuds are ornamental but could easily be connected to a motor. I opted for the clean lines of no rollbar, but one could easily be adapted. Then of course the final class touch for my concept of the show Cobra was the use of the full loop chromed bumpers.

After winning a couple of concours-quality awards at California shows, I became leery of venturing into congested traffic. I have enjoyed the pride of construction & ownership but never pursued the thrill of punishing the beast. This authentic reproduction of a 1965 427 Cobra begs for a new owner who will release it onto winding roads and tracks and let it reveal its spirited disposition!

(303) 718-XXXX MDT (cell)
Located in Denver, Colorado

3 January 2012: You can mark that gorgeous white Contemporary 427SC, CCX33421, SOLD! Gone to Saskatchewan and now the proud possession of a genuine Shelby enthusiast, it'll provide him with miles and miles of smiles and motoring thrills! And even with my good photos, he commented that those photos still didn't communicate its true beauty; he even made the comment that I had 'understated' its quality! Many thanks to 1) your superb Cobra photography tips (should be required reading for every Shelby Cobra enthusiast), and 2) to Curt's recognizing that my Cobra was "Canada-import–qualified" and thus adding that "Canadian-qualified" banner to my ad. That extra measure snared the attention of several Canadians—including my buyer. Here's wishing you all a GREAT 2012! Charlie Thompson

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