Cobra 427
by Christopher James
Title
Cobra 427
Artist
Christopher James
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
In September 1961, American automotive designer Carroll Shelby wrote to AC asking if they would build him a car modified to accept a V8 engine. AC (Auto Cars Ltd) agreed, provided a suitable engine could be found. Shelby went to Chevrolet to see if they would provide him with engines, but not wanting to add competition to the Corvette they said no. However, Ford wanted a car that could compete with the Corvette and they happened to have a brand new engine which could be used in this endeavor: the Windsor 221 in³ (3.6 L) engine – a new lightweight, thin-wall cast small-block V8. Ford provided Shelby with two engines
Shelby Cobra 427 classic blue with white stripes
A new chassis was required, developed, and designated Mark III. The new car was designed in cooperation with Ford in Detroit. A new chassis was built using 4 in (101.6 mm) main chassis tubes, up from 3 in (76.2 mm) and coil spring suspension all around. The new car also had wide fenders and a larger radiator opening. It was powered by the "side oiler" Ford 427 cu in (7.0 L) FE engine equipped with a single 4-barrel 780 CFM Holley carburetor rated at 425 bhp (431 PS; 317 kW) @ 6000 rpm and 480 lb⋅ft (651 N⋅m) @ 3700 rpm of torque,[10] which provided a top speed of 164 mph (264 km/h) in the standard model and 485 bhp (492 PS; 362 kW) with a top speed of 185 mph (298 km/h) in the competition model.
Uploaded
November 6th, 2018
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