1966 Kirkham Cobra, #260, Aluminum, Rare Prototype 427 FIA

Rare Prototype Aluminum Shelby Cobra 427 FIA FE W/ Webers

Update #3: Some potential buyers were wondering about the pedigree of this vehicle because it is Titled as a "2005 Custom" here in NC, and I mentioned it was a prototype. I posted a photograph here today of the car's Kirkham VIN Tag, which is #260. This car is 100% legal. It is not some rough prototype but built to the same exacting standards as all Kikrhams. I also post a shot of the gorgeous billet front suspension. Please also note that this car has a genuine date stamped1966 Ford 427 FE sideoiler engine block if you want to retitle the vehicle in a stricter smog state.

Update#2: Another Price Drop! $110K OBO. Own an aluminum car for fiberglass money! At $110K, that's a minimum savings of $50K over the price of a new car (and this car is virtually new with 73 miles). Not to mention your time - life is short. You will be saluted on the 4th of July when you drive this car by men and kidz alike! That does not happen in a Porsche!

As new and ready to roll replica built by Kirkham to the highest standards in 2004 as 1 of 2 prototypes for the current line of their FIA cars. The difference between my car and the FIA cars is that this car has the voluptuous looking 427 rear end (look at the wheel arches) and doors (no cut back shape) mated to the delicate 289 front end with smaller grill and fewer and better integrated scoops. The car also has true independent rear suspension: no FIA car transverse leaf spring. Includes the big 40 gallon tank! And of course the car has the sculptural side pipes exiting thru the body rather than under the car allowing for more power and a lower ride height for better handling. To my eye it contains the best of all Cobra styling elements, and will never be reproduced.

Professional build, with period correct details and an eye towards drivability. The car sat unfinished in my garage for over a decade. Essentially new, with @ 75 miles (3 miles showing on odometer), final mechanical work and fully road tested recently completed at the highly esteemed Olthoff Racing near Charlotte NC, where the car currently lies.

Problems: Nothing major, but in the interest of full disclosure: Dennis Olthoff thinks that overall car is running great, but carb mixture is a bit too rich; perhaps adjust carbs when break in mileage has accumulated. The only 2 other problems: a very hard to see dent by left front headlamp, see photos. Easy fix: pop it out, no paint! Fuel pressure gauge works but is disconnected (so not really a problem).

POWER PLANT

Rare and correct vintage cast iron Ford 1966 427 FE, aka Thunderbolt, side oiler block with original forged “$” crankshaft. Dated stamped “66”, see photos. Never overbored.

Theoretical 600 HP build with only the good stuff! Forged JE pistons and rods: Compression ratio: 10:1. Edelbrock Medium riser. Mild cam. MSD ignition. David Kee 4 speed wide ratio tranny. McLeod clutch. Lakewood housing. Driveshaft safety hoop. New Kirkham Alu Salisbury rear end running 3:31gears giving 160+ theoretical top speed as I recall.

Weber Carbs: Four 48mm IDA sitting on a Blue Thunder matched and polished manifold. Looks a lot better than a Holly sitting in turkey roasting pan when you open the hood of your $100k car! Righteous and Prodigious induction noise! It should be noted that Webers provide almost the same power advantage as fuel injection and have no plastic parts inside to fail.

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR

Built in former Cold War Soviet MIG fighter factory. Brushed 150 grit aluminum finish. Massive and stiff 4” tube chassis is a work of art in itself. Billet suspension components, fully independent. Penske adjustable shocks. Wilwood 4 piston brakes.

Clean, free and clear NC title in hand. Titled as 2005 Carolina Custom, but car has a date stamped 1966 engine block should it need to meet more stringent state requirements. I am the 1st and only owner. Car lies near Charlotte NC at the mechanic’s shop.

These cars have recently changed hands in the $140K neighborhood and I have at least that much invested in mine. ____This car must be sold NOW, so do submit all offers!___ and feel free to contact me about specifics here.