OT: this kit might be interesting

Look at #2 on this list of new stuff coming from Factory Five Racing (kit car builder): http://www.factoryfive.com/whatsnew/update/5ffrsurprises/text.html

An 1,800lb 2 seat roadster, mid-engine rwd using subaru wrx running gear? Projected finished cost around 15 grand. That could be fun.

Any of you guys ever build a kit car? For some reason I've always wanted to do it. The one I've lusted after for awhile is the Factory Five Type 65 coupe. Love the shape of a shelby daytona.

That or... grab a C5 and make a GTM from them.

I've seen a couple Beck speedsters and 550 replicas, using hopped up VW power and they are pretty darn interesting. The VW lump can attain serious power with big bore cylinders and the right stuff.

I've seen several FFR Cobra's and they look spectacular. Seen an original '66 Cobra and the FF's are the closest kit to it, and are actually endorsed by CS, IIRC.

really? Good thing Ford gave him a break then, cause otherwise, we'd all be saying Carroll who?

The 34 coupe looks really nice. The problem is that the Smith brothers do not add any extra room in the cockpit.

I would love to do a Le-mans Cobra. The MGB has more room in the cockpit.

Yeah, I saw a 33 coupe in person a couple years ago and it was really cool. The front suspension looks like the neatest erector set in the history of mankind.

I am also a Club Cobra member and FF stirred up a lot of interest about a early slabside and USSRC version about 5 years ago. They are not here yet. So I would have to see this new kit in person to believe it.

I had built a kit back about 1990 and won't do it again. The problem is you can't insure it as a classic or antique because it isn't and the insurance companys beat you up on it. I won several car show awards, but had difficulty selling it as people are afraid of something not factory built. I can say I did enjoy building the car.Beat the hell out of watching tv in the evenings.
John

Jim, I'm curious what are early slabside and USSRC versions?

The 818 project that I referenced in my first post has a finished chassis and they have held a contest to design the body. I'm sure it could still get shelved though!

Ryan, The earliest Cobra was the AC Ace with a 260. It was called slabside because it didn't have the later flares. The 289 slabside was next and the USRRC was a racing group that included Corvette's,Porsches,Jag's and others.That racing Cobra is my favorite as it has the 289 body with flares.

Ryan, Since we are off topic, check out this video.
Bottom thread pictures of numbered cars are USRRC.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9axRISu8q4

http://www.google.com/search?q=usrrc+cobra+picture&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-Address&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=UF01T6CwKKOjiALgy_CICg&ved=0CDoQsAQ&biw=1311&bih=592

Slabside pic: http://www.boldride.com/ride/1963/shelby-cobra-289

Thanks for the education Jim! I like the slabside.

I'd like to have an Ace with the 260 in it. They look good and run out nicely.

Why would you want a Cobra? The MGB is a nicer car to start with. It can be upgraded to any power level and any suspension level and can be flared out if you like swoopy lines. I'm sorry, I really just don't get it.

Jim

As far as mgb's go I don't disagree with you Jim, but are really so narrow minded that you don't see the point of someone wanting to build a cobra? Or anything else for that matter. I understand that what trips your trigger might not interest me in the least, and vice versa. It's all about personal taste, I just like neat stuff.

Do not forget the chassis both cars are totally different. I assume you are referring to the looks and that is a matter of taste.

The AC Bristol used the same steering rack as the MGB and all continuation Cobras also use the MGB rack.

Many Cobra kits use the MGB cross member. I sell lots of brakes, hubs for the Cobras.
Cobras are smaller inside and they sure get hot inside. The only ones that do not get hot are the factory five kits.

If MGB V8 would had race as the cobras did, then they would be in every ones list.

Here is a little trivia.

Carroll Shelby originally was looking for Healey's this cars already had Chevy V8 swaps, but could not find one and Healey would not talk to him.

AC where not popular and sales were low to the point of almost closing the factory, they were also having problems getting the BMW engine for their AC.

The rest is history.

Correct Bill. I said the Cobra built in Southern Cal by Carroll Shelby used and still uses the MGB rack.

What am I missing, Bill? You statement clearly says that the AC Bristol uses an MGB steering rack, which it didn't.

"The AC Bristol used the same steering rack as the MGB"......(scratching head)......

OK!!!! I am wrong, you win !!!

Not looking to win anything, just wanting to ensure I hadn't lost mind....

Check out the Hawk 289 at http://www.hawkcars.co.uk/hawk289/hawk18_26.html

Uses MGB mechanicals; can be built with a variety of engines, including the MG. The bodies are available in either the Ace or the slabside Cobra.

Looks kind of neat and probably just a useable as an MGA.

I think Factor Five is a long way down the road to putting this car into production. Lots of info on the 818 forum here: http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/forumdisplay.php?28-The-New-Factory-Five-818

Regarding Slab-sided Cobra - there is a UK kit car company that makes a kit with early AC/Cobra body. It use MGB mechanicals or you can upgrade to bigger engines. Don't know if anyone has ever imported one of their kits into the states? Hawk Cars is the company. They also offer suspension upgrades applicable to the B chassis.
http://www.hawkcars.co.uk/hawk289/index.html

Actually it is called Hawk 1.8 or 2.6. Basically looks like the original ACE: 2.6 is the original Zephyr engine if you could find one.

Actually it is called Hawk 1.8 or 2.6. Basically looks like the original ACE: