1963 Shelby Cobra Mk II LeMans Roadster
CSX 2136
In 1961 Carroll Shelby, backed by Ford, proposed the installation of an American Ford V8 in the AC Ace, the fusion of brute American horsepower and British aesthetics resulted in the AC Cobra.
Three of these 330hp cu in 289 LeMans Specials factory race cars were built in 1963, specifically for racing at the 24 Hours of LeMans in France, a further six were built to the same specifications. They featured a removable hardtop roof, which reduced the car's drag considerably, wider wheel-arches to clear the Dunlop magnesium wheels, a scoop on the hood to force-feed fresh air into the four Weber carburettors and a larger fuel tank equipped with a quick release filler cap. Only two were ultimately entered at Le Mans in 1963, only CSX 2138 had the hardtop, but without much success.
This car still competing, photographed at the Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca
1963 Shelby Cobra Mk II LeMans Roadster
CSX 2136
In 1961 Carroll Shelby, backed by Ford, proposed the installation of an American Ford V8 in the AC Ace, the fusion of brute American horsepower and British aesthetics resulted in the AC Cobra.
Three of these 330hp cu in 289 LeMans Specials factory race cars were built in 1963, specifically for racing at the 24 Hours of LeMans in France, a further six were built to the same specifications. They featured a removable hardtop roof, which reduced the car's drag considerably, wider wheel-arches to clear the Dunlop magnesium wheels, a scoop on the hood to force-feed fresh air into the four Weber carburettors and a larger fuel tank equipped with a quick release filler cap. Only two were ultimately entered at Le Mans in 1963, only CSX 2138 had the hardtop, but without much success.
This car still competing, photographed at the Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca