Fantasy Junction

Description

2004 Kirkham Cobra 289 FIA Replica

s/n KC3HNLF0296

Polished Aluminum on Black Leather

In 1962 Carroll Shelby combined a 260 c.i. Ford V-8 with an AC Bristol and so the legend of the Cobra was born. When the 260 c.i. was replaced by the 288 c.i. engine, the 289 Cobra began its domination of SCCA Class A and USRRC Championships. To succeed in Europe, eventually it was determined more power was needed as other manufactures were not sitting idle when Carroll Shelby and his team were dominating racetracks. A short time later, Ford supplied the 427 c.i. engine. The larger displacement and greater torque required a stronger vehicle all around. The original 289 chassis and leaf spring suspension were not enough, so subsequently a tubular stinger chassis was developed, and the Cobra 427 came into existence.

This particular car is a hybrid variation of the dominating FIA version of the early 1960’s (with serial no. KMP296). Combining the sleek and sexy appearance of the original 289 FIA racing car but, in this case, sitting on the stronger and better handling 427 chassis. However, to go even one step better, this particular car has a unique stainless steel chassis rather than mild steel to ensure a durable rust free life. Since the 427 frame was built to handle an engine far heavier and more powerful than the small block, it handles likes a dream with a lightweight small block. The body is all aluminum (aircraft aluminum alloy) and was hand fabricated in an aircraft factory by craftsmen who learn their trade over generations, building fighter jet aircrafts for the former Soviet Union.

Kirkham produces the highest quality aluminum reproduction cars in existence today. They had, until recently, been supplying Shelby America with the aluminum body cars for their continuation CSX4000 (427) and CSX7000 (FIA) series which began production in 1996. This car is identical in every way to those used by Shelby American. After its production in Poland, this car was brought to Kirkham Motorsports in Provo, Utah, where additional assembly occurred at Kirkham Motorsports and no expense was spared in completing the car. Bill Andrews was one of the first dealers signed on by Carroll Shelby to sell the continuation cars and not only completed this build, but previously built a CSX4000 for this cars current owner. The same meticulous care he used in building the CSX cars was used on this outstanding example.

In addition to the all aluminum body, the floor panel, dash panel, rear bulkhead panel, firewall panel, engine compartment panel and trunk panels are all aluminum. In addition, the hood scoop is integrally welded into the hood skin. This car has a unique brushed Aluminum finish and hand polished Le Mans and fender (team) stripes. This cars raw Aluminum finish allows the car to be cleaned with any ammonia free glass cleaner and paper towel. The engine and drive train are custom built 351WQ with alloy heads producing 397hp. This particular powerhouse was balanced and blueprinted by Joe Lapine of Danbury Competition Engines. The engine is mated to a super smooth shifting, wide ratio 4 speed Top Loader Transmission by gearbox guru, David Kee. Directing the power to the ground is a Kirkham aluminum “Salisbury” differential with 3.23:1 gears. There is a fully independent suspension to both the front and rear, with Penske double adjustable shocks and Hyperco springs on all four corners. The front uprights and upper control arms are billet 6062 aluminum. The rear uprights are forged 7075 aircraft aluminum. These modifications result in a 20 pound reduction in upspring weight at each wheel; in fact the total weight of the car is 2230lbs.

In addition to the stainless steel chassis, stainless steel has been used elsewhere in the vehicle. The brake hard lines are stainless steel and the brake flex lines are braided stainless steel. The main steering shaft is stainless steel as are the steering U-joints. The gas tank is also stainless steel as well as the rivets holding the body to the chassis. The cockpit sports a gleaming stainless steel roll bar. A 5 point harness secures the safety of the driver, while the passenger has a 3 inch lap belt.

Wildwood aluminum racing 4-piston calipers with sealed bearings (from Porsche racing) are combined with 12.19x 1.25 directional vented brake rotors, which enable the car to stop on a dime.

Laid out across the leather dash in “FIA” style are a complete set of Autometer gauges. The interior is fully carpeted with leather seats on tracks, carpeted inner door panels, tinted visors, wind wings, Raydot mirrors, 15” Moto-Lita wood 3 spoke reproduction steering wheel, fire extinguisher, and battery cut off switch. As with the original FIA, the foot boxes and trunk floor are fiberglass.

The exterior had quick jacks, rear fender spats (removable), wheel foam, Trigo pin drive knockoffs with B.F. Goodrich T/A radials filling the wheel wells. Completing the car are custom fabricated headers and exhaust that are HPC coated.

This unique automobile is an extremely versatile model that can tear up the racetrack or be a mild mannered street cruiser. The car has only 195 miles, as it has only been to car shows and experienced local street driving. It will bring sheer joy to the potential owner, turn heads wherever it goes, and can accommodate any use the driver has in mind.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608