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1962 Shelby Cobra Dragonsnake news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  |  | Coupe Chassis Num: CSX 2019 |
A few Shelby employees asked their boss to provide a 289 Cobra that they could drag race. Chassis number CSX 2019 was designated as a publication relations car. It was already a movie star, appearing in 'Viva Las Vegas' with Elvis Pressley and Ann Margaret.
According to Shelby archives, Jere Kirkpatrich was the driver of CSX2019 and also looked after the chassis, while Ralph Falconer, Jr. was tasked with tuning the motors. The two dominated the competition, with a best quarter mile result of 11.73 seconds at 119.20 mph, an AA/SP class record in the AHRA.
CSX2019 was replaced as a factory competition car early in 1964, with the arrival of the rack-and-pinion chassis. It was then sold to a privateer who campaigned it for another three years.
Carroll Shelby's A.C. Cobras were so successful, they won every 1964 race they competed. Having conquered the road courses, a few Shelby employees turned their attention to the drag strip.
The Cobra's had a lightweight aluminum body that was made at AC in England. The cars were then shipped to Shelby American in California where they were given a Ford Hi-Po 289 engine. The Shelby Cobra, meant for both road and track, was an instant success.
The Shelby Cobra intended for the drag strip was dubbed the Dragonsnake. Driver Jere Kirkpatrick and mechanic Ralph Falconer, Jr. dominated the A/SP class and was responsible for setting many records.
The Dragonsnake was given several important modifications to make it suitable for the drag strip. The suspension was modified with special drag strip shock absorbers and Goodyear Drag Slicks were placed at all four corners. A 4.8:1 rear end was fitted and the weight was distributed more evenly by moving the battery behind the passenger seat. Safety was not overlooked with the NHRA-approved roll bar.
Four engine options were available, beginning with a 289 that offered 270 horsepower. With the addition of four barrel carburetors, horsepower rose to 300. With four Weber cars, that figure increased to 325. The most potent configuration was the 380 HP engine which had Weber carburetors with special camshaft, and ported and polished heads. Each engine was prepared and configured to comply with AHRA and NHRA standards.
There were eight examples of the Dragonsnake produced by Shelby. One example, chassis number CSX3198, was the only one fitted with a 427 engine. CSX2093 was the most successful race Cobra in drag racing competition, earning 7 NHRA National event victories.
By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2012
The Cobra's had a lightweight aluminum body that was made at AC in England. The cars were then shipped to Shelby American in California where they were given a Ford Hi-Po 289 engine. The Shelby Cobra, meant for both road and track, was an instant success.
The Shelby Cobra intended for the drag strip was dubbed the Dragonsnake. Driver Jere Kirkpatrick and mechanic Ralph Falconer, Jr. dominated the A/SP class and was responsible for setting many records.
The Dragonsnake was given several important modifications to make it suitable for the drag strip. The suspension was modified with special drag strip shock absorbers and Goodyear Drag Slicks were placed at all four corners. A 4.8:1 rear end was fitted and the weight was distributed more evenly by moving the battery behind the passenger seat. Safety was not overlooked with the NHRA-approved roll bar.
Four engine options were available, beginning with a 289 that offered 270 horsepower. With the addition of four barrel carburetors, horsepower rose to 300. With four Weber cars, that figure increased to 325. The most potent configuration was the 380 HP engine which had Weber carburetors with special camshaft, and ported and polished heads. Each engine was prepared and configured to comply with AHRA and NHRA standards.
There were eight examples of the Dragonsnake produced by Shelby. One example, chassis number CSX3198, was the only one fitted with a 427 engine. CSX2093 was the most successful race Cobra in drag racing competition, earning 7 NHRA National event victories.
By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2012
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 | • Classic cars, muscle cars, vintage motorcycles and helicopters are among the featured exhibits LEXINGTON, KY – In celebrating its 10th year, the Keeneland Concours d'Elegance will honor one of America's most popular cars, the Ford Mustang, on Saturday, July 20. This year more than 130 collector cars and motorcycles will be on display, competing for honors in 19 judged classes. Working in conjunction with the Bluegrass Mustang Club, the Concours' organizers are expecting 1,000...[Read more...] |
| 2nd annual Concours d'Elegance of Texas | |
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| Historic Stock Cars to Rev up their Engines at Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion | |
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| Rodeo Drive Concours Celebrated Great Britain And Aston Martin | |
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| Shelby Heritage Display Features Rarest of the Rare at Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion | |
 | Complementing the impressive number of authentic competition Shelby Cobras thundering around the circuit in their dedicated race group (3A) at this year's Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, August 17-19, will be a collection of unequalled magnitude at Ford Motor Company's onsite Shelby Cobra Heritage Display. The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is a cornerstone, along with the famed Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, of Monterey Classic Car Week. The event is ...[Read more...] |
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