1963 Shelby Cobra Le Mans
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The Shelby Cobra Le Mans 1963 is one of the most iconic sports cars of all time. Designed by the legendary Carroll Shelby, the 1963 Cobra Le Mans is a true masterpiece of engineering and design. The car's sleek, aerodynamic lines and powerful V8 engine make it a true force to be reckoned with on the track.
One of the most striking features of the Shelby Cobra Le Mans 1963 is its lightweight design. The car's chassis is made from tubular steel, which helps to reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity. The body is made from aluminum, which is also lightweight and helps to improve the car's overall performance. In fact, the 1963 Cobra Le Mans weighs just 2,000 pounds, making it incredibly nimble and agile on the track.
Under the hood, the 1963 Cobra Le Mans is powered by a 289 cubic-inch V8 engine. This powerhouse produces an impressive 306 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, allowing the car to go from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. The engine is mated to a four-speed manual transmission, which helps to deliver smooth, responsive shifts and allows the driver to take full control of the car.
One of the key design features of the Shelby Cobra Le Mans 1963 is its independent suspension. The car features a double-wishbone suspension system up front and a live rear axle with trailing arms in the rear. This advanced suspension design helps to improve handling and allows the car to maintain optimal contact with the road at all times.
Other technical features of the 1963 Cobra Le Mans include disc brakes on all four wheels, allowing the car to stop quickly and safely even at high speeds. The car also features a limited-slip differential, which helps to improve traction and minimize wheel spin during hard acceleration.
Overall, the Shelby Cobra Le Mans 1963 is a true masterpiece of engineering and design. With its lightweight construction, powerful engine, advanced suspension, and high-performance brakes, it is a car that is built to perform at the highest levels of racing. Today, it remains a symbol of American engineering and a true icon of the automotive world.
Milestones
- The first Shelby Cobra was built in 1962 - The 1963 model was developed with the goal of winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans - The car had a lightweight aluminum body and was powered by a Ford V8 engine - It debuted at the Daytona International Speedway in February 1963, placing first in its class and setting a new lap record - The car went on to win the 12 Hours of Sebring in March 1963 - The team took four cars to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June 1963, with three finishing in the top 10 - The Shelby Cobra #16 driven by Dan Gurney and Bob Bondurant won the GT class and placed fourth overall - This was the first time an American car had won its class at Le Mans in almost a decade - The victory helped establish the Shelby Cobra as a true contender in international racing - The car continued to dominate in the United States, winning numerous races and championships in the 1960s.Technical
- Engine: Ford 289 cubic-inch V8 - Power output: 325 horsepower at 6,000rpm - Torque: 317 lb-ft at 3,800rpm - Transmission: Borg Warner T10 four-speed manual - Suspension: Independent front and rear - Brakes: Girling Disc brakes - Wheels: Halibrand 15-inch magnesium alloy - Tires: Goodyear Blue Streak Sports Car Specials - Body construction: Handcrafted aluminum - Doors: Gull-wing - Fuel system: Four Weber 48 IDA carburetors - Top speed: 153mph - 0-60mph acceleration: 4.2 seconds - Weight: 2,000lbs - Production run: 1962-1967 (total of 654 cars produced)Related manufacturer
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