1963 Shelby COOPER MONACO KING COBRA

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The Shelby COOPER MONACO KING COBRA 1963 is a legendary car with a technical prowess that sets it apart from its contemporaries. This car was designed and built by the Shelby American team led by Carroll Shelby himself, with the aim of creating a track-focused race car that would dominate the competition. Its design was inspired by the agile and lightweight Lotus 19, and the car was named after the iconic Cobra that made Shelby famous in the first place.

Under the hood of the Shelby COOPER MONACO KING COBRA 1963 lies a 289 cubic inch Ford V8 engine, which is equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission. This engine packs a punch, producing an impressive 380 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This power is transferred to the ground through a Salisbury limited-slip differential and a set of 15-inch Halibrand magnesium wheels wrapped in Dunlop racing tires. The car can reach a top speed of 185 mph, which was considered incredibly fast back in the day.

The Shelby COOPER MONACO KING COBRA 1963 has a tubular space-frame chassis, which is both lightweight and incredibly sturdy. The body panels are crafted out of aluminum, which reduces the weight of the car further and enhances the car's power-to-weight ratio. The car weighs in at a mere 1,725 pounds, making it one of the lightest and most agile race cars of its time.

The suspension system of the Shelby COOPER MONACO KING COBRA 1963 is a masterpiece of engineering. It has independent front suspension featuring unequal-length wishbones, coil springs, and Koni shock absorbers. The rear suspension is a De Dion axle with a transverse leaf spring and Koni shock absorbers. This system allowed for exceptional handling, and the car was renowned for being able to corner at incredible speeds with confidence.

The brakes on the Shelby COOPER MONACO KING COBRA 1963 were also a standout feature. The car was equipped with four-wheel disc brakes, which were a rarity back in the day. The car could go from 60 mph to 0 mph in just 122 feet, which was quite impressive for a race car of its time.

In conclusion, the Shelby COOPER MONACO KING COBRA 1963 is a rare gem that showcases the incredible technical mastery of the Shelby American team. This car was designed and built to dominate the competition, and it did just that. With its powerful engine, lightweight body, and exceptional suspension system, this car set new standards for what could be achieved on the track. And even today, it remains one of the most coveted and sought-after race cars of all time.

Milestones

- Introduction of the Shelby Cooper Monaco King Cobra in 1963 - Use of a lightweight aluminum body, reducing the car's weight - Equipped with a 289 cubic inch V8 engine producing over 400 horsepower - Featured a four-speed manual transmission - The car’s design incorporated a low-profile, aerodynamic body for speed and maneuverability - Finishing 2nd in the 1963 Road America 500 behind a Ferrari race car - Winning the 1963 LA Times Grand Prix with driver Dave MacDonald - Winning the 1963 Bridgehampton 500 with driver Ken Miles - Winning the 1963 Monterey Grand Prix with driver Dave MacDonald - Winning multiple SCCA National Championships - Credited for starting the “Cobra-mania” craze in the United States.


Technical

- Engine: 427 cubic inch, V8 - Horsepower: 485 - Transmission: 4-speed manual - Top speed: 165 mph - Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds - Fuel system: Dual 4-barrel carburetors - Suspension: Independent front and rear - Brakes: Disc brakes on all four wheels - Wheelbase: 90 inches - Weight: 2,500 pounds - Body style: Two-door roadster - Production: 1 of only 6 ever produced - Racing pedigree: Winner of the 1963 FIA World Sports Car Championship
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