Shelby Cobra 1963 Le Mans Coupe

[Gramps46]

Old fumble fingers posted this in the wrong place initially.  Trying again.

Shelby American ordered 2 competition spec Cobras in 1963 from AC Cars to be prepared for Le Mans.  The specification included one with LHD and one with RHD, Dunlop mag wheels, modest fender flairs, enlarged gas tanks, fastback top and short trunk lids. Both cars remained in England till the LM race.  Drivers of the white car, CSX 2142, were an American Ed Hugus and Englishman Peter Jopp while the green car, CSX 2132, was driven by Englishmen Bolton and Sanderson.  Stirling Moss was the team manager. The white CSX 2142, DNF Engine failure.  CSX2132 finished 7th.

 

The model was based upon an AMT 1/25^th scale Cobra kit.  I beat Brad (Historic Racing Miniatures) with my own vacuum formed top, fender flares, and side fender vents.  Unfortunately, the white paint has yellowed over the years.

 

[1959scudetto]

Once again, a great model from you, Gary - keep them coming !

[vamach1]

Thanks for posting and keep them coming.  As you mentioned before resin casting it was more difficult to modify a kit to make a unique version.  JC (aka AFX) built one of the HRM kits a while back.

[Jim B]

Really well done.

[afx]

Nice work Gary.  I built the same car a few years back using the HRM kit.

[Mothersworry]

Nicely done.

[Phildaupho]

A very well built and very attractive Cobra. I have always liked the look of the hardtop and once unsuccessfully tried to make one myself. Yours looks fabulous.

[slusher]

Looks Great!

[Pierre Rivard]

very nice Gary. Thanks for sharing these builds from the past.

[williamdp]

Great build, Gary.

You did the side fender vents ? WOW ! WOW !

W.

[ewetwo]

You nailed it Gary.

[Rich Chernosky]

Beatiful model Gary...right down to the last detail.  And , as usual, thanks for all the background information. Well done. 

[Bruce Scully]

A really nice build , well done .

[Jonathan]

Wow!  Very cool.

[rrb124@sbcglobal.net]

All the details. Wow. 

[TooOld]

Beautiful little Cobra with the top and shortened trunk , very nicely done !

[Jon Cole]

Awesome model of a version not usually seen in scale! 100 internet points!

[Rattlecan Dan]

Very nice! Seldom seen with a top on. Nice replication, and attention to detail.

[ewetwo]

Came out right on the money.

[Dave B]

That's a nice job on the hardtop Gary. Vacforming is very handy especially for windscreens.

Thanks for sharing this one

Dave B

[vamach1]

This picture popped up on Facebook.  It’s the Shelby collection in Boulder CO.

[Gramps46]

Interesting photo Rex.  The Registry says CSX 2142 went through many iterations and only the original front half of the chassis is original.  I recently received this book which has a chapter devoted to the 1963 Le Mans race and the entry of CSX 2142.

[vamach1]

You know your Cobras for sure Gary.  The posting on Facebook states the one in Boulder is CSX2155 so similar but not the same car as you built.  Seems odd CSX2155 was restored with the coupe hardtop when it does not appear it was ever raced with the Lemans top.

Edited May 21, 2023 by vamach1

[vamach1]

20 hours ago, Gramps46 said:

Interesting photo Rex.  The Registry says CSX 2142 went through many iterations and only the original front half of the chassis is original.  I recently received this book which has a chapter devoted to the 1963 Le Mans race and the entry of CSX 2142.

Would you recommend the book?  It’s about $90 on Amazon.

Edited May 21, 2023 by vamach1

[ChrisR]

Awesome!