The AC Cobra, sold in the United States as the Shelby Cobra and AC Shelby Cobra, is a sports car manufactured by British company AC Cars, with a Ford V8 engine. It was produced intermittently in both the UK and later the USA since 1962. With some help from Ford Motor Company and a small team of mechanics, the first Shelby Cobra was introduced in 1962. It was powered by Ford’s 260 engine, and later with the 289 and 427 V8, and it pretty soon took the sports car world by a storm. The combination of lightweight body, small dimensions and brute US power proved to be revolutionary and the car did extremely well in competition all around the world.
This modern day version of the AC Cobra was manufactured by the “Kit Car Centre” in Boksburg, South Africa. The Kit Car Centre built these Cobra’s from 1982 through to 2003 before being bought out by Backdraft Racing. They are longer and wider for added comfort also. It is believed all of them were fitted with Chev engines just like the one we have here which is fitted with a 454 big block Chev engine!! Atop of this big block monster is Hilborn style electronic fuel injection with MSD ignition and aluminium heads producing in excess of 300kw at the rear wheels!! The transmission is a Turbo 400 and the diff is a Ford 9” running Porsche brakes and four link suspension. This beast is not for the faint hearted!! On the outside the Cobra is nothing but eye popping!! From the iconic Blue and white striped Cobra theme, larger flares and huge bonnet scoop to the period correct Halibrand pin drive centre lock wheels and master side pipes!! Inside is black leather covered seats, racing harnesses, period correct gauges and steering wheel. Harness yourself in for the ride of your life!! Currently on NSW club registration which is not transferrable. Please contact one of our friendly staff to make an appointment to view this car at our Kogarah showroom.
Mopar fans knew him simply as “Mr. Norm,” as he and his dealership were synonymous with Dodge performance in the 1960s. Norman Kraus founded Chicago’s Grand Spaulding Dodge in 1962, right as the muscle car era was set to explode. Mr. Norm’s strategy was to focus on performance, and Grand Spalding Dodge quickly became the Mopar community’s prime source for all manner of go-fast parts. He would champion Dodge performance both on the street and at NHRA dragstrips. In fact, in an altered wheelbase Coronet, Grand Spaulding team driver Gary Dyer would often best the factory-backed Dodge racers.
This 1969 Dodge Charger R/T is said to be one of only 232 examples that left the factory with a 426 Hemi motor and delivered through Grand Spaulding Motors in Chicago Illinois. Probably one of the only one in Australia. Further to this it has only travelled just under 31,000 miles and still wears most of its original paint work. The black vinyl roof and black Bumble Bee stripes along with many other factory options add to this car’s extreme rarity. Included with the car are the original colour coded steel rims that still wear their original red wall Goodyear tyres. The stunning “X9” black vinyl interior is in great condition with options such as a console, an AM radio with rear seat speaker and a left-hand side remote control mirror. An extensive amount of paperwork is with the car including import papers, the original broadcast sheet, dealer invoice and a certificate of authenticity to verify this car is equipped with a genuine Mr. Norm vehicle package and a boot lid signed by Mr. Norm. Includes heaps of spares!! If you are a Mopar enthusiast this car is a must for your collection. Please contact one of our friendly staff to make an appointment to view this car at our Kogarah showroom.
