It had been said even by Shelby Inc., CSX2166 was the leaf spring prototype. However the chassis number was reported wrong. The prototype that Ken Miles coined, The Turd was none other than the also famous Flip Top Cobra, the CSX2196. The CSX2166 exists today with the Daytona body. This car has to be one of the most valuable Cobras today.

The rational answer came within the fact all the other big block Cobras started with a 3000 designation. All CSX3000's had a coiliover design. In which Klaus Arning worked/designed. The 2000 series CSX's were all small block builds. The 2196 shared the same basic frame as the 289 however it was built with 4" tube chassis instead of the 3" with leaf springs. The 4,000 series on up to 7,000 CSX's are Shelby replica or as Shelby calls, Continuation Cars. Some people have been hoodwinked into thinking they were buying an original AC Cobra dropping hundreds of thousands of dollars. Not from Shelby but private owners. Only to be buying a say, CSX4000 series Shelby. That would realistically be worth at best $140,000.00. Shelby likes to use the term NOS on some of his parts. As far as many believe, Shelby had little to no NOS parts. You will find a few at least, haters of CS.


Shelby 427 Cobra Prototype Headlines Arizona Sale – RM Auctions

The one-of-a-kind 1964 Shelby Cobra 427 Prototype s/n CSX 2196, nicknamed “The Flip-Top�  for its unique clam shell design, is set to cross the block at RM’s Automobiles of Arizona event at the Biltmore Resort and Spa in Phoenix on January 22nd, 2010.

Its design, build, development and racing were spearheaded by legendary racing driver Ken Miles and after months of testing and modifications, 2196 became the only prototype produced for the famed 427 Cobras that followed. It was raced in period at Riverside, Sebring and Nassau.

Over the years, 2196 has competed in many of the world’s historic races including Laguna Seca, Monterey Historics and Goodwood Festival of Speed. Today, the well-documented Flip-top sports its original livery of Guardman Blue with white stripes and black interior, and is unquestionably one of the most desirable Shelby Cobras ever built. (Estimate: Available upon request)
http://www.sportscardigest.com/shelby-427-cobra-prototype-headlines-arizona-sale-rm-auctions/


CSX2196 was the original 427 prototype, developed by Ken Miles based on a regular leaf-spring chassis.

The car made its racing debut at the 12 Hours of Sebring in Florida, co-driven by Miles and John Morton.

The car was wrecked in practice when Miles hit the only freestanding tree on the Sebring circuit. It was repaired overnight and started the race the next day, but failed to finish when the engine blew. Nonetheless the car clearly demonstrated that a 427-powered Cobra had great potential.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/38089209@N02/6947266287/
CSX2196 - 12 Hours of Sebring 1964

CSX2196 was the original 427 prototype, developed by Ken Miles based on a regular leaf-spring chassis.

The car made its racing debut at the 12 Hours of Sebring in Florida, co-driven by Miles and John Morton.

The car was wrecked in practice when Miles hit the only freestanding tree on the Sebring circuit. It was repaired overnight and started the race the next day, but failed to finish when the engine blew. Nonetheless the car clearly demonstrated that a 427-powered Cobra had great potential.
Photo credit: Ford Motor Co.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yJFQyrAjiM

Last edited by Ralphy (3/21/2012 1:51 pm)