Sneak peek at the October issue

Here's a look at our latest issue that should be winging its way toward subscriber mailboxes as this is being posted. It will hit the national newsstand on or about August 31. We found some very cool stuff that will appear in this issue, not the least of which is an interesting look at GM's new E-Rod, emissions compliant engine package. We also found a twin-supercharged Unique Cobra replica that mimics the Shelby that sold for $5.5 million at auction. There's also a story in here covering a neat Se7vens event in Texas, a hot new exotic designed by Zagato from the makers of Superformance and coverage of the London Cobra Show among many more feature stories. Hope you'll enjoy what we've assembled. Stay tuned.

289FIA Bodies

In searching around the Internet recently, looking for tools, we came across this offering from DCS Performance Engineering, among other things the manufacturer of frame jigs.

DCS offers something slightly different for Cobra replica enthusiasts; an FIA 289 Cobra body shell that is hand-laid fiberglass with reinforcement panels throughout. The kit includes two-piece body (joined at the rocker panel area front half to rear half) plus hood, deck lid and doors. Special attention has been paid to symmetry and finish detail in creating this unique body application.

The 289 Cobra paved the way for the better known and arguably less capable 427 SC that is so often reproduced. “The subtle differences between the FIA 289 racecar body we’ve patterned from and the 427 car are what we think will make our racecar body a treasured alternative to the 427 for years to come,” company spokesman said.

All panels are additionally marked for correct placement of the windshield, mirrors, and trim. Bodies can be ordered at a cost of $3,695.

For more information contact DCS Performance Engineering at 888-UNIJIG7, or visit www.unijig.com.

Snake worship

Seems like snakephiles can't get enough cool stuff to display on their Cobra replicas these days. KCB contributor, John Carollo, found the stuffed cobra peering over the winshield of a four-wheel snake at the recent London Cobra Show. That crystal snake shift knob is in the cockpit of Time & Debbie Booth's purple Shell Valley replica. Photo by Jim Youngs.

Factory Five Racing open house

We made a quick trip to Massachusetts to attend Factory Five's annual Open House and the turnout was great with nearly 150 cars on hand and lots of carless visitors. One of the highlights of the event was a preview of FFR's new product, their version of a 1933 Ford roadster, code named "Larry," for Boston Celtics great Larry Bird who apparently wore number 33 on his jersey. These are just a few shots from the event and you'll see many more in an upcoming issue of KCB. That t-shirt sorta says it all for this dedicated bunch. And that grimacing redhead is none other than company prez, Dave Smith summoning his strength and getting ready to hand out some trophies to the gathered snakephiles. FFR's parking lot was nearly overflowing with a crowd that enjoyed BBQ, factory tours, scooter giveaway, entertainment, dyno runs, and in general seeing every conceivable color scheme and engine choice there is.