Car of the Day - Ford Shelby Cobra Concept

Car of the Day - Ford Shelby Cobra Concept

Ford discovered with the 2004 Shelby Cobra Concept that trying to re-invent an icon can be a tricky thing. From a purely design meets brief perspective the 2004 re-interpretation of the 1960’s bruiser hits all the marks. An overall minimal ism with a complete performance focus is emphasised by fat wheel arches and numerous other elements that reference the original What is doesn’t have though is the classic curvaceous proportions of the original ....... or a V8.

While some would argue that the 6.4 liter all-aluminum V10 engine is a step up in every area over a V8, the simple fact is... it’s a Cobra and only a V8 will do. That being said it is a superb V10 delivering 605 hp and 501 ft lbs of torque, in a car not much longer than and MX-5. The V10 is a world away from the original 427 V8 with double-overhead-cam cylinder heads and direct port fuel injection.

Weighing in at just over 3000 lbs the tiny roofless roadster uses a modified advanced aluminum chassis from the rear-engine Ford GT. Also from the GT comes most of the suspension as well trellis-like cast aluminum suspension supports, the bumper beam, steering, crash management sections and the brackets used to mount the transmission, which itself is also from the GT, but used as a standalone transaxle. So what we have is sort of a GT, 2 ft shorter and with a reduction of 7 inches to the wheelbase ... with a 6.4 litre V10. What’s not to like? ...... apparently quite a bit as reception to the concept was less than luke warn. I however love it. Would I take it over an original 427, no way. Would I take one if it had been built over a replica - abosultely.

Rod Halligan