Just thought I'd share some pics...
 

Like the page says, this isn't mine. This is a car that's been in the family for a while, and being raised around cars like this (and DeTomaso Panteras, Mini Cooper S's, '53 Thunderbirds, a few Classic mustangs, etc.) makes it really odd that I'd be into imports like I am. Anyway, nothing political or mechanical about this thread. No comparisons here. Nothing can describe the sensation of driving it, and I don't care if you like it or hate it. Some of you know a bit about it, some don't.

If you ever get the chance to drive one, don't burn your leg on the side-pipes. I haven't, but lots of people do that their first time out. It's on the ground. After drigin it, you're sweaty, windblown, and feel like rubber. You totally forget about those blazing hot pipes when you climb up out of it to stand up. Be warned. Other than that, it's not an easy car to drive, and doesn't leave you with anything resembling a "safe" feeling, but it's certainly exhilerating.

It's an original. 8500 miles. It's Chassis # CSX3009, one of Carroll Shelby's originals. 1 of 30 made in 1965. 427 side-oiler with (IMO) the wrong gearset in the rear and a 4-speed. This thing makes around 400hp and weighs 1890lbs with me in it. Goes 55 in first, 105 in second and ? in third. Supposed to be able to go 200mph, but I don't know that, and won't find out.

http://homepage.mac.com/jafro/PhotoAlbum12.html

Here's a teaser for the lazy... Many more pics at ^this^ link

http://homepage.mac.com/jafro/.Pictu...a/MVC-028S.JPG

You'll never see this one in my sig because I don't own the title, and that would be disrespectful to the owner.

whrs the mini?

hot damn that's sick! what are those valued at?

btw, nice work on the DSM and civic :)

In 2000, I sat 2 rows behind Carroll Shelby at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Monterrey, and they sold the second one ever made (289cid roadster) for $380,000. This one's probably worth about .3 mil because it doesn't have as much racing history. The most collectable ones without racing history are the 427's because they have a different body style. They auction off regularly between 275,000 and $380,000. I'm going back to Monterrey and to the Historic Races at Laguna Seca in August again this year, so I'll let you know. The Barrett-Jackson auctions are usually televised live on Speedvision as well, and that's the premier auction that usually sets values on classic cars.

Thanks! :thumbup: If all goes well today, I'll get a parts shipment from MD and lower the engine into the GSX today or tomorrow... Just got a phonecall, the parts came in yesterday, so I'm out!

I'm not so crazy about the new Minis, but I don't dislike them. The one we had was a '67 Austin Cooper 'S' in British Racing green. That color doesn't photograph well at all. It only looks good in person. It had a 1275cc w/weber side-draft carbuerators (2 of them) , and because it was an 'S', it had the brakes and all. The old mini's sure are neat. They don't have shocks or struts. They ride on rubber cones and they handle better than any hatch I've ever driven. I guess they can get away with it because ours only weighed 1400 lbs and only have 10" wheels. We race-built the motor, and unfortunately, sold it. Sold our '29 Model A. Sold the Pantera. Bought the Cobra. I think it was a fair trade :D

Damn.

My buddy built a replica with a bored out 5.0 Ford V8 (sold it immediately after building it, just a project) and one of my co-workers has a replica with a supercharged 4.6 Ford V8.

But the originals are a rare site.

Treat her right. :D

I'm seeing more replicas of these around than anything these days. It's really cool because the basic design of both cars are the same, and it's a great setup.

Depending on what was the donor, and whether they're fiberglass or aluminum bodied, they're easy to spot. The biggest exterior give away is the knock-off wheels. There's a damn-good replica wheel available that looks just like the originals, but if you look behind the spinners, and there are lug nuts hiding there, nada. It's funny to see some of the guys even safety-wiring the non-functional spinners. The knock-off wheels and hub assemblies are CRAZY EXPENSIVE, so most builders don't bother with them.

But, hey... I see replicas at the car shows as well, and Carroll's autographed them without discrimination. You'd feel less guilty about rompin' on if it was not an original one... I've seen one at Lime Rock with a 9L engine, gutted, full tube aluminum chassis, 1350lbs and around 2000hp. It ran ONE lap of the big race, and pitted 24 seconds in the lead just to give about 24 other big-block Fords a chance. I think it would definitely be a car design worth building.

so how hard does your stepdad drive it? :)

http://homepage.mac.com/jafro/.Pictu...c/MVC-022F.JPG


how are gas prices now? :oh:

really nice car, ive always had a lil thing inside for those cars. ive seen a couple of them at the local autox events, but i dont know if they are replicas or not.