AC Owners Club Forum

AC Owners Club Forum => Cobra (Thames Ditton) Forum => Topic started by: SunDude on September 05, 2012, 16:54:41

Title: Trip report: Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca
Post by: SunDude on September 05, 2012, 16:54:41
To commemorate the car's 50th anniversary, the AC/Shelby Cobra was the featured marque for the 2012 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, more commonly known as the Monterey Historics.  There were hundreds of original and replica Cobras there, including 42 original 289 and 427 cars that raced twice on the legendary Laguna Seca race track. Wow!!
   
   Iā€™m only posting the photos that I personally took at the races (there are thousands more for you to see on the Interwebs).  After taking close to 250 pics at the Shelby Heritage Display and in the paddocks, the battery in my digital camera suddenly died.  AUGH!!  And none of the vendors sold replacements.  AUGH!!
   
   Run Group 3A, 1962-1967 Shelby Cobra
   
   CSX2010 (#97), full-competition 260 Cobra
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/603573_10151037436072285_1465504454_n.jpg)
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/386934_10151037443187285_682354154_n.jpg)
   
   CSX2015 (#68), full-competition 260 Cobra
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/557340_10151037481967285_1714870553_n.jpg)
   
   CSX2203 (#5)
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/260449_10151037471092285_1183980721_n.jpg)
   
   Official Cobra race team transporter with CSX2259 and CSX2263.
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/558753_10151037447562285_664410111_n.jpg)
   
   CSX2259 (#16), one of five factory team FIA roadsters
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/574537_10151037452972285_1959081072_n.jpg)
   
   CSX2263 (#25)
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/309205_10151037456412285_807614276_n.jpg)
   
   CSX2330 (#98)
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/549579_10151037444537285_1376655704_n.jpg)
   
   CSX2349 (#81)
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/405360_10151037528277285_1819611469_n.jpg)
   
   CSX2468 (#95)
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/253105_10151037533532285_1108449574_n.jpg)
   
   CSX2484 (#59)
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/375784_10151037461977285_819735408_n.jpg)
   
   CSX2513 (#96), one of six factory team USRRC roadsters
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/293212_10151037514242285_1144080335_n.jpg)
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/580095_10151037519377285_1500901637_n.jpg)
   
   CSX2514 (#52), one of five independently campaigned USRRC roadsters
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/376811_10151037534202285_1582510826_n.jpg)
   
   CSX2528 (#999)
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/375847_10151037544322285_503567715_n.jpg)
   
   CSX2534 (#7)
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/207104_10151037533997285_642517235_n.jpg)
   
   CSX2571 (#8)
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/221830_10151037541682285_117063086_n.jpg)
   
   COB5999 (#15), replica built from an original factory demonstrator chassis
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/217836_10151037522457285_28507854_n.jpg)
   
   Run Group 3A, 1962-1967 Shelby Cobra
   
   CSX3010 (#19), full-competition 427 Cobra
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/542488_10151037508502285_595239018_n.jpg)
   
   CSX3183 (#24)
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/553746_10151037478107285_383918381_n.jpg)
   
   CSX3195 (#22)
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/538909_10151037510727285_402510151_n.jpg)
   
   CSX3243 (#3), the Gumball Rally movie car
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/225048_10151037485252285_275357623_n.jpg)
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/376660_10151037491472285_2035562863_n.jpg)
   
   CSX3312 (#47)
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/185153_10151037458892285_1640555765_n.jpg)
Title: Trip report: Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca
Post by: SunDude on September 05, 2012, 16:55:49
Original Cobras in the paddock
   
   CSX2022, full-competition 260 Cobra
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/547320_10151037666657285_958949744_n.jpg)
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/375846_10151037670387285_790532602_n.jpg)
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/603451_10151037670747285_1168216781_n.jpg)
   
   CSX2063
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/293046_10151037640262285_146500323_n.jpg)
   
   CSX2134, a 289 Cobra modified with 427 cues
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/574918_10151037687412285_1105124873_n.jpg)
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/255491_10151037687662285_441451405_n.jpg)
   
   CSX2163
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/524519_10151037746607285_1914128219_n.jpg)
   
   CSX2174, the Steve McQueen loaner
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/375945_10151037647277285_148076698_n.jpg)
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/538933_10151037649537285_1231719773_n.jpg)
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/255522_10151037650042285_352716875_n.jpg)
   
   CSX2178
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/527114_10151037701197285_728880263_n.jpg)
   
   CSX2237
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/558373_10151037750062285_1584598882_n.jpg)
   
   CSX2298
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/284664_10151037642967285_996054806_n.jpg)
   
   CSX2313
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/564192_10151037709712285_1120602526_n.jpg)
   
   CSX2319, a 289 Cobra modified with 427 cues
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/553733_10151037682382285_217796669_n.jpg)
   
   CSX2323, one of five factory team FIA roadsters
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/555499_10151037713432285_437502889_n.jpg)
   
   CSX2331
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/424596_10151037722832285_898818196_n.jpg)
   
   CSX2416, a "barn find" Stage III Dragon Snake
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/561762_10151037631737285_1412477300_n.jpg)
   
   CSX2419
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/528059_10151037657317285_1221843809_n.jpg)
   
   CSX2483, a one-owner 289 street Cobra
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/582788_10151037731657285_1503417780_n.jpg)
   
   CSX2497
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/551590_10151043509527285_919719817_n.jpg)
   
   CSX2544
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/206189_10151037466622285_1931658067_n.jpg)
   
   CSX3016, full-competition 427 Cobra
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/308353_10151037613582285_676928114_n.jpg)
   
   CSX3215
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/547081_10151037737462285_1231290501_n.jpg)
   
   CSX3339, a 427 with tunnel-port heads
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/207062_10151037695957285_1074867605_n.jpg)
   
   ###
   
   
   CSX2603, a Daytona Coupe replica produced by John Ohlsen, former employee of Shelby American Inc.
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/308424_10151037777467285_1452995812_n.jpg)
   
   Shelby Cooper-Ford "King Cobra" (CM/5/64)
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/555741_10151037780057285_409393624_n.jpg)
   
   ###
   
   Some local Factory Five coupe owners organized a group photo with Pete Brock, designer of the original FIA Championship-winning Daytona Coupe.
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/574452_10151037798147285_1430322391_n.jpg)
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/524393_10151037798327285_213070578_n.jpg)
   
   Waiting for my turn to speak with Pete Brock.
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/284951_10151037801212285_1398581323_n.jpg)
   (https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/291946_10151037801052285_418027706_n.jpg)
Title: Trip report: Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca
Post by: philriley427 on September 29, 2012, 17:13:42
Wow ā€“ Some really great shots of really great cars there ā€“ Cobra Heaven!
Title: Trip report: Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca
Post by: REV on September 30, 2012, 23:29:18
Appreciated. Thank you I enjoyed that.
   
   :-)
Title: Trip report: Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca
Post by: aaron on October 01, 2012, 15:09:57
Love the T Shirt Brian !
Title: Trip report: Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca
Post by: Spantik on October 01, 2012, 20:43:01
Which one won the beauty contest? Just a dream day with dream cars. Nice shots and thanks for sharing.
Title: Trip report: Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca
Post by: SunDude on October 02, 2012, 14:59:58
Glad you guys enjoyed the photos.  It was an incredible gathering of original Cobras -- more than 125 by my count -- unlikely to ever be repeated.
   
   Aaron, that T-shirt has a perfect "fit" for this event.  It got noticed all day long by other people.
Title: Trip report: Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca
Post by: MkIV Lux on October 03, 2012, 11:08:38
Hi Brian,
   Thanks for the nice report and pics. Great stuff.
   
   I'm a bit puzzled by the wheels on CSX2416 (barn find Dragonsnake): spinners in conjuction with nuts/bolts [?] Also seen on period photos.
   
   What's the clue?
   Constant
Title: Trip report: Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca
Post by: A-Snake on October 03, 2012, 15:55:54
quote:
Originally posted by MkIV Lux
   
Hi Brian,
   Thanks for the nice report and pics. Great stuff.
   
   I'm a bit puzzled by the wheels on CSX2416 (barn find Dragonsnake): spinners in conjuction with nuts/bolts [?] Also seen on period photos.
   
   What's the clue?
   Constant
   

   
   American Mags were first produced with pins to attach the spline adapters. These began to fail at the starting line of the drags. I wonder why? ;-) Bolts were then used to attach the adapters. (Bolts do not hold the wheels on) The factory Dragonsnakes used these first, no sense having the competition use the new stuff.
    So now you will see both a bolted and 'unbolted' variety.
Title: Trip report: Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca
Post by: rr64 on October 03, 2012, 22:03:17
quote]Originally posted by A-Snake
   American Mags were first produced with pins to attach the spline adapters. These began to fail at the starting line of the drags. I wonder why? ;-) Bolts were then used to attach the adapters. (Bolts do not hold the wheels on) The factory Dragonsnakes used these first, no sense having the competition use the new stuff.
    So now you will see both a bolted and 'unbolted' variety.
   [/quote]
   
   
   Here's some images.
   
   As far as I can tell this is design #1.  The splined adapter BOLTED INTO the magnesium wheel center. Used hard the holes in the magnesium enlarged. Enlarged holes means constantly working loose wheels.
   
   Used wheel.
   (http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r187/rr64/15x85-1.jpg)
   
   (http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r187/rr64/15x85-2.jpg)
   
   The second SA works drag Cobra used  design #2 with longer bolts passing THROUGH the magnesium and captured by lug nuts and load bearing thick hardened washers on the facing side.
   
   NOS front wheel.
   (http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r187/rr64/15X6-Front.jpg)
   
   (http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r187/rr64/StickerSpindleMounts.jpg)
   
   I have found very little in print about these wheels when new. I have seen 15X6.0 to 15X8.5 sizes of both designs. I am about 90% sure that the 15X6.0 widths and the offsets of those wheels had were just made for street Cobras with stock fender arches....yes they fit.
   
   The common situation now is 6.0 or 6.5 inches wide up front and 7.0 inches wide in the rear with stock fenders. Unless rear tires are low profile and narrow in section and tread widths that usually leads to blistered paint on the rear arches. The SA solution for drag racers and 7.0 or 7.5 wide wheels was cut away portions of the rear arches.
   
   
   I have seen some made in low quantities aluminum modern reproductions of these wheels outfitted for Cobras.
Title: Trip report: Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca
Post by: rr64 on October 03, 2012, 22:17:22
Legend has it Ken Miles had at least two sets of six pin drive made for CSX2431. Pictures are shown of the car using Halibrand Engineering made six pin racing wheels like other SA works cars sometimes and his custom American Racing wheels at other times. They were interchangable.
Title: Trip report: Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca
Post by: MkIV Lux on October 03, 2012, 23:43:39
Many thanks for the clarification. Snakes are a forever interesting subject.
Title: Trip report: Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca
Post by: rr64 on October 03, 2012, 23:46:23
quote:
Originally posted by MkIV Lux
   
Many thanks for the clarification. Snakes are a forever interesting subject.
   

   
   Your welcome.
Title: Trip report: Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca
Post by: A-Snake on October 03, 2012, 23:49:36
Thanks Dan, I had forgotten that they actually threaded into the magnesium.
Title: Trip report: Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca
Post by: rr64 on October 04, 2012, 00:39:32
quote:
Originally posted by A-Snake
   
Thanks Dan, I had forgotten that they actually threaded into the magnesium.
   

   
   Your welcome. Easier to show than describe.