| Automobiles of Arizona Friday, January 18, 2008 |
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| 1966 Ford CS500 Super Duty Shelby Transporter Truck | |||||||||
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Specifications: 164hp, 330 cu. in. V8 engine, assorted Shelby engine components including Cobra valve covers, an air cleaner, and oil pan, four-speed manual transmission, semi-elliptic leaf springs and four-wheel drum brakes. In less than half a decade, Carroll Shelby went from fitting an American V8 into an aging British roadster to securing the FIA World Championship of GT cars. What started with a simple Ford V8-powered AC Ace had blossomed into a sports and racing car program that not only bested the formidable Ferrari and Corvette teams at world tracks the world over, but also contributed such names as Cobra, GT 350, and Daytona Coupe to the annals of automotive history. In fact, in 1966, after assuming control of Ford’s GT 40 program, Carroll Shelby’s drivers crossed the finish line at Le Mans in an historic 1-2-3 photo finish. Less than one year later, the last 427 Cobra was built by Shelby American, a company that continues to contribute immeasurably to both the collector car and racing worlds. The Ford CS500 Super Duty presented here is believed to be one of six original such trucks built for use by the Shelby American racing team in 1966. As such, it would have originally been utilized for transporting the Shelby Cobra racing cars around the country to their various victorious appearances. More recently, the truck was purchased from a collector and restorer in Canada before being driven by its new owner over 1,800 miles to Arizona, a testament to its continued drivability. In September 2007, it was driven to Santa Monica, California where it participated in the SAAC’s Tony Sousa memorial car show and received a First Place prize. A further credit to its authenticity, the dash on this Super Duty was signed by racing driver Bob Bondurant and early Shelby employee Bernie Kretzschmar, both of whom were involved in the Cobra racing program. Early Cobra crew member John Morton also contributed his autograph and seems to have recalled traveling in this truck to Sebring, Florida. Although the truck was converted to a flatbed setup, it otherwise appears to be very original and, given its age, its condition is truly quite remarkable. The former owner simply performed maintenance duties in the way of brake and radiator work as well as tire replacement. In addition to the proper Cobra and Shelby American script on the exterior, the cabin retains its original headliner, white upholstery, as well as a wooden Cobra gearshift knob and dash-mounted tachometer. Shelby touches are also present under the hood, where the original 330 cubic inch V8 engine features Cobra valve covers, an air cleaner, and oil pan. Well suited as a curious addition to any diverse automobile collection and a particularly desirable item for any Shelby enthusiast, this CS500 Super Duty is a rare find indeed. What’s more, a portion of the proceeds of its sale will go to the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation, benefiting children in need of financial assistance for organ and tissue transplants. |
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