Marsh Models MM339 Shelby Cobra 427 "Flip-top" #98 'Miles' USRRC Nassau Trophy Race 1964

Marsh Models MM339 Shelby Cobra 427 "Flip-top" #98 'Ken Miles' USRRC Nassau Trophy Race 1964, 1/43rd scale handbuilt resin model car.

The saga of CSX 2196, the "Flip-Top" Cobra 427 prototype, is a bright thread in the tapestry of Shelby history. It started with CSX 2196, the unique Cobra offered here. Ted Sutton stuffed a 427 big block into it, and the boss, Carroll Shelby, took it for a test drive (which must have been something to see). He came back with the concise instruction, "Make it a race car." Nearly every component in the car had to be strengthened to withstand the power and torque of the four-barrel NASCAR 427.

After testing in early 1964 at Riverside with the Daytona Coupe, CSX 2196's first public appearance was at Florida's rough Sebring airport circuit. During practice, it got away from Miles and smashed into a tree, an obstacle so rare at Sebring that the team modified his nickname "Teddy Teabagger" – based on his fondness for his afternoon "cuppa" – to "Teddy Treebagger." Miles worked through the night to repair the damage done while he was at the wheel.

The 427 prototype took the green flag and Miles, who had hidden the fact he had broken ribs from the crash, drove the first two hours fighting teething problems and others arising from its hasty repairs. He was relieved by John Morton, who soldiered on through a series of stops to deal with clutch, fuel, and brake problems until a blown engine eventually sidelined the 427 prototype, but not before it had shown its potential.

Upon its return to Venice, a comprehensive rebuild of CSX 2196 was undertaken to deal with its shortcomings. In addition to strengthening everything (again), the body was replaced by an imaginative aluminum structure in three pieces. The nose and tail were hinged at their extremities, flipping up and away from the center passenger's compartment for instant access to suspension, engine, driveline, and brakes. Doors were simple panels hinged at the bottom to swing out and down. The hood and tail were lowered as much as possible to ease air penetration. It still looked like a Cobra, but one as described in the SAAC Registry "that had been lowered and slightly heated in the microwave."

SPECIAL ORDER ITEM: Please note that this is a special order item. Delivery usually takes at least 8 to 12 weeks minimum.