What threw me off is the car labeled CSX2196 has a coil spring chassis. To the best of my knowledge CSX2196 ran leaf springs even when it was 427 powered. It looks like they have the Flip-Top build labeled CSX3002 which would be incorrect.
I would bet this build is CSX3002.
There were only (3) 427s built with dry sump lubrication. CSX3002 was one of them. CSX3002 also used a left over FIA body. The air intake at the front is the standard "D" shape of the 289 in lieu of the larger oval shape of all subsequent 427s.
Checked my references and I stand corrected (me relaying on my memory is never a good idea). Chassis CSX2196 was the first 427 powered Cobra. Miles and company came up with the idea of stuffing a 427 into a Cobra after the beating the Cobra took at the hands of the Corvette Grand Sport at Nassau at the end of 1963. They knew they need more power to deal with this new threat so the beefed up a standard leaf spring chassis as best they could and installed the 427. It was nicknamed “The Turd” because the small block chassis just couldn’t handle the extra weight and power of the 427. During practice for the ’64 Sebring 12-hour Miles lost the ill handling machine and plowed the car into the only tree anywhere near the course. They worked all night to repair the car and it started the race but it only lasted a few hours before it put a rod through the side of the block. They dragged CSX2196 backed to the shop stripped it down and rebuilt as the Flip-Top Cobra. So it looks like Bob was building two different incarnations of the same chassis. The first "real" 427 prototypes where chassis numbers CSX2701 and CSX2702. They were later renumbered CSX3001 and CSX3002.
Thanks for the pictures Steve. The first two pictures appear the be the only 427 Cobra raced by Shelby and driven by Ken Miles. I would have to confirm the chassis number. The first (2) prototype 427s where originally given the next available 2000 series chassis numbers. It was later decided the 427 coil spring chassis should be differentiated from the small block leaf-spring chassis and have 3000 series numbers. The prototypes where then renumbered chassis 3001 and 3002. Pretty sure this is chassis 3002. He was fabricating a dry sump oil system (check the oil pan and the filler location in the passenger side front fender). The 3rd photo (the car with the one piece front clip) is know as the Flip-Top Cobra. It was a one off built by Ken Miles and ran an aluminum 390 engine. Raced only once in Nassau. Wickedly fast, it was leading by miles (literally) when it broke. The last picture is one of the (6) Daytona Coupes built. Very impressive work. Looks like Bob had access to some great reference material.
I sent a request to the museum several weeks ago for photos and/or information on these builds but got no reply. If any one is willing to share their photos I would greatly appreciate it seeing them. I'm very glad the museum was able to acquire these masterpieces and have chosen to display them as WIP's
The book arrived and it confirms some details I had discovered about the car which I will try to incorporate into the build.
Thanks for the comments Mark, glad you like the build.
All Competition and S/C 427 Cobra's were painted to order. The available colors listed in the SAAC registry for street 427s are: Red, Maroon, White, Charcoal, Guardsman Blue, Silver, and Ivy Green. No idea if these where Ford factory colors.