Photo flood: CSX2287 at Washington Auto Show 2014

SunDude · January 29, 2014, 17:33:00

The U.S. Historic Vehicle Association (HVA) has a display at the Washington Auto Show, featuring the prototype Cobra Daytona Coupe (CSX2287) which is the first car to be "inducted" into the new National Historic Vehicle Register. The HVA is documenting the car for future generations according to the strict guidelines employed by the Library of Congress.

   I happened to be travelling on business in Washington DC this week, and had some time to visit the show once my meetings wrapped up. Here are some photos from my visit. Sorry for the poor quality, but my camera is not professional grade nor are my photography skills.

   Me and the Daytona Coupe

   Some detail shots

   The roof has been signed by Carroll Shelby, Bob Bondurant, Phil Hill, Craig Breedlove and (?? Pete Brock ??).

   The HVA display also included some great signage and pop-up banners.

   The U.S. Department of the Interior produced a laser-scanned line drawing of CSX2287 which is going to be placed in the Library of Congress's permanent archives. A limited run of 500 numbered prints were available to visitors who signed up for the HVA newsletter. I got print #289. ;-)

SunDude · January 29, 2014, 17:35:58

For more information about the Cobra Daytona's placement in the National Historic Vehicle Register, check out:

   -- the Historic Vehicle Association (HVA) website: http://www.historicvehicle.org/News/Articles/All-Articles/2012/06/11/Shelby-Daytona

   -- this post on Hemmings Motor News: http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2014/01/24/shelby-cobra-daytona-becomes-first-vehicle-on-national-historic-vehicle-register/

   -- this YouTube video by the HVA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNtIXvoMO0k

BBK · January 30, 2014, 01:45:17

Great post. Thanks Brian.

snakedude · January 30, 2014, 02:57:03

Hmm, has the HVA verified that those bungee spare wheel tie-down cables are period correct!?

Laurence Kent · January 30, 2014, 21:22:52

I am not trying to denigrate Pete Brock's design or Shelby American's strong role in the development of the Daytona coupes, but to trumpet them as "BUILT IN AMERICA", all-American heritage cars, is a bit over-the-top. After all, it is an undisputed fact in the world of automobilia that a vehicle gets its identity from its chassis...regardless of who rebodied it. All of us on this website know who built the chassis and in what country. We also know that CSX stood for "Carroll Shelby EXPORT". I think most of us also know that a fellow called John Tojeiro in the land of Shakespeare and Newton, designed this chassis and sold the rights to AC, in Thames-Ditton, south of London. Furthermore, it is common knowledge that the Daytona coupes' bodies, while designed by Brock, were built in Italy. While a lot of Shelby engineering and racing experience went into the Daytonas (the reinforcing bracing that made the car handle even better, etc), to just conveniently ignore its non-American antecedents is historical "revisionism".

A-Snake · January 31, 2014, 00:29:26

quote:
Originally posted by Laurence Kent

I am not trying to denigrate Pete Brock's design or Shelby American's strong role in the development of the Daytona coupes, but to trumpet them as "BUILT IN AMERICA", all-American heritage cars, is a bit over-the-top. After all, it is an undisputed fact in the world of automobilia that a vehicle gets its identity from its chassis...regardless of who rebodied it. All of us on this website know who built the chassis and in what country. We also know that CSX stood for "Carroll Shelby EXPORT". I think most of us also know that a fellow called John Tojeiro in the land of Shakespeare and Newton, designed this chassis and sold the rights to AC, in Thames-Ditton, south of London. Furthermore, it is common knowledge that the Daytona coupes' bodies, while designed by Brock, were built in Italy. While a lot of Shelby engineering and racing experience went into the Daytonas (the reinforcing bracing that made the car handle even better, etc), to just conveniently ignore its non-American antecedents is historical "revisionism".

   Just to add a little clarity;
   The body for CSX2287, the first coupe, was built in the USA. The others were bodied in Italy. They were built on bare chassis, they were not "rebodied."
   It is accepted that the 'C' in CSX does not stand for Carroll ;-) Following that theory, the COX, COB would stand for Carroll and of course they do not.

MkIV Lux · February 02, 2014, 22:39:36

thanks for sharing

aaron · February 04, 2014, 18:47:11

quote:
Originally posted by A-Snake

quote:
Originally posted by Laurence Kent

I am not trying to denigrate Pete Brock's design or Shelby American's strong role in the development of the Daytona coupes, but to trumpet them as "BUILT IN AMERICA", all-American heritage cars, is a bit over-the-top. After all, it is an undisputed fact in the world of automobilia that a vehicle gets its identity from its chassis...regardless of who rebodied it. All of us on this website know who built the chassis and in what country. We also know that CSX stood for "Carroll Shelby EXPORT". I think most of us also know that a fellow called John Tojeiro in the land of Shakespeare and Newton, designed this chassis and sold the rights to AC, in Thames-Ditton, south of London. Furthermore, it is common knowledge that the Daytona coupes' bodies, while designed by Brock, were built in Italy. While a lot of Shelby engineering and racing experience went into the Daytonas (the reinforcing bracing that made the car handle even better, etc), to just conveniently ignore its non-American antecedents is historical "revisionism".


   Just to add a little clarity;
   The body for CSX2287, the first coupe, was built in the USA. The others were bodied in Italy. They were built on bare chassis, they were not "rebodied."
   It is accepted that the 'C' in CSX does not stand for Carroll ;-) Following that theory, the COX, COB would stand for Carroll and of course they do not.

What does the C stand for ?

3.5 Pints at the Bar · February 04, 2014, 22:39:02

"X" in the chassis number meant left-hand drive (rather than simply "export"), on ACs from the 1930s up to the Frua. But I agree with Laurance's sentiments. Not forgetting Alan Turner's contribution to the chassis development. Not sure what the "C" stood for. Speculation usually suggests "Carroll" or "Cobra", but maybe the numbering pre-dated the "Cobra" title? Someone here will know much more than me :)

nikbj68 · February 04, 2014, 23:40:24

This was covered at some length HERE, but the definitive* answer is....

   ....

   ....

   C....

   ....O....

   ........B....

   ............R....

   ................A.


   As Mr 3.5 P_a_t_B states, X means LHD, and B denotes RHD, CO standing for 'Cobra', where S for 'Shelby' wasn`t used.


   (*Definitive statement from the Introduction to the Cobra Registers, in the ACOC Members` Area.(

Cobra Ned · February 05, 2014, 17:14:46

There has also been discussion about AC's breaking down the models by alphabetizing them. Think of the Ace, followed by the Bristol, followed by the Cobra. Models A, B, and C possibly?

And as for that Cobra coupe pictured above, just look at its condition. Apparently the factory must have left off its chassis undercoating/ rustproofing, and the time spent on the Bonneville Salt Flats did nothing positive for its longevity. That thing should be shipped to a restoration facility immediately, if not sooner, and completely dismantled, stripped, and restored to better than it ever was new condition. That's the way to do things today, right?

BEX308 · February 14, 2014, 12:53:43

CSX2287 belongs to Dr. Frederick Simeone and is normally on display at his museum located just outside the Philadelphia International Airport. The car is virtually unmolested from its racing days and I don't believe the good Doctor has any intention of "restoring" it. I have seen the car many times; it is in running condition and well cared for by the museum staff. If you are ever in Philly stop in to the museum; if you appreciate old race cars you will not be disapointed.
http://simeonemuseum.org/
Pete

TLegate · February 14, 2014, 14:22:53

I'm with Cobra Ned - restore the hell out if it! Can you imagine that scruffy wreck at Pebble Beach? Oh, the shame!! Luckily I found some cans of blue spray paint in my garden shed and I have some time on my hands....

To reply to the bungee strap conundrum: they really are period correct! I recently found a photo of 39PH at Goodwood, Easter Monday 1964 and holding down the boot lid - those bungees! Who knew? So we can all relax. :)

aaron · February 15, 2014, 21:32:05

Why restore the hell out of it now the car is kept in a climate controlled environment ? Enjoy the car for what it is. Restoring the car wont make it worth anymore than what people think it is worth now.

A-Snake · February 15, 2014, 23:13:16

quote:
Originally posted by aaron

Why restore the hell out of it now the car is kept in a climate controlled environment ? Enjoy the car for what it is. Restoring the car wont make it worth anymore than what people think it is worth now.

Aaron, It would appear that you do not speak TREVOR-NED. It can be a strange language. [:o)]