1965 Ford Cobra by Everett-Morrison (replica of 1965
Shelby Cobra 427SC)
Everett-Morrison was one of the premier early builders of replicas
of the Shelby Cobra sports cars. Their earlier cars, of which this
is one, were known for their very stiff round tube frames and
strong, heavy fiberglass bodies. They could be fitted with any of
several types of suspensions and powertrains. This particular car
was ordered expressly for use as a race car in SCCA racing events
in Texas. Consequently, it was ordered with C4 Corvette suspension
front and rear and a special light-weight body. Set up
for the track with the driver and a half tank of fuel on
board, the car weighs about 2,500 pounds.
The shop that professionally built this car also built several
other Everett-Morrison cars. It was raced for about five years
before being sold the first time. The car was retired from racing
and minimally converted for street use by cutting out the full roll
cage it once required. It now has a full-width roll bar.
During that time the car was rebuilt with a more powerful engine
and other features to make it better suited for both street and
track use. It was still used for Track Day-type events after it was
retired from professional racing. It has seen speeds as high as 140
MPH on tracks such as Roebling Road, Talladega Gran Prix and the
road course at Daytona Dragway.
Over the last few years, the car has been used primarily for local
cruise-ins, auto crosses, and Cobra rally events.
In early 2017 the car got a refreshed full body paint and new
Corvette wheels. The mechanicals were all inspected, adjusted
and/or replaced. Since then it’s been in storage.
The 410 cubic inch engine in the car is based on the Ford 351
Windsor engine. It is backed by a Richmond 5-speed (overdrive)
transmission coupled to the Corvette limited slip differential. The
theoretical top speed at 6,000 RPM is 150 MPH.
The engine includes the following components:
Vintage Ford Windsor block
Speed-o-Motive Hi-Nodular cast stroker crank
Forged connecting rods
Forged dish top pistons (approximate static compression ratio –
10:1)
Comp Cams hydraulic roller cam optimized for high torque 2500-6000
RPM.
Hydraulic roller lifters
Roller rockers
High volume oil pump
Racing style oil pan
Edelbrock Victor Jr. aluminum heads
Aluminum Intake manifold
Modified Holley racing carburetor w/o choke tower
K&N Filter Top Air Cleaner
MSD ignition with chip-based RPM limiter
Summit Racing distributor
Gilmer belt driven water pump, alternator and power
steering pump
Other features include:
Oil and water catch cans
Remote oil cooler
Corvette power rack and pinion steering
Remote power steering fluid cooler
Electric fan
Accusump (stores oil reservoir under pressure for startup and in
case oil pressure drops during hard maneuvering)
Easy access brake fluid reservoirs
Fuel cell
Five point racing harnesses
Removable steering wheel
Special electrical switches with built-in circuit breakers for race
use
Fiberglass mono springs front and rear
QA1 adjustable shock absorbers
Cockpit adjustable brake bias
New Corvette Wheels
New Full Body Paint
This Cobra has an official appraised value of almost $60,000 and is
one of the most fun, good looking raw power cars you can drive. See
this consignment car on display in the museum. For more information
email [email protected] or 706-886-0721. The museum hours
are Wednesday through Saturday 10 to 4 or by appointment.
