BT Design ETAPE concept

BT Design has unveiled a new Skoda concept at the 2012 Auto Mobil International Show (AMI) in Leipzig, Germany. The ETAPE Concept, as it is known, is a sporty pick-up truck based on the Czech crossover which is quite a sight in real life.The ETAPE Concept features plenty of changes from its four-door crossover cousin.

Though the ETAPE is based on the production version Skoda Yeti, the Pickup concept has been given a complete overhaul with two doors, a wide body kit, a flatbed in the back and a new cabin. The concept also dons a new front and rear fascia, new side skirts, flared wheel arches housing larger alloy wheels wrapped in low profile tyres and redesigned interiors. The only aspect that is left unchanged is the car's bonnet.




Press Release


The concept of ETAPE cannot be ignored


Benet Automotive works closely with the car manufacturer Skoda Auto a.s., so it is no coincidence that BA chose Skoda Yeti model to show example customization, which is very effectively adapted to its own open concept ETAPE. They want to demonstrate on Yeti the possibilities of starting their own design proposal, from major structural modifications to precise work of modelers in the development workshop. Cycle theme of exhibition commemorates the long-term commitment of Skoda Auto in this sports sector. Last but not least, there is the analogy of everlasting efforts of the motorists to escape from the ‚peloton‘ of serial production towards individuality.


The trend confirms that individuality is desired goods on the road


Customers of BT brand are individuals who desire uniqueness as well as companies which use modified cars with unique design to promote their own products and services. As currently displayed concept ETAPE shows, the possibilies are virtually endless. Ambition of BT brand, however, reaches even further, which is clearly illustrated by the words of Josef Zajicek, managing director and mastermind of the project: ‘We want to inspire individuals and the whole industry.Our aim is to provoke even greater demand for individualization of cars from both end user and manufacturers. At the same time we want to present the possibility of building a completely unique promotional vehicles to order to various companies. Here at Benet Automotive we have enough creativity as well as technical support needed for implementation.‘


Invention is not improvisation


On the exhibition piece ETAP, only front bonnet remains from the original body parts of Yeti. Reinforcing of the structure was solved with the help of modern computer technology. In addition to designers and engineers have also come into play other professions, like people working on car body, modelers, painters, uphosterers and many others.

2012 Skoda Citigo

Skoda has releases details for Citigo city car, which will debut first as a
three-door hatch with a five-door variant following later in 2012. The car
goes on sale this year in its domestic Czech market while sales in the rest
of Europe will begin next summer (2012).

From the outside, styling of the Skoda is very clean, conservative yet
modern enough to fit in with the current Volkswagen/Skoda crop. The design
also seems to step away from the sometimes awkward design cues,
particularly in the front end, of other Skoda models.

The Citigo is powered by a three-cylinder 1.0 liter engine with either 60PS
(44 kW) or 75PS (55 kW). Both versions make 95Nm of torque and are mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Performance figures for the 929 kg vehicle are a 159 kph top speed and a
13.9 seconds 0-100 kph time for the 60 PS variant and a 170 kph top speed
and 0-100 kph time of 12.7 seconds for the 75 PS version. Both models wear
14-inch wheels wrapped with 165/70 profile rubbers.

The Citigo will measure just 3.56 metres long, 1.65 metres wide and 1.48
metres high. It has a wheelbase of 2.4 meters and offers 251 litres of boot
space, which can be extended to 951 litres by folding down the rear seats.





Press Release

A small ŠKODA for city traffic - "City Clever"

9/27/2011

With its seventh model line, ŠKODA is entering the small vehicle segment. The ŠKODA Citigo will be launched on the Czech market in late 2011. Market launches in Europe scheduled for the beginning of summer 2012.

ŠKODA is continuing its product offensive by introducing its seventh model line. With the Citigo, at 3.56m long, the Mladá Boleslav automaker is entering the A00 segment. The Citigo will debut on the domestic Czech market this year. Other European countries will follow at the beginning of summer 2012. The Citigo offers maximum utilisation of space and seats for four passengers. The Citigo will be launched as a three-door, with a five-door version to come in 2012.

"The Citigo is one of the pillars of our growth strategy. It paves the way for our brand to enter a very promising segment," said ŠKODA Board Chairman Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland. "The new product fully meets the corporate philosophy of the ŠKODA Brand expressed through the "Simply Clever" slogan. Despite its small size, it offers ample interior space, but is surprisingly agile, and attractive in terms of trims and technologies used.

Although the Citigo is a small car, it is a typical ŠKODA-and as such fits perfectly with our plans."The designers managed to give the car a distinct look that declares at first glance: this is the new ŠKODA. The finned grille set in a chrome-plated frame and precisely shaped headlamps give the car the typical ŠKODA look. The designers have done a fantastic job on the rest of the car's body. With a length of 3.56 metres, width of 1.65 metres and height of 1.48 metres, the Citigo is one of the smallest vehicles in its segment. The volume of the luggage compartment is 251 litres. It can be extended to 951 litres by folding down the rear seats.

The key target groups are young drivers, young families looking to get themselves a second or even third car, and also "best agers." They are customers who are rather cost-sensitive and have a rational approach to cars on the one hand but high demands for quality, practicality, design and safety on the other. ŠKODA did not have much to offer such groups of customers in the small car segment. Prof. Vahland: "We can see that the demand for small cars with low fuel consumption, at a favourable price and with reasonable operating costs is growing.

ŠKODA's new small vehicle is a reaction to this trend. We are entering new ground and the Citigo will attract a lot of customers mainly in our European markets."The Citigo places great emphasis on safety. For the first time in a ŠKODA vehicle, the designers have used a Head-Thorax side airbag to protect the heads of both the driver and the front seat passenger and together with other elements it forms an exemplary safety packet in its class. In addition, active safety is significantly enhanced by the new "City Safe Drive" brake assistant. The system is automatically activated at speeds below 30 km/h and a laser sensor identifies a danger of collision. Along with the Volkswagen up!, the Citigo is currently the only car in the small vehicle segment to offer the emergency braking functionality.

Two new, three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engines will be available after the Citigo's launch: both have a volume of 1.0 litre and their power outputs are 44 kW/60 HP and 55 kW/75 HP. In the economical Green Tec version average consumption is 4.2l/100km and 4.3l/100km respectively. Emissions are 97g and 99g CO2/km respectively. Fuel consumption and emissions are 4.5l/100km and 105g CO2 per km for the 44kW engine. The engine with a power output of 55kW consumes 4.7l/100km and emits 108g of CO2 per km.

Skoda Octavia vRS Bonneville with 600HP

Czech automaker Skoda announced its plans of competing in the famous Bonneville Speed Week in August (13-20), and they goal is to reach a speed of 200 mph.

The car features a 2.0-liter TSI petrol engine that has been equipped with a new Garret turbocharger. Thanks to high-octane race fuel and 26 to 28 PSI of boost, the engine will produce 550-600 PS (405-441 kW / 542-592 hp) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. Skoda estimates this will enable the car to hit a top speed in excess of 200 mph (322 km/h).

The car also features changes to improve aerodynamics and performance. That includes lowering it to run almost 80mm closer to the ground and a new sub-frame which houses a race prepared intercooler. The unique racer has been built to stringent Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) safety regulations, which means a reinforced roll cage, parachute, fire extinguishers and window cage.

Rear brakes have been removed to reduce aerodynamic drag – the Octavia will rely on a drag racing parachute to stop. Wheels are standard Skoda 15-inch steel rims wearing high-pressure Goodyear Eagle Land Speed tyres to give a total wheel diameter of 23-inches.





Press Release

ŠKODA TAKES ON BONNEVILLE SPEED WEEK......AT 200MPH

• Škoda to compete on legendary American salt flats to mark 10 years of vRS
• Specially built 600PS Octavia vRS aims to be the first 200mph Škoda

Simply Clever.....at more than 200mph! Škoda UK is to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its iconic vRS performance flagship badge by going landspeed record racing.

A one-off modified Octavia vRS saloon has been entered into the world famous Bonneville Speed Week in August (13-20). Its aim is to break the magic 200mph barrier and join the most exclusive club in motoring.

The brand's UK technical team at Milton Keynes has been working in secret on the vehicle for several months, with the assistance of performance software and tuning outfit REVO Technik.

The car is a factory-fresh production Octavia vRS, but some changes have been made to improve aerodynamics and performance. That includes lowering it to run almost 80mm closer to the ground and a new sub-frame which houses a race prepared intercooler.

It retains its production-standard 2.0-litre four-cylinder TSI petrol engine but the standard turbo has been replaced with a more advanced unit from respected component firm Garret. Generating up to 600PS, and producing 26-28 PSI of boost pressure, it drinks high-octane race fuel (with water methanol mix)rather than unleaded petrol.

The unique racer has been built to stringent Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) safety regulations, which means a reinforced roll cage, parachute, fire extinguishers and window cage.

Since its launch in 2001, vRS has captured the hearts of UK motorists who enjoy the thrill of sports car driving. Since then, the UK has become Škoda'slargest market for the Octavia and Fabia vRS with more than 12,000 cars sold since launch.

Robert Hazelwood, Director for Škoda UK, said: "The 10-year relationship between the UK and the vRS badge has been extremely successful. This is a landmark anniversary and going to Bonneville is a fitting tribute. It's also an ambitious project which might surprise a few people, but Škoda is all about engineering excellence and this car is pushing that to new limits."

The vRS is entered into the ‘2.0-litre production car' category and will race over a nine-mile straight, which includes a timed mile in the middle. Performance through that section determines the class winner.

The legendary Bonneville Salt Flats begin 90 miles west of Salt Lake City and cover around 50 square miles of north-western Utah. It has been the spiritual home to high-speed racing for almost a century and each August a variety of hot rods, roadsters, belly tankers, lakesters, motorcycles, streamliners and diesel trucks compete in Speed Week.

Škoda vRS models are designed to ignite the passion and thrill of sports car driving. They offer additional emotional involvement and an extra level of dynamic appeal, and stand out from the crowd thanks to their subtle but distinctive exterior features. These include aggressive bumpers, rear spoiler, bespoke alloy wheels and chromed exhaust tips. Inside, the attention to detail continues with fresh upholstery, unique badging and smart dashboard inserts.

Skoda Octavia Green E Line Concept

This year’s edition of the Paris show will see the VW Group’s successful Skoda brand unveiling its first-ever electric-powered vehicle called the Octavia Green E Line. Skoda says it is planning to create a special test fleet of Octavias Green E Line in 2011 with the goal of obtaining additional information relevant to the further development of the electric drive. The concept model is based on the series production Octavia Combi [estate] and is powered by an electric motor delivering a constant power of 60 kW / 80-hp and a maximum output of 85 kW / 114-hp.

The electricity for the Octavia Green E Line is supplied by a modern lithium-ion battery. With a range-per-charge of 140 kilometers (87 miles), the Skoda Octavia Green E Line comfortably meets the requirements of most everyday commuters in Europe. Located under the middle and rear parts of the floor and extending partly into the luggage compartment, the 26.5 kWh battery is made up of 180 lithium-ion cells (diameter 150 mm, length 650 mm) and weighs about 315 kilograms. However, the battery has almost no impact on the volume of the passenger and luggage compartments. The Octavia Green E Line is fitted with five comfortable seats, and its passenger compartment is identical with that of the Octavia Combi with a combustion engine.

The car is finished in a Pearl White exterior color and features chrome-trim on both the front and rear of the vehicle as well as on the wheels creating a contrast with the glossy black roof with integrated energy-generating photovoltaic panels.

Motivation is provided a 26.5 kWh lithium-ion battery which sends power to an electric motor that produces 85 kW (114 hp / 116 PS) and 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque. This allows the wagon to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 12 seconds, hit a top speed of 135 km/h (84 mph) and travel up to 140 km on a single charge.

Source: Skoda




Press Release

OCTAVIA GREEN E LINE CONCEPT: ŠKODA'S FIRST-EVER ELECTRIC VEHICLE

• Range: up to 140 km per charge thanks to modern ion-lithium battery

• Engine: maximum power 85 kW

• Test fleet to start in 2011

Mladá Boleslav, 29 September, 2010 - The 2010 Paris Motorshow will see the Octavia Green E Line concept. Škoda's first-ever electric-powered vehicle will demonstrate the company's innovative potential and technological competence in this growing area. The first fleet of test vehicles is planned for 2011.

Mobility for people and clean cars for the environment - these are Škoda's commitments. Mobility without emissions is the future. "The Octavia Green E Line embodies the values of the brand absolutely perfectly - the vehicle combines the desire for individual mobility with our environmental goals", said Škoda Auto BOD Chairman Prof. Dr. Winfried Vahland.

The Green E Line concept is based on the Škoda Octavia Combi. With its modular chassis design, this series-production car is the ideal option in terms of arranging the batteries, electronic control units and the electric engine with its constant power of 60 kW and max. power of 85 kW. Available right after the start (as is typical of this type of drive), the maximum torque of 270 Nm gives the car enough power for sharp acceleration and a good amount of agility and responsiveness, which the driver will appreciate mainly in busy city traffic. The Octavia Green E Line accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just twelve seconds, and the car's maximum speed is limited to 135 km/h.

The electricity for the Octavia Green E Line is supplied by a modern lithium-ion battery. With a range-per-charge of 140 kilometres, the Škoda Octavia Green E Line comfortably meets the requirements of most everyday commuters in Europe. Located under the middle and rear parts of the floor and extending partly into the luggage compartment, the 26.5 kWh battery is made up of 180 lithium-ion cells (diameter 150 mm, length 650 mm) and weighs about 315 kilograms. However, the battery has almost no impact on the volume of the passenger and luggage compartments. The Octavia Green E Line is fitted with five comfortable seats, and its passenger compartment is identical with that of the Octavia Combi with a combustion engine.

With smart dashboard indicators, the driver of the Octavia Green E Line always stays in control. The computer screen provides continuous information including instant output, power consumption, battery charge and the remaining range. The navigation display describes the energy flow, i.e., informs the driver that the electric engine is being supplied with electricity or, on the contrary, that it is generating electricity as the car decelerates or goes downhill.

The look of the Škoda Octavia Green E Line conveys the environmental-friendliness of its electric drive.Pearl-white exterior colour and elegant chrome-trim on both the front and rear of the vehicle as well as on the wheels create an impressive contrast with the glossy black roof with integrated energy-generating photovoltaic panels.

Škoda Auto is planning to create a test fleet of Octavias Green E Line in 2011 with the objective of obtaining additional information relevant to the further development of the electric drive.

Preview：Skoda Fabia vRS launches in UK

Skoda has announced that the new Fabia vRS range will be officially launched in the UK on Thursday 29 July 2010, with prices and specification having already been confirmed.

The new vRS is the fastest production Fabia ever built, and builds on its predecessor’s reputation for high performance, low running costs and remarkable value for money.

Maximum power is 132 kW (178 bhp / 180 PS) at 6,200rpm and peak torque is 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) between 2,000rpm and 4,500rpm. The engine is mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox which helps it accelerate from 0 - 62mph in 7.3 seconds for both the hatch and the estate. Average fuel consumption comes to 45.6 mpg-UK (6.2l / 100km).

The car comes with a 7-speed DSG transmission, with ESP, HHC (Hill Hold Control) and XDS (Electronic Differential System). Acceleration from 0-62mph takes just 7.3 secs, with a top speed of 139mph (140mph for the estate). It also features 17-inch ‘Gigaro’ alloy wheels, LED daylight running lights, sunset glass and vRS body kit.

The Fabia vRS will also sip fuel at the rate of 6.1 litres/100kms and comes with an XDS electronic differential for extra cornering grip.

The new Skoda Fabia vRS will be available for £15,700 for the hatch and £16,495 for the estate version.





Press Release

NEW ŠKODA FABIA vRS LAUNCHES IN THE UK

• On sale in the UK from 29 July
• Estate version available for the first time
• 1.4-litre TSI turbo and supercharged to give 180bhp
• Seven-speed DSG gearbox with paddleshift as standard
• XDS electronic differential boosts cornering grip
• 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds, combined fuel economy of 45.6mpg

The fantastic new Fabia vRS will be officially launched in the UK on Thursday 29 July 2010, and prices and specification have been confirmed.

The new vRS is the fastest production Fabia ever built, and builds on its predecessor's reputation for high performance, low running costs and remarkable value for money.

Available as a hatch and estate, the vRS is powered by the fantastic 1.4 TSI 180bhp engine in tandem with a 7-speed DSG transmission, with ESP, HHC (Hill Hold Control) and XDS (Electronic Differential System). Acceleration from 0-62mph takes just 7.3 secs, with a top speed of 139mph (140mph for the estate).

The new vRS features stylish 17-inch ‘Gigaro' alloy wheels, LED daylight running lights, sunset glass and vRS body kit giving it a very sporty appearance. Customers can also choose an optional white or black roof with a range of body colours, including the new Rallye Green, inspired by the Škoda Fabia S2000 rally car.

Inside, the vRS boasts figure-hugging vRS sports seats, a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel with radio controls and paddles for changing gear and MDI (Multi-Device Interface) for use with iPods and other mp3 players.

Overall, the vRS offers fantastic value for money, particularly when compared to the competition. Where else can you find a 180bhp engine with DSG, paddles, LED lights and loads of standard kit for £15,700 for the hatch and £16,495 for the estate version?

Pricing

Hatch	Gearbox	CO2	VED Band	Recommended OTR
Fabia vRS 1.4 TSI 180bhp DSG	7spd	148	F	£15,700
Estate	Gearbox	CO2	VED Band	Recommended OTR
Fabia vRS 1.4 TSI 180bhp DSG	7spd	148	F	£16,495

Standard specification

• 17" alloy wheels "GIGARO" 7J x 17"
• 3-spoke multi-function leather sports steering wheel w/ paddles & controls for radio
• Alarm with tilt sensor
• Driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags
• Electric front windowsESP (incl ABS, MSR and ASR)+HHC+TPM+XDS (ESP with Hill Hold Control, Tyre Pressure
• Monitor and Electonically Controlled Differential)
• Height adjustable driver's and passenger seat
• ISOFIX in outer rear seats
• LED daylight running lights
• Manual air conditioning
• Maxi-dot trip computer
• MDI (Multi-device interface and cable for connecting MP3 players)
• adio ‘Swing' 2DIN CD and 8 speakers (can play MP3 recordings)
• Rear chrome double exhaust pipe
• Rear spoiler (painted in body colour or roof colour)
• Remote central locking
• Small leather pack (handbrake, gearknob and gaiter)
• Sport seats with vRS logo
• Sports suspension
• Stainless steel pedals and vRS logo on kickplates
• Sunset glass (from the B-pillar back)

Technical data

	Fabia vRS Hatch 1.4 TSI 180bhp DSG	Fabia vRS Estate 1.4 TSI 180bhp DSG
Emissions
CO2 (g/km)	148	148
Standard Euro emissions	EUV
Engine and drive train
CC	1,390
Compression ratio	10.0:1
Fuel delivery	Direct injection
Number of gears	7
Performance
0 to 62 mph (secs)	7.3	7.3
Engine power (bhp/rpm)	180/6,200	180/6,200
Engine torque (Nm)	250/2,000-4,500	250/2,000-4,500
Top speed (mph)	139	140
Fuel consumption
EC urban (mpg)	36.7
EC extra-urban (mpg)	54.3
EC combined (mpg)	45.6
Tyre size front/rear	205/40 R17 84W	205/40 R17 84W
Weight and capacities
Gross vehicle weight	1,718	1,713
Luggage capacity (seats down)	1,163	1,460
Luggage capacity (seats up)	300	480
Max loading weight	400	400
Max roof load	75	75
Max towing weight – braked	-	-
Max towing weight – unbraked	-	-
Kerbweight	1,318	1,313

Colours

Fabia vRS will be available in a range of colours with optional black or white roofs. Estate is not available with a coloured roof.

	Black roof	White roof
Rallye Green Metallic	?	?
Race Blue Metallic	-	?
Black Magic Pearl Effect	-	?
Brilliant Silver Metallic	?	-
Sprint Yellow	?	-
Corrida Red	?	-
Candy White	?	-

Škoda shows new faces of Fabia and Roomster

The vehicle's height has remained unchanged, but its new design "language" that stresses the vehicle's width and the brand new front make both the Fabia and the Roomster look more dynamic and self confident on the road than their predecessors. The facelift includes Scout model line which will also be presented in Geneva.

The facelifted look of the Fabia and the Roomster is underlined by a new radiator grille and 3D-shaped headlamps that have been considerably widened to highlight the horizontal line of the vehicle's front. Despite its more dynamic front part, the Fabia hasn't lost any of its elegance and the Roomster is still an eye-catcher.

Both vehicles look more confident, mature and emotionally expressive. Some of the popular features, such as the shape of the glazed surfaces around the vehicle's cabin that resemble a helmet visor and are an important part of both the Roomster's and the Fabia's identity, have remained unchanged. Moreover, both of the modernised model lines feature new aluminium wheels, decorative hubcaps and paint colours.


Years ago, the Fabia line became the base for Škoda's portfolio of compact vehicles that is now made up of altogether five models. Just like the Fabia, the Fabia Combi and the Roomster (MPV) will get a number of technological improvements along with the new face, including state-of-the-art, mostly supercharged engines. The engine portfolio for the Fabia and the Roomster is actually the core of all the changes. The manufacturer offers altogether seven petrol engines and three diesel units whose power ranges from 44 kW to 77 kW in the Fabia and from 51 kW to 77 kW in the Roomster. All of the engines exported to EU countries comply with the EU 5 standard and have low fuel consumption and CO2 emission levels.


The objective of Škoda's development efforts was to improve the power of the engines and make them more environmentally friendly at the same time. Combined with an optimised two-clutch seven-speed DSG transmission, the new 1.2 TSI petrol engine (77 kW) has a consumption of 5.3 litres/100 km. The four-cylinder TSI engine is available in two power levels - 63 kW and 77 kW. Both of these versions will also be available in combination with a five-speed manual transmission.


The power of the 1.2- and 1.6-litre diesel engines ranges from 55 kW to 77 kW. All of the diesel units are fitted with a particulate filter. One of the main changes is high-pressure Common Rail injection - the injection pressure is as much as 1,600 bar and the fast-responding piezoelectric injectors are able to perform as many as five injections within one beat. As a result, all engines run is considerably smoother and the volume of emissions is under 110g/km of CO2 thorough the whole diesel range. The combustion gases in all of the diesel versions of the Fabia and the Roomster are cleaned in an oxidation catalyst and by means of exhaust gas recirculation.

Engine portfolio:

• 1.2 HTP/44 kW (60 PS)

• 1.2 12V HTP/51 kW (70 PS)

• 1.4 16V/63 kW (86 PS)

• 1.2 TSI/63 kW (86 PS)

• 1.2 TSI/77 kW (105 PS)

• 1.6 16V/77 kW (105 PS)

• 1.6 16V/77 kW (105 PS) (A)

• 1.2 TDI CR DPF/55 kW (75 PS)

• 1.6 TDI CR DPF/66 kW (90 PS)

• 1.6 TDI CR DPF/77 kW (105 PS)

Photos:carscoop

1964 Shelby Cobra Flip-Top fails to meet reserve at RM auction

623 hp, 427 cu. in. aluminum block pushrod overhead valve V8 engine, four-speed manual transmission, four-wheel independent suspension with transverse leaf springs, telescopic shocks and anti-roll bars, four-wheel disc brakes. Wheelbase 90"

The odyssey of the Shelby Cobra is defined by the contributions of many people, marked by many important cars and by even more important moments. They weave a rich fabric of creativity, determination and persistence in the face of limited resources and epic challenges.

The saga of CSX 2196, the "Flip-Top" Cobra 427 prototype, is a bright thread in the tapestry of Shelby history.


The Cobra's first race win came at Riverside in February 1963 in the hands of Dave MacDonald. Just behind him in second place after pitting on the first lap and dropping to last place was Ken Miles in another Cobra, a very precise, experienced driver who had made a name for himself on the West Coast. Miles soon joined Shelby as Competition Director, assuming a central role in Shelby's frenetic pace of building and racing cars.

Miles was a Brit who spent the war wrenching tanks for the Royal Army and racing motorcycles when the chance, and a spare petrol ration, could be found. After the war he moved to Southern California as the MG distributor's service manager and quickly hit the tracks, winning his first race at Pebble Beach in 1953 in an MG TD. His TD-based Miles Special dominated California under-1500 cc events for years before it was succeeded by the [in]famous Flying Shingle, another TD-based special that was even lighter and more aerodynamic. Later, Miles drove Porsches for Johnny von Neumann but, unsatisfied with the cars from Stuttgart, built a Cooper-based, Porsche-powered Miles Special. He was so successful in it that Porsche eventually suggested to von Neumann that it was bad for the marque to be beaten by a distributor's employee driving a Porsche-powered home-built.

Miles also was President of the California Sports Car Club which organized some of the most famous and important road races held in North America. What SCCA was east of the Rockies, Cal Club was on the West Coast. It was Miles who led it to success.


At Shelby, the lessons learned in the crucible of international racing at Nassau, Daytona and Sebring quickly were translated into improved designs and strengthened components. The Cobra finally realized its international potential in the 1963 FIA season's last race, the 500 km test at eastern Long Island's Bridgehampton Road Race Course where Dan Gurney and Ken Miles finished 1-2. It was the first FIA victory for a U.S. car with an American driver. It was also the first victory for Ford power in an FIA sanctioned race.

The Cobra was a much hotter ride in late 1963 than it had been at the beginning of the season, but competition also was heating up with 4- and even 4.4-litre engines for Ferrari's 250 GTO in the offing and GM readying the lightweight, disc braked Corvette Grand Sport for 1964. There was just so much that even Phil Remington and Ken Miles could do to the AC Ace-based 289 Cobra.


What Shelby had undertaken in late 1963 was amazing. They were building 289 Cobras. They were supporting SCCA and USRRC racers throughout North America. They had a separate FIA Cobra for international events. There was a drag racing program. To compete on the major high speed circuits, the Daytona Coupes were being built, a complete evolution of the Cobra's design accomplished in an almost unbelievable three months.

At the same time, mid-late 1963, Shelby took on the task of creating the Sunbeam Tiger prototypes, the racing car built in Shelby's shop while in his own separate shop Ken Miles built the street prototype.

It was a breathtaking array of projects, but with one serious looming problem: the 289 Cobra was nearing the end of its competitive cycle. Competition – from Ferrari, Porsche, Aston Martin and potentially Chevrolet and Jaguar – was fierce. Ken Miles, involved in all aspects of Shelby's myriad production, development and racing activities, was uniquely placed to see the future and took the project on himself.

Miles' solution to the 289 Cobra's situation? Fit an even bigger engine in the existing Cobra to see how the engine's performance characteristics would relate to the chassis, then design, construct and develop chassis, suspension and bodywork in response to the new performance envelope.


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."

Its body made it ideal for its next job at Shelby, testing the new Ford engines for the next generation Cobra, called at that time the Cobra II. As described in a Ford memo from Ray Geddes, Ford's liaison with Shelby, in August 1964 the first power was to be an experimental four-barrel aluminum block 390. After development and testing, it was to be replaced with an iron block four-barrel 427, then benchmarked against 289 and 325 cubic inch engines. The unusual body configuration earned it the nickname "Flip-Top."

Sources dispute the origin of CSX 2196's other nickname. Some, probably including John Morton who compared the original configuration's handling at Sebring to a '49 Buick, link it to the inevitable twitches associated with burdening a light chassis with a much heavier and more powerful engine. Others appreciated the potential of the power and torque from 138 more cubic inches operating at less critical rpm and suggested it was because it would "get up and @*%^ on the competition" or similar colorful language. In any event, it was quietly – mostly among the team mechanics – known as "The Turd."

First tests of the aluminum 390 were conducted at Shelby's familiar Riverside Raceway site. Subsequent testing and development is unclear. At the Flip-Top's first public appearance at the Nassau Road Races in November and December 1964, some sources (including the SAAC Registry) describe it as alloy 390-powered. Others give it 37 more cubic inches of cast iron Ford.

Miles and the Flip-Top were accepted into the GT class along with the Corvette Grand Sports (GT Prototype) and Ferrari 250LMs. In the five-lap preliminary race on November 29, Miles finished ahead of all the Ferrari LMs and second to Roger Penske in one of the Grand Sports. Later in the day in the feature GT contest, the Nassau Tourist Trophy, the Flip-Top sat on the front row alongside Grand Sports driven by Roger Penske and Jack Saunders. Ken Miles must have been sandbagging earlier, because on the opening lap of the TT, he smoked the Grand Sports, opening up a massive eight-second lead – enough to leave the Grand Sports a full straightaway behind.

Eventually differential problems slowed the Flip-Top, allowing Penske to catch up and enliven the race with a series of lead exchanges until the Flip-Top's engine expired.

Back in Los Angeles, attention turned to devising the production 427 Cobra. The Flip-Top, eligible only for modified classes in competition with mid-engined sports racers, languished and was eventually offered for sale in late 1965.

Eventually acquired by Al Rivera of S&C Motors in San Francisco, it was driven by Dave Ridenour in C/Modified races. Later it was sold to Mark King, then Dick Workman who installed a 302 Ford and later to Royal Krieger. Subsequent owners included Chris Gruys who brought it back to original specs with 427 Side Oiler power and began to vintage race it in 1980.

After a period in the famed collection of Bob Lee, it was acquired by its present owner in 1999 and since then has been regularly seen in West Coast vintage race events. In 2007 the Flip-Top Cobra 427 participated in the Goodwood Festival of Speed, its first international appearance since Nassau in 1964.

Powered by a Rex Hutchison alloy 427 Ford dynoed at 623 brake horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 611 lb-ft torque at 4,200 rpm, the Flip-Top 427 Cobra features extensively in all the definitive histories of Shelby American and the Cobra. It is the only prototype of the 427 Cobra and arguably the only "Cobra II" since that designation was not used for the production coil spring 427 Cobras. Design of the production coil spring 427 Cobras was done by Ford engineers, making CSX 2196 effectively the only 427 Cobra designed and built by Shelby. It is the Cobra that blew off the Grand Sports at Nassau and the Cobra conceived, assembled, developed and raced by Ken Miles, one of the legends of American road racing.

Available now for the first time in over a decade, CSX 2196 is one of the legends of Shelby and Cobra history. Fully developed, absolutely unique and blindingly fast, it is a milestone in the legendary history of Shelby, the Cobra and the Ford Motor Company's "Total Performance." No tapestry of Shelby, Cobra or Ford racing history is complete without the thread of CSX 2196, the prototype 427 Cobra.
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