A Streamlined Cobra:

When Pete Brock, a 24 year old employee of Shelby America Inc., suggested to Carroll Shelby to build a more streamlined version of the Cobra to compete in Europe's FIA Championship series, few could have imagined the success it would bring. Shelby agreed and construction began in October of 1963. Ferrari had won the title for 6 years running. The Shelby Cobra was a proven performer on American racetracks, however despite it's higher horsepower, at the higher speeds encountered on the tracks of Europe it did not have the aerodynamics to compete with the sleeker Ferrari GTOs.

From measurements of Miles seated in a 289 chassis, a plywood "buck" was built on which the aluminum skin would be formed.

Shelby had the ear of several naysayers including his own Chief Designer, Phil Remington, who didn't support the project. Reportedly, aircraft designer Benny Howard took one look at Brock's "Kamm back" and said it was "all wrong". Returning from lunch with Howard, Shelby was getting a little worried. Pete said, "Have I ever let you down?" "Nope" was the reply and construction continued.

The buck was sent to Cal Metal Shaping where the hand-formed body was made. From design to completed running car took less than 90 days with the car first tested on the track at Riverside California on Feb. 1, 1964. An amazing feat for even today with modern technology. "Project G.T.140" is taking me years and I'm just doing some modifications!