1964 ERA FIA with LeMans Hardtop

1964 Shelby 289 FIA with LeMans Hardtop Description

Offered here for your consideration is ERA2124, one of the most unique ERA 289 FIA cars in the US. For the past 6 years, this car has served as a realization of a dream, however, it is time to pass it on to its next owner. As seen here, the car represents a series of incremental steps in development over that time with the end goal being one of period correctness paying tribute to the original cars of 1964 which dominated the FIA championship.

The ERA replica cars stand out as one of the best engineered, and most visually faithful to that end, while maintaining outstanding quality, comfort, and drivability which arguably surpasses such characteristics of the original cars. The car you see here has been a joy to own over the last 13K miles and has been the focus of admiration among many enthusiasts within the global Cobra community. It has been a SAAC 37 Replica Class Winner, ERA display car at Carlisle, a winner of many local shows, an occasional autocrosser, canyon carver, and road tripper. The lovely thing about this car is that it is so sorted and comfortable that one can just hop in, buckle the harness, turn the key, and go – no matter if it’s down the road for some ice cream, or to a destination across this beautiful country.

The time with this car has been pretty well documented in an ownership log that is located on ClubCobra. Simply type ERA2124 into any search engine and it can be found. Please feel free to contact me to discuss the car any time. I have all build records and receipts as well as a few spares. Now on to the specifics and features of this car:

Exterior:

Toyota/Lexus Woodland Green Metallic with Lamborghini Yellow FIA nose stripe and removable vinyl number circles

Fiberglass, reinforced, 289 FIA body fitted over ERA’s supremely-engineered steel frame

The car is fitted with an easily-removable LeMans Hardtop that copies those originally present on two cars that raced in the 1963 LeMans race. The top has been replicated and is used currently by most every 289 cobra racer running in the European Historic series events such as Goodwood, Spa, etc. This car has also been modified such that the trunk lid is split just behind the top and hinged to open backwards just as the cars were that raced LeMans. The trunk lid also features the storied suitcase bumps which provided clearance to meet FIA regulation back at that time. To keep out some weather and extend the driving season in colder climates, a set of side screens are also included with handmade and quilted storage bags.

Front Brake Cooling Ducts and Cibie driving lights round out the front of the car.

ERA’s 289 FIA side exhausts in high-temp black bring the thundering V-8 music to your ears. The exhausts contain silencers, however, they allow just enough noise to not be too obnoxious while maintaining the sense that this Cobra means business.

Interior:

Fully carpeted and finished interior with door pockets, drop—center dash, glove box, and Stewart Warner gauges. The center gauge stack also includes a period 2-5/8” 10psi fuel pressure gauge to round things out. The transmission tunnel is topped with a 289 street car replica T-handle shifter. Seating includes one Kirkey Vintage Race for the driver’s side on adjustable sliders, and a full leather 289 “street seat” for the passenger crafted by noted Cobra restorer, Dave Wagner. 3” 4-point harnesses by Crow are fitted to keep you planted in the seats. There is also fresh air vents, a fire extinguisher, and battery cut-off switch behind the passenger seat for added comfort, safety, and security. Underneath the dash hidden away from view is a 12-V power socket for charging a GPS or Phone during larger trips. Two steering wheels are included, one wood-rimed wheel fixed to the steering column, and another suede-lined Sparco wheel that is detachable through the use of an additional steering shaft that can be changed out of the column.

Powertrain:

The 347cu in stroker engine is fitted with a Skat Crank and aluminum pistons and topped with many period-correct features such as the ERA 289 coolant expansion tank, stamped steel valve covers with high-rise breathers, and 48 IDA weber carburetors personally set up by Jim Inglese at SAAC 37 (he was very happy with the way the car drove). These beautiful sounding webers are fed through a mechanical fuel pump/regulator up through a period race fuel distribution manifold and “octopus” cloth braided fuel lines. Spark comes via Pertronix Flame Thrower distributor, electronic Hall Effect ignition, and wires. Controlling all the engine breathing is a set of Dart Pro 1 aluminum heads and heavy duty roller rockers actuated by a hydraulic roller cam (spec card available upon request). This engine has not been dyno’d in its current state, but prior to the IDA’s being installed, the engine was fitted with 44 IDF carburetors and produced 430hp and 420lb-ft at the flywheel. A video of that dyno run and plots will be included in the sale.

Sitting behind the engine connected via blow-proof bell housing is a TKO-600 5-speed gearbox with an 0.82 final ratio. The rear end is a Jaguar limited slip unit with 3.31 gears putting the final drive ratio at approximately 2.88, which makes 5th gear cruising at 65-70mph reasonably relaxed.

Chassis:

ERA’s exceptionally-engineered and powder coated square tube frame puts the power to the ground through the use of their fully-adjustable rear independent suspension with large outboard brakes designed for track-day use. All consumable components such as pads and rotors can be sourced at local auto parts stores, as well as, things like calipers and bearings.

The front suspension is a custom, unequal lenth, double A-arm design. Both front and rear are suspended by single-adjustable Spax Coil-over dampers and Eibach springs. Front brakes are competition grade 4-piston Sierra calipers and 2-piece rotors.

Both front and rear suspensions utilize anti-sway bars for further chassis tuning options.

Two set of wheels are included in the sale. The street wheels are 6-pin knock-off 15” FIA replica wheels made from aluminum and powder coated matte black. Tires are Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/T in 235 up front and 275 in the rear. Also included is a set of 17” 427 competition-style wheels by Vintage wheel that are back spaced specifically for the ERA FIA car. They are also in black and currently have a set of Hoosier A6 slicks on them, 295 up front and 315 in back.

That basically sums up the data and build specifications of this fantastic Cobra replica. Below is an itemized listing just as a re-cap:

Powertrain/brakes:
347cid with 48ida tuned personally by Jim Inglese
TKO600 Trans
ERA rear suspension
Sierra 4-piston front brakes
Interior:
Drop center street dashwith full complement of gauges
Kirkey vintage race seat / leather street seat by Dave Wagner
Full carpets
Replica T-handle shifter
Wood rimmed Moto Lita AND detachable Sparco steering wheels
Exterior:
Vinyl meatballs
Black powder coated 6-pin FIA 15" wheels
Black coated 6-pin Vintage Wheel 17” wheels w/Hoosier A6 tires
LeMans hardtop (easily removable )
Custom side screens
Split boot lid
Cibie Driving Lights

Additional information:

Located in South Central Pennsylvania (17233), this car is currently registered and titled as Special Construction with no year specified on the title. The car is also listed for sale locally and posted to a number of Cobra forums and Facebook pages. This fine Cobra replica has been driven and enjoyed to the fullest, however it is in wonderful condition. There are no warranties expressed or implied with this auction listing. I would be more than happy to assist in the logistics of shipping arrangements, whether they be international or otherwise. Again, feel free to ask questions as I would be very happy to discuss the details and background of this car further to any serious potential buyer. Good luck, and I look forward to hearing from you!

A $500 Paypal deposit is due within 24hrs of auction completion with remaining balance required within 7-days via bank transfer, verifiable Cashiers Check, or Cash.