At the Toronto Indy this past summer, there was a buzz in the Time Warp Racing paddock that there was an original Cobra in the field. I was told that I had to see the car, because it was beautiful. I trundled over to the Legendary Motorcar trailer and started poking about. It was indeed an absolutely stunning example of a Cobra. Indeed, all the details looked absolutely perfect. Almost too perfect.
I met the car’s owner, Andre Ahrle, who told me that this car is actually an exact replica of his other Cobra which is currently being restored. That car was the one that originally wore the Essex Wire colors and was apparently quite a significant car. I thanked Andre for his time and asked if we could speak later about doing a story on both cars and he accepted the offer.
Later that weekend, I asked our resident Shelby historian, Gary Faules, what he knew of the Essex Wire Cobra as I had actually not heard of it. If it is possible to hear someone’s jaw drop through an e-mail, I think I did. Gary explained that the car has been missing for many years and is indeed the Cobra that has won more races than any other. In other words, if this is the real deal, then this is a big story.
Andre’s car is the real deal.
Over the next week or so, I’ll be sharing the story of CSX 3009 and the replica. We have vintage photos from the official Shelby team photographer, marketing stories, photos of the replica in action and even more of the restoration process and the incredible scramble to assemble all the correct parts.
I shot the photo above of the replica on the 3rd lap of qualifying at the 2009 Toronto Indy, just before Andre was rear ended.
Next up, the story begins
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It seems a little strange, for seemingly such an important car, to also be completely new, to me as well…