One of my Top 10 Motor Racing Shots of all time, Dan Gurney AC Shelby Cobra, Targa Florio 1964…
The photo is by Ami Guichard, he put it on the cover of his acclaimed Automobile Year # 12. It captures everything which was great about this fantastic and oh so Italian event. Dan Gurney and Jerry Grant finished eighth outright and first in class in the event won by the much more suitable Porsche 904 GTS of Colin Davis and Antonio Pucci.
The 1964 GT Manufacturers Championship was won by Ferrari with Shelby Cobra second. The advent of the Cobra Daytona Coupes ensured Ferrari would get more of a run for their money in 1965!
Specifications of the FIA Roadster cars in 1964 included Ford’s pushrod OHV 4.7-litre or 289 V8 fitted with four 48IDA Weber carburettors giving circa 400bhp. Borg Warner four speed gearbox, four wheel disc brakes and independent suspension using transverse leaf springs. 140-litre fuel tank, six-spoke cast alloy wheels. These cars were the ultimate development of the original small-block Cobra.
Etcetera…
Photo Credits…
James Leech drawing, Ami Guichard Automobile Year 12
Finito…
primotipo... 