One of my Top 10 Motor Racing Shots of all time. Dan Gurney AC Shelby Cobra, Targa 1964…photo by Ami Guichard, he put it on the cover of his acclaimed ‘Automobile Year # 12’…
It captures everyting 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 GT Manufacturers Championship was won by Ferrari in 1964, with Shelby Cobra second. With the advent of the Cobra Daytona Coupes Ferrari would get more of a ‘run for their money’ in 1965!
Specifications of the ‘FIA Roadster’ cars in 1964 included Fords pushrod OHV 4.7 Litre or 289 v8. 4 48IDA Weber carburettors, giving circa 400BHP. Borg Warner 4 speed gearbox, 4 wheel disc brakes. Independent suspension using transverse leaf spring. 140 litre fuel tank. 6 spoke cast alloy wheels. These cars were the ultimate development of the original ‘small block’ Cobra.
Before the off, Cerda, Targa Florio 1964. Gurney with Shelby team mechanics. AC Cobra . # 106 a Lancia Flaminia DNF, and # 22 Alfa Giulietta SZ , nineteenth (Pinterest)
Jerry Grant in the Cobra shared with Dan Gurney. Targa 1964 (Pinterest)
Gurney through the Sicilian countryside, Targa Florio 1964. In addition to the Ford sportscar program he raced for Brabham in Grand Prix Racing winning the teams first championship race that year (Pinterest)
Etcetera…
Engine of Hill’s Cobra Sebring 1963
The 1964 Targa winning Porsche 904 GTS of Colin Davis and Antonio Pucci (unattributed)
Photo Credits…
James Leech drawing, Ami Guichard ‘Automobile Year 12’
primotipo... 