‘Python’ FoxBody Custom Has Unusual Ties to Original Shelby Cobra
Legendary Shelby Cobra nearly had a successor, but the project was scrapped and this ‘Python’ Mustang emerged instead.
Ever heard of Eugene Bordinat? Maybe McKinley Thompson? Their names could have gone down in history as greats, if Ford and Shelby hadn’t parted ways. Bordinat was the VP of Design at Ford in the 60’s and together with Thompson, penned a design that was to replace the Cobra.
This replacement, according to Hemmings, was also called the Cobra. A “Cougar II” was also spawned from that design study, too. Both cars were based on an existing Cobra. Bordinat’s Cobra is actually built on CSX3001, but ultimately would never advance beyond being a concept car.
Fast forward to the 80’s and get familiar with the name Alvin Kelly. Kelly saw Bordinat’s creations, and felt the Modern boxy Mustang could use a Bordinat flavored refresh. As you can see, the styling cues are quite similar. Straight edges with sharp creases are found, with a hint of FoxBody Mustang if you look closely enough. But if you do inspect closer, you’ll find it has a shortened and strengthened chassis. Wikipedia says it was intended to get a more optimal weight distribution for better handling.
Speaking of handling, this black Python is badged “Handling By Lotus,” but in our research, we didn’t see any specific evidence the Brits sprinkled their magic on Kelly’s creation. Besides, if they did, you’d think they’d have preferred the coupe over the cabriolet. That’s not the only thing Interesting about this Python we noticed.
Another one of these Kelly Python customs was actually spotted by our staff a number of years ago, however, it differs ever so slightly. The front lights on the white one are different, and are better integrated into the front bumper which features “PYTHON” script. However, the white one doesn’t feature a dash plaque. It also didn’t feature a $35,000 asking price, either…
Whether this creation would have made a big splash is now only down to speculation. Shelby’s original idea with the Cobra was to put a big engine in a smaller car, and as good as the Python is, it doesn’t really follow that ethos.
Photos: Craigslist
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