ex-IMSA 1995 Cobra R #66

CobraR77

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Recently I had the privilege of acquiring 1995 Cobra R #66/250. This chassis was raced in SCCA/IMSA in 1995/96 by Frank Simone with support by Gemini Racing Systems. It has been in storage since. 95R #66 was documented in a couple magazine and newspaper articles. I first became aware of this chassis in the mid nineties when I reached out to Gemini Racing of Chandler, AZ about their vintage Mustang race parts. Their info packet included info about their prep and support for 95R #66. Fast forward to 2005. While searching the Internet for ex-IMSA Cobra R's I found a for sale ad for 95R #66. The ad read (1995 FORD MUSTANG COBRA, R, only 4700 miles, original owner, 1 of only 250 built, full roll cage, original 351 engine, 5 spd transmission, many extras, located in North Scottsdale, raced in 1996, in storage since, serious inquiries only please, $45,000, 480-540-00**, RARE COBRA R). I reached out to the seller's agent who was selling the chassis for the Widow of the original owner. I was extremely interested but the asking price was more than I could do. Over the years I would reach out to the seller's agent. Eventually he purchased the chassis from the Widow and then the chassis was no longer for sale. A couple months ago that answer changed. We agreed on a price and time to make the transaction.

Along with the chassis and spares I received a packet with the following documentation.

-SVT 95R Owner Packet
-Window Sticker
-SVT Certificate of Authenticity
-Letter of recommendation from the Bob Bondurant School of Racing for Frank Simone's racing licence.
-Letter from Frank Simone to Ford requesting the purchase of a 1995 Cobra R through Lou Grubb Ford and his intent to race it.
-SVT 1995 Cobra R Customer Acknowledgement Form signed by Frank Simone acknowledging (among other things) that this 95R would be used for competition in events conducted by recognized sanctioning bodies.
-Receipt from Lou Grubb Ford for $25k deposit from Frank Simone
-Business Card from Larry Pond of Gemini Racing Systems

This photo shows the as raced livery before the previous owner removed most of the decals.

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This is 95R #66 at Sears Point in 1996.

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This is 95R #66 as sits today after the previous owner removed most of the as raced livery.

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Ghost11

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Cool back story on this car.

Great one to put in the back of the garage and watch the value grow.
 

CobraR77

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Steeda Front Swaybar, Heavy Front Springs, Brake Cooler Ducts (not IMSA legal in that era), Braded Brake Lines with Quick Connect/Disconnect, OEM 95R Calipers clearanced for IMSA GS max size 16 inch wheels, Extended Wheel Studs, OEM 95R Shocks/Struts, Caster/Camber Plates.


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CobraR77

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Tow Loop, Skid Plates under k-member and Fuel Cell, Windshield and Rear Glass Retainers, Hood Pins, Jacking Points, Evidence of previously installed bolt in cage, etc.

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598

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I didn't realize there was a group of Ex IMSA cars out there. Just pulled some of the paperwork that came with my car because several of the pics are the same as mine. Gemini upgraded mine in 1995 as well but it was never raced IMSA. It would up with a successful SCCA career after a Kenny Brown upgrade with the second owner. Is there a separate link with these specific cars? I am the third owner of mine I believe. #214
 

1995COBRA-R

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Todd,
The car is just awesome. I also always enjoy your YouTube video's.
Doc

P.S. I did my thing against the gold-chain Chevy guys.
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Cobra Jet

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Great thread, congrats on acquiring it!

Are you going to add the original livery back on the car? Looks like you may have many photos to go by for reproducing the labels/logos/sponsors…
 

CobraR77

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Great thread, congrats on acquiring it!

Are you going to add the original livery back on the car? Looks like you may have many photos to go by for reproducing the labels/logos/sponsors…
Yes. I plan on going back to the original as raced livery. I have contact info for the original decal shop. Hopefully I'll get lucky and they will still have the original files.
 

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