This Prototype Was GM’s Shelby Cobra Competitor. Now You Can Have It

This Prototype Was GM’s Shelby Cobra Competitor. Now You Can Have It

The Shelby Cobra is 1 of the most legendary racing cars of all time, and performed a vital position in establishing American automakers as severe contenders on keep track of. That claimed, you could not know about the car or truck that Chevrolet assisted produce to get on the Cobra, identified as Monthly bill Thomas Cheetah. Substantially rarer (and a lot less prosperous) than the Cobra, you now have a likelihood to take residence an early Cheetah prototype beforehand owned by GM president John F. Gordon.

Monthly bill Thomas is a acquainted identify to the Chevrolet faithful. The racer used time serving to the Corvette make a title for by itself on monitor all through the athletics car’s early many years. Common Motors would ultimately deal Thomas and crew to improve the efficiency of equipment like the Chevy II, the Corvair, as properly as engine jobs like the Chevy 409 and gasoline-injected setups for the Corvette. When the Cobra commenced to beat up on the Chevy sports automobile pursuing its racing debut, Thomas acquired to perform establishing his have sports motor vehicle to consider on the famed Texas chicken farmer.

1964 bill thomas cheetah prototype v8

Hemmings

Thomas worked alongside one another with Don Edmunds to produce the vehicle, which turned acknowledged as the Cheetah. The motor vehicle is centered about a chrome-moly tube-frame chassis, which supplies a 90-inch wheelbase. All 4 corners characteristic an independent suspension setup, with four-wheel drum brakes sourced from Chevy’s NASCAR stock. Mounted significantly back in the chassis sits a 327 cubic-inch V-8 motor out of a 1963 Corvette, total with Rochester mechanical gas injection and a 11.25:1 compression ratio. The mighty V-8 offered the Cheetah with 360 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, which is fairly a good deal in a vehicle that strategies the scales at 1750 lbs. Hooked up right to the rear axle sits a Borg-Warner T-10 four-pace handbook transmission. Owing to its racing intentions, the car or truck also packs 3 fuel tanks with personal filler caps.

This particular car or truck is serial number 126364002, and was the 2nd prototype designed by Thomas. Even though the remaining run of production vehicles highlighted fiberglass bodywork, this prototype is full with an aluminum skin. The motor vehicle was originally purchased by Typical Motors as a exam mule for Chevrolet Engineering, with the initial owner listed as then-GM President John F. Gordon. The car or truck was utilized at the check web page from December 1963 right until April 1964 ahead of it went on to have a brief racing profession. This Hemmings listing marks the very first time that the car has come up for sale publicly because 1969.

1964 bill thomas cheetah prototype rear three quarter

Hemmings

Thomas and Chevrolet would have essential to construct 100 Cheetahs to comply with homologation guidelines in 1963, but a rule modify for 1964 observed that determine bounce up to 1000 models. Standard Motors was not fascinated in supporting a system that massive, and in the long run backed out. Only 16 of these cars and trucks had been at any time developed, creating them an oddity right now. Put together with the historical past of this individual car or truck, it truly is no surprise that this automobile at present carries an inquiring price tag of $2 million. That may be Cobra cash, but this is most likely the nicest Cheetah you will obtain.

1964 bill thomas cheetah prototype rear three quarter on road

Hemmings

By means of GM Authority

Headshot of Lucas Bell

Born and lifted in Metro Detroit, affiliate editor Lucas Bell has spent his entire everyday living surrounded by the automotive field. He may day by day push an growing older Mustang, but his Porsche 944 and NB Miata both choose up most of his totally free time.