Trip report: SAAC-37 at Watkins Glen

[SunDude]

I attended my first ever SAAC convention this past weekend at Watkins Glen, and have to say that it was absolutely fantastic! The weather cooperated (for the most part) and the race track itself was stunning.


I met so many great people and saw so many beautiful cars on display and in action on the race track. I felt like a kid in a candy store.


The race track is one of the greats, and sits atop a hill overlooking Lake Seneca in the distance. The SAAC and SVRA shared the facility this weekend and the place was absolutely huge and sprawling, with cars and tents and people everywhere. Every time I thought I'd reached the end of it, there was some more to see.


I met several of the U.S. Cobra forum guys – such as computerworks (Ron), Nedsel (Ned), cobrajeff (Jeff), mrmustang (Bill), mickmate (Nick), 1985 CCX (Jeff), bossmustang (Bill) and many more – and spoke with such luminaries as Cobra team driver Allen Grant, Canadian Olympian and Cobra owner Lorne Leibel, and Shelby team mechanic and author Phil Henny. I even saw AC/DC singer Brian Johnson at the track.


There were so many fabulous cars in attendance, with both the SAAC and SVRA events running together, that at times it was hard to know where to look. By my count the event attracted 19 original 260/289 Cobras, seven 427/428 Cobras and two original GT40s, not to mention dozens of replicas from ERA, Superformance, Everett-Morrison and so on. There were too many Shelbys, Mustangs and Tigers for me to count, but surprisingly no Panteras or Mangustas (at least none that I saw).


The only disappointment was that Dr. Simeone didn’t bring CSX2287 to the convention from his collection in Philadelphia. Now THAT would've been a real centerpiece for the 50th anniversary celebration. Oh well...


Next stop: the Monterey Historics in August.





Here's a sampling of some of the pics I posted to my Flickr photostream.


The SunDude arriving at the race track on Day 1. Unfortunately, I don't own a tow vehicle and had to leave my SPF Cobra at home.





A gorgeous 289 competition roadster. I was told the chassis number was COB5999, but didn't see for myself.





CSX2302, one of many red 289s





CSX2367, a near-perfect 289 street Cobra that achieved a Premiere score in Division I concours judging.





CSX2394, recently discovered in an Ohio basement where it sat since 1973, dents and all





CSX3354, one of the last 427 Cobras ever made





CSX8007, which has been driven throughout the U.S. since it was completed in 1996 (85K miles and counting)

[SunDude]

a 100% scratch-built replica produced from original NOS panels from Radford Coach Builders, supplier to AC Cars (this is NOT a Kirkham)





P/1045, a 1966 GT40 MkI road car





and P/1047, a 1966 GT40 MkIIB competition car that raced at Le Mans and Daytona, and that was recently sold for $6.1 million





Believe it or not, but both GT40s were raced this weekend.

[Paul B]

Given the current crap weather we have over here, your photo's make for a great reminder of what can be a glorious obsession open topped Cobra's can be !

We don't have anything like this event in the UK and many race circuits have noise limits that preclude most sidepiped cars.

Great photo's although "CSX3354, one of the last 427 Cobras ever made" looks a little wrong. Is it the angle of the photo or does the rear wing look more like a scoop, being too wide behind the tyre ?

Paul

[kdavies3]

Ah Ha!
that would explain why I having trouble getting hold Nick Acton (Mickmate) over the weekend.

[SunDude]

Given the current crap weather we have over here, your photo's make for a great reminder of what can be a glorious obsession open topped Cobra's can be !

We don't have anything like this event in the UK and many race circuits have noise limits that preclude most sidepiped cars.

Great photo's although "CSX3354, one of the last 427 Cobras ever made" looks a little wrong. Is it the angle of the photo or does the rear wing look more like a scoop, being too wide behind the tyre ?

Paul

What about the Goodwood Revival? Isn't the Cobra going to be the featured marque this year, to commemorate its 50th anniversary?

CSX3354 is wearing its original Sunburst wheels, which I believe were only 7 inches wide. They look kinda lost beneath the wide competition-style fenders, which is why Shelby/AC developed the narrow-hip cars. But Shelby's crew decided the narrow-hip fenders looked wrong and soon went back to the fuller fenders while AC Cars stuck with the narrow-hip style for its 289 Sports model.

[dolphinboy400]

great photos , sun dude

[cobrap]

...We don't have anything like this event in the UK and many race circuits have noise limits that preclude most sidepiped cars...

What about the Goodwood Revival? Isn't the Cobra going to be the featured marque this year, to commemorate its 50th anniversary?

Of course, my colleague Mr Paul B was overlooking the massive upcoming Castle Combe event in the UK on 24 June.
(Yep OK, a blatant plug, but what the hell!!!). To be honest, there are unlikely to be any original Cobras there, but we're hopeful of 20+ replicas, including a FF Daytona

Meanwhile, you're right 'dude, Goodwood will be playing host to a dedicated Cobra race at the Revival, plus I understand there will be some recognition of the marque at the Festival of Speed as well. Also of course, one should not forget the Silverstone Classic, where we all get to show off our toys and cruise around the circuit, a bit like the E-Types did last year.

Nice shots BTW.

[ChunkyMunkey]

Of course, my colleague Mr Paul B was overlooking the massive upcoming Castle Combe event in the UK on 24 June.
(Yep OK, a blatant plug, but what the hell!!!). To be honest, there are unlikely to be any original Cobras there, but we're hopeful of 20+ replicas, including a FF Daytona

That is shameful publicity Robin but I like it

@ SunDude

Some excellent photos - would you mind if I used them for display posters for our event which Robin shamelessly promoted

[SunDude]

@ SunDude

Some excellent photos - would you mind if I used them for display posters for our event which Robin shamelessly promoted

Sure thing. Hope you have a good turnout for the event.

[cobrap]

Heee Heee. High 5s Chunky'.