My 289 FIA is Finally Done!

[japollon]

My 289 FIA Cobra is done. As of today, I have about 800 miles on the car. I am still in the sorting out process but, I think that is typical of new builds. Thanks again to all of you who were so helpful in the build process. I love the car and it drives and performs as expected. It is a tribute to the original 289 street car and somewhat the AC Bristol sports car before it became the Cobra. Of course great liberties were taken in the interpretation, the body is after all an FIA and not a slabside, but then again I guess that is why it is called, "Built Not Bought."

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The paint is by Ken Pike in Yuba City, California. Color is Viking Blue with a Arctic White stripe and Victory Red pin stripe. Tires are Hoosier Quick Time, 245/60-15 front and 275/60-15 rear.

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Headlights are from Lucas. The oil cooler is installed with a thermostatically controlled remote oil filter mount from Improved Racing.

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Side pipes are modified by Bob Boig to reduce the decibels a bit and ceramic coated in brushed chrome by Willy at Amerikote in Sacramento, CA. Fuel filler is mounted on a section of reinforced body on the surface as opposed to below as was the case with the original cars. Quick jacks are turned inside as was common on some of the early race cars. Roll bar delete as in the original AC Bristol and some of the early slabside cars.

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Door panels are upholstered by BK Upholstery in Cotati, CA as was the carpet and floor mats. Rear view mirror mount is courtesy of Chris (cnutting). Toggle switches are FFR and the dash knobs are from Superformance and control the headlights, wipers and heater.

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Brake and clutch pedals are traditional AC Cobra and the gas pedal is from Russ Thompson as is the turn signal switch.

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Motor is a 306 cu in from Mike Forte. Transmission is a TKO 600 with a midshift kit also from Mike. All else is pretty typical--CNC reservoirs, power rack and rubber hoses from Bob Boig. The Harrison tank is from Corvette Specialties. Note the oil breather tube to the clean side of the air cleaner. This is a California (CARB) requirement for registration.

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Traditional Halibrand 15" pin drive wheels from FFR with safety wire.

[GoDadGo]

Great Looking Ride!
Beautifully Done & Is P.O.M. Worthy!

[cnutting]

Congratulations Joel! You did an outstanding job on the car, happy to hear you are enjoying it!

[Straversi]

Congratulations! She’s a beauty. I love the theme and the execution. Great wheels and tires too.
-Steve

[7tvette]

Looks fantastic! Super clean and love the 15" fat boys!

Troy

[ydousurf]

It's Back to the Future, er, Past! Absolutely gorgeous build, with excellent execution and representation in what you accomplished. It took me back to my youth and I had to take a double-take, clicking back on the thread and all the pictures again. I guess I just wanted to savor some old childhood memories. Thanks for taking me down Memory Lane!

Dj

[chuckster]

Nice job my friend!

[wallace18]

Super Job! I love the look without the roll bar.

[GoDadGo]

Was This Your Motivation To Build A 289 FIA?

https://youtu.be/bcJZPjRdad8

[Vspeeds]

Congratulations Joel. Awesome job

[Papa]

Joel,

Beautiful car and fantastic workmanship. Enjoy the car!

Dave

[GTBradley]

Looks like the real thing. I love it. Excellent work!

[Tarmac]

Love it.... looks great!!
Paul

[KDubU]

She’s a beauty! Very nice choice on paint.

[japollon]

Thanks to all of you who responded with such positive comments. As is always the case with these cars, was a labor of love. Received the custom car cover from Covercraft today. It fits great. I do not remember who gave me the Covercraft recommendation but whoever it was, thanks!! Joel