1989 RON BUTLER RACING COBRA REPLICA
1989 RON BUTLER RACING COBRA REPLICA
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1989 RON BUTLER RACING COBRA REPLICA
Starting Bid: $10,200 (USD)
Ends In:
End Date:
Location:
Indio, California 92201
Seller:
Engine:
350ci V8
Transmission:
Manual
Odometer:
3,570 (Mi)
Chassis/VIN:
MI0272A307C061689
Carfax:
Lot Number:
69277656
Location:
Indio, California 92201
Seller:
Engine:
350ci V8
Transmission:
Manual
Odometer:
3,570 (Mi)
Chassis/VIN:
MI0272A307C061689
Carfax:
Lot Number:
69277656
If a bid is placed within the last minute of an auction, an additional minute is added to ensure all bidders have a fair chance to bid. Bid carefully. Please complete your vehicle due-diligence prior to bidding. Bids are binding and by placing your bid you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy.
If a bid is placed within the last minute of an auction, an additional minute is added to ensure all bidders have a fair chance to bid. Bid carefully. Please complete your vehicle due-diligence prior to bidding. Bids are binding and by placing your bid you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy.
OVERVIEW
This 1989 Ron Butler Racing Cobra replica is powered by a 350ci V8 mated to a four-speed manual transmission. Finished in Burgundy with black stripes over a black vinyl interior, this muscle car is now offered by the seller with a clear title.
Highlights
- 3,570 original miles
- Stamp on chassis beginning with "BRI" showing it's a true Ron Butler Racing vehicle
- Chassis number 78
- Performance-enhanced 350ci V8
- MG front suspension system
- Jaguar-sourced rear end
Ownership History
- Offered by a private seller
- Current location: California
EXTERIOR
- Burgundy paint
- Black stripes
- Yellow fender stripes
- Dual chrome side mirrors
- Chrome brightwork
WHEELS AND TIRES
- 15-inch chrome wheels
- Knock-off hubcaps
- Staggered-width Goodyear Eagle F1 raised white letter radial tires
- 235/60 front
- 295/50 rear
INTERIOR
- Black vinyl upholstery
- Woodgrain trim
- Bucket seats
- Center console with manual shifter
- Power steering
- Wood-rimmed steering wheel
- Rearview mirror
INSTRUMENTS
- Gauges
- 160-mph speedometer
- 9,000-rpm tachometer
- Oil pressure
- Temperature
- Voltage
- Fuel
- Odometer shows 3,570 miles
- Title reads mileage-exempt
ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION
Engine
- 350ci V8
- Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor
- Edelbrock intake manifold
- Cobra valve covers
Transmission
- Four-speed manual
UNDERCARRIAGE, SUSPENSION, BRAKES, AND EXHAUST
- Jaguar rear end
- MG front suspension
- Power front disc brakes
- Side-mounted dual exhaust
KNOWN IMPERFECTIONS
- Normal wear
ADDITIONAL NOTES
- This vehicle is titled as a "1989 Assembled"
No, this is not only a "Kit Car". After Carroll Shelby stopped production of the Shelby AC Cobras 427, his head engineer Steve Arntz took over his frames, body parts, etc., and began building Cobras in 1978. Arntz was more focused on technical solutions rather than economics. He modified the frame (chassis) from a round tube frame to a box frame, making the Cobra much more stable. Additionally, he shifted the engine 10 inches towards the rear axle, resulting in improved weight distribution - 56% at the rear axle and 44% at the front axle, similar to modern mid-engine cars today. The Arntz-Cobra gained a reputation as the "best-built Cobra ever." Arntz purchased the frames from Ron Butler, with whom he was acquainted through their mutual connection at Shelby, where Ron Butler served as Crew Chief at Carrol Shelby Inc. Arntz ultimately built a total of 63 Cobras. As a customer, you could choose between Ford or Chevy small block or big block motors for the Arntz Cobra. The version equipped with a Chevy 454 motor in 1979 was reportedly capable of reaching a speed of 316 km/h (196.53 mph). In 1980, Steve Arntz's Californian company filed for bankruptcy. Aware of the situation, Ron Butler, who had been a supplier for Arntz Inc., decided to take over the business from Arntz. Butler continued producing cars using box frames, positioning the motors, and incorporating a Jaguar rear end and MG B front end. The option for Ford or Chevy motors remained available. Between 1980 and 1994, Butler builds 104 cars. This particular car is number 078 (BRI689078 means built June 1989 as a number 078) out of 104. The last Butler Cobra was auctioned by Barrett-Jackson for US$200,000.00.